This might not look like much, but these crannóg remains in Drumclay outside Enniskillen/Inis Ceithleann (according to the BBC) “may be the largest house structure of the period ever to be discovered” and archaeologists have said that “their discoveries will re-write the history books of ancient Irish life.” The crannog (a compound – in this case of 30+ houses – on stilts, forming an artificial island) was brought to the public eye last (2012) summer and archaeologists have until the end of this month (March, 2013) to complete their investigations – the find is holding up construction of a road needed for the G8 summit in June. (Previously on Extramural Activity: Putting On The Ritz.)
For more details of the find and efforts to gain more time for excavation, see Robert Chapple’s blog.
Below are images of (first) what is believed to be a game piece and (second) an archaeologist (Cathy Moore) holding up part of a vat/barrel, with an incised rim, and a disc. U.tv has a gallery of some of the more than 4,000 finds from the crannog, including combs, a shoe and shears.
Detail of the top picture, blown up in size … in the centre the red circle of tape indicates the location of a house, the square lighter area is a hearth.
