Hut site, Tullanree, Co. Donegal
Co. Donegal |
Settlement Sites
Situated on a high rocky knoll in Tullanree, County Donegal, this ancient hut site offers a glimpse into Ireland's prehistoric past.
The remains consist of a roughly circular area surrounded by a collapsed stone wall that still reaches heights of up to 0.75 metres in places. The wall itself showcases the traditional building technique of the period, featuring two outer faces constructed from large stones with a core of smaller stones packed between them. A gap in the southwestern section of the wall likely marks the original entrance to the enclosure.
Within the protected area, archaeologists have identified two connected circular foundations on the northern side. The larger of these structures measures approximately 6 metres across, whilst a smaller foundation attaches to its western end. These adjoining structures suggest this wasn't simply a defensive enclosure but rather a domestic site, possibly housing a family group or serving as a seasonal dwelling. The positioning on elevated, rocky ground would have provided both defensive advantages and good visibility across the surrounding landscape.
The site was documented as part of the Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, a comprehensive catalogue of the county's archaeological heritage spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century. Compiled by Brian Lacey and his team in 1983, this survey remains one of the most important records of Donegal's ancient monuments, though entries have been updated over the years as new information comes to light.