Hut site, Málainn Bhig, Co. Donegal
Co. Donegal |
Settlement Sites
Nestled in the poorly drained, rush-covered pastures of Leahan Mountain's southeastern slopes, this ancient hut site forms part of a remarkable clustered settlement overlooking a mountain stream.
The location offers sweeping views of the sea to the south and the dramatic cliffs of Slieve League to the west, whilst sitting amongst heather-covered rough pasture that has likely changed little since its original inhabitants walked these hills.
This particular structure represents one of five conjoined rectangular huts aligned northeast to southwest, with additional circular and rectangular hut sites positioned just 10 metres away. The southwestern hut measures approximately 3 metres by 2 metres internally, with walls nearly a metre thick that still stand about 40 centimetres high; testament to the skill of its builders despite centuries of exposure to Atlantic weather. The drystone walls, now cloaked in heather, survive two to four courses high, though no clear entrance can be discerned today.
The entire settlement at Málainn Bhig appears to have been a thriving community, with at least twenty-one identified hut sites creating a dense concentration of dwellings in this small river valley. These structures, built without mortar and using only locally sourced stone, speak to a way of life intimately connected to the mountain landscape; their builders choosing this spot for its shelter from prevailing winds, access to fresh water, and perhaps the same stunning vistas that draw visitors today.