Field system, Ballynaglogh,Twomilestone,Ardpattan, Co. Donegal
Co. Donegal |
Ritual/Ceremonial
The Two Mile Stone area in southwest Donegal presents a fascinating archaeological landscape spread across an extensive limestone ridge that runs from southwest to northeast.
This ridge marks the boundary of the local drumlin belt, with dramatic cliffs forming its northern edge whilst gentler slopes characterise the southern side. It's along these southern slopes and the ridge summit where visitors will find a remarkable complex of ancient archaeological sites, all interconnected by a network of old field walls that stand just 20 to 30 centimetres high today. When archaeologist O. Davies excavated a section of these walls in 1942, he discovered they were constructed from closely packed stones that likely served as foundations for earthen or sod banks that have long since eroded away.
The entire length of the ridge reveals evidence of ancient agricultural activity, with the field system linking many of the archaeological features scattered across the landscape. Davies identified numerous circular structures that he interpreted as animal pens or folds; some appearing as stone-lined hollows measuring between 3 and 12 metres in diameter and 10 to 50 centimetres deep, whilst others consist of artificially levelled areas enclosed by low earthen banks. These practical structures speak to the agricultural heritage of the area and the communities who once worked this elevated landscape.
This archaeological survey data, originally compiled by Brian Lacey and his team for Donegal County Council in 1983, offers a glimpse into rural life spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century. The Two Mile Stone ridge stands as a testament to centuries of human occupation and land use, where ancient farmers carved out a living on these limestone slopes, leaving behind a palimpsest of walls, enclosures and field systems that continue to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike.