Neolithic and Bronze Age Landscapes of North Mayo: Report 2011
Neolithic and Bronze Age Landscapes of North Mayo: Report 2011
Neolithic and Bronze Age Landscapes of North Mayo: Report 2011
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In 1936, 2 sub-rectangular cists, C1 <strong>and</strong> C2, were uncovered during the removal <strong>of</strong> a gravel mound<br />
on Gortmelia hill. The deposits <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the cists contained cremated bone <strong>and</strong> “burnt clay”.<br />
Subsequently, the present l<strong>and</strong>owner has uncovered 3 cists. However, since the original cists were<br />
not removed in 1936, it is not clear whether these 3 sites include either <strong>of</strong> both <strong>of</strong> the original<br />
discoveries. It means that at least 3, <strong>and</strong> possibly 5 cists, were uncovered altogether. The<br />
relationship <strong>of</strong> the sites to the mound is not clear.<br />
In 1928, a cist <strong>of</strong> small dimensions, site C4, was discovered in Knocknalower townl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> yielded<br />
cremated bone in an upright urn.<br />
Sites C1, C2 (Waddell, 1970, 125) C3 <strong>and</strong> C4 can be regarded as burials dating to the <strong>Bronze</strong> <strong>Age</strong>, to<br />
which may possibly be added sites C7 <strong>and</strong> C8.<br />
The Gortmelia group are sited at the top <strong>of</strong> a Southwest facing slope at an altitude <strong>of</strong> 200 to 300 ft<br />
OD, in an area <strong>of</strong> present day farml<strong>and</strong>, Site C4 is also on present day farml<strong>and</strong> at an altitude <strong>of</strong> 300<br />
to 400 ft OD, on an ESE facing slope.<br />
Two stone circles <strong>and</strong> an arc setting <strong>of</strong> stones are present within the study area. The latter, site SC 3<br />
in Knocknalower townl<strong>and</strong>, is included within the stone circle category as it may originally have been<br />
one. A roadway immediately to the <strong>North</strong> may have partially destroyed the site. Six stones are now<br />
evident, ranging in height from 60cms to 1m.<br />
Site SC 1 in Gortbrack <strong>North</strong> townl<strong>and</strong> consists <strong>of</strong> a ring <strong>of</strong> 9 low, set stones, ranging from 4cms to<br />
55cms above present ground level. The site is sub-circular in plan <strong>and</strong> measures 3.6m by 4.2m.<br />
Nine orthostats are also evident at site SC 2 in Dooncarton or Glengad townl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> these range in<br />
height from 50cms to 1.2m. The tallest stone, located in the East <strong>of</strong> the circle, is pillar-shaped, unlike<br />
the other slab-shaped stones <strong>of</strong> the circle. The site has a diameter <strong>of</strong> 5.2m. Westropp (1912, 130-<br />
132) shows 11 orthostats <strong>and</strong> 4 prostrate stones on his plan <strong>of</strong> the site. The circle could originally<br />
129
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