Irish winter storms have important archaeological consequences

As a result of the heavy New Year’s storms, several important archaeological sites along the Irish coastline have been damaged, although still many exceptional archaeological findings are made there. The oldest findings are 2 stone axes between 6000 and 7000 years old and a quern dated 4000 to 6000 years old. Due to the severe erosion, several new sites have become visible during low tide, including prehistoric artefacts, early Christian graves, a late medieval port with wreck site and remains of a 18^th -19^th century settlement in the region of Galway & Clare.

Archaeologist Dr. Michael Gibbons appeals for support from the state for further research as well as restoration and conservation of the damaged sites. The new sites and artefacts will in any case provide us with a lot of archaeological knowledge.

More information can be found here.

Photo: Galway Heritage Consultant Dr. Jim Higgins with 2 stone axes, older than 5000 years, found along the coast of Galway, Ireland. photo Joe O’Shaughnessy – Irish Times