TII: Homepage

This video provides a fascinating glimpse into the archaeological excavations recently carried out by AMS ltd on behalf of Sligo County Council and TII. One of the most thrilling discoveries was a large, palisaded (timber fenced) enclosure, prominently located on a rise at the foot of Cope’s Mountain in Castlegal townland. The enclosure may date to the Bronze Age or Iron Age (between 4,500 – 1,500 years ago) and could have been used for religious or ritual ceremonies and other important communal activities. Three prehistoric burial monuments known as ring-ditches were also discovered and excavated nearby (in Castlegal and Lugatober townlands) which reflect a landscape where the dead were buried and revered in prehistoric times. Perhaps the people who built the Castlegal palisade enclosure buried their dead in these burial monuments, a question that can be only be explored when scientific analysis has been completed. Other important finds included a possible prehistoric building, thought to be Sligos first Neolithic house and charcoal-production pits, as well as spreads of charcoal and burnt stone that may be the remains of ancient cooking places.