Exploring the Crannóg - an artificial island dwelling defended by a hidden pathway in the water.
At Craggaunowen you gain insight into how the Celts made their homes on a Crannóg (young tree), a reconstructed lake-dwelling or artificial island on which people built houses, kept animals, and lived in relative security from enemy clans or invaders. Crannógs were found in Ireland during the Iron Age and early Christian periods. Though some homesteads were inhabited during the Late Bronze Age and in some cases were still being occupied as late as the 17th century.
-Shannon Heritage-
-The Living Past Experience-
Following the path to the Crannóg...
This was our first view of the Crannóg at Craggaunowen. It was quite an amazing sight!
We walked along the outer fencing to a short bridge that lead us to the dwelling site.
The forest and water lilies were beautiful!
The Community Fire Pit
It's usually cool enough, even in the summer months, in Ireland for an outdoor fire.
The inside ceiling of one of the dwellings was so perfectly symmetrical.
.Mud Walls and Symbolic Painting
Detail
Crannógs were constructed by placing layers of stone, brushwood, tree trunks and even old dugout canoes, on the lakebed. These were held together by wooden pilings and the platform was covered with a layer of dirt or sand. On this the inhabitants built their thatched houses of wattles and mud and surrounded themselves with a protective timber fence.
-Shannon Heritage-
-The Living Past Experience-
Thatch Roof and Protective Fencing
The second dwelling was larger and more elegant.
Those of higher social status apparently occupied this one.
The artificial islands are generally approached by dugout canoes or by various causeways or bridges.
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