Midden, Dún Dubháin Íochtarach, Co. Donegal
Co. Donegal |
Settlement Sites
Along the northeastern shore of Tranarossan Bay, just 60 metres from Rosses Strand, sits a modest stone enclosure that offers a glimpse into Ireland's ancient past.
Measuring 11 metres north to south and 9 metres east to west, this rectangular structure consists of stones carefully placed edge to edge, forming walls that once stood up to 60 centimetres high. Though time has taken its toll, with several stones having collapsed over the centuries, the basic outline of the enclosure remains clearly visible against the coastal landscape.
The western wall features an intriguing detail; a stone set perpendicular to the main line of the wall, which archaeologists believe may mark the original entrance to the enclosure. Whilst a circular stone setting, roughly 2 metres across, can be found at the southeastern corner, this is a much more recent addition and not part of the original structure. About 10 metres to the northwest, two short stone alignments of uncertain purpose add another layer of mystery to the site.
What makes this location particularly fascinating is its proximity to ancient midden deposits, essentially prehistoric rubbish heaps that provide invaluable insights into how our ancestors lived, what they ate, and how they interacted with their environment. The combination of the stone enclosure and these nearby middens suggests this area of Dún Dubháin Íochtarach saw sustained human activity over considerable periods, making it an important piece in understanding the archaeological landscape of County Donegal.