Moygara Castle, County Sligo and the O’Gara’s of Coolavin – Kieran O’Conor, editor
Moygara Castle, with its four towers, gatehouse and high curtain walls, is one of the most impressive masonry-built monuments in north Connacht. Constructed in the late fourteenth/early fifteenth century by the O’Garas, the castle functioned as a centre of their lordship of Coolavin.
This study of Moygara Castle marshals various fields of expertise – history, archaeology, architecture, geography, genealogy, geophysical survey and DNA analysis – to provide much-needed information about life in later-medieval Gaelic Ireland.
Contributors include Kevin Barton, Jason Bolton, Anne Connon, Phyl Foley, Paul M. Kerrigan, Máire Ní Chearbhaill, Kieran O’Conor, Maura O’Gara-O’Riordan, Christopher Read and Rory Sherlock.
Kieran O’Conor is senior lecturer in the School of Geography and Archaeology, National University of Ireland, Galway.
Excavations at Tlachtga, Hill of Ward, Co. Meath, Ireland
by Stephen Davis and Caitríona Moore
Initial remote sensing survey at Tlachtga, Co. Meath in 2011–12 highlighted the presence of multiple, partially overlapping phases of enclosure at the site. Three subsequent seasons of excavation provided critical interpretive evidence, with over 15,000 fragments of animal bone, human remains, charred plant material, evidence of metalworking, and a hoard of Anglo-Saxon silver coins dating to the late 10th century AD.
The main activity at the site spans four broad periods and two main phases of monumental construction: a late Bronze Age to early Iron Age ‘Hillfort Phase’ (1100–400 BC) and a late Iron Age to early medieval (AD 400–600) ringfort phase associated with a smaller foundation enclosure – the ‘Southern Enclosure’. This ringfort phase was remodeled later in the early medieval period (9th–10th century AD) and augmented by a phase of mound construction in the mid-10th century AD. This is contemporary with the deposition of the coin hoard east of the main complex in an apparent craft-working area. The final phase of the central mound indicates the construction of a timber stockade, most likely in the 12th century, again with significant craft activity.
This volume represents the excavation of at least four loci within the broader monumental landscape of Tlachtga, charting its progression from Bronze Age hillfort to pre-Anglo Norman power display mound.
The Elusive Mrs. Walcott: An 18th Century Entrepreneur and the Rookwood Estate, is a compelling
work that seamlessly combines local history with genealogical facts. Drawing on an impressive array
of primary sources, including leases, wills, land, church and state records, historian and genealogist
Nuala Farrell-Griffin explores her Farrell and Flaherty ancestors and their connection to Lettice
Caulfield Walcott. Known primarily as the woman at whose sole expense the Roscommon Infirmary
was built in 1783, and is obliquely commemorated on a stone plaque in the Foyer as, “Mrs. Walcott,
sister to the Lord Chief justice Caulfield of Donamon”. Naula’s meticulous research brings this
remarkable woman, and several of her ‘attached relatives’ to life.
Rathcroghan and Carnfree (Celtic Royal Sites in Roscommon), by Prof. Michael Herity. This guide is based on a survey of the antiquities in an area of 100 square kilometres around Cruachain and Carnfree begun before 1980.
The results of the survey have been published in four articles in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (1983, 1984, 1987, 1988).
Gerald of Wales was among the most dynamic and fascinating churchmen of the twelfth century. A member of one of the leading Norman families involved in the invasion of Ireland, he first visited there in 1183 and later returned in the entourage of Henry II. The resulting Topographia Hiberniae is an extraordinary account of his travels.
This accessible translation preserves the directness and lively storytelling of the original and includes maps, illustrations and notes.
Mark Ireland’s Cross Quarter Festivals with these colourful enamel pin gift sets representing Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lúnasa and Samhain. Beautifully illustrated by Catherine Geaney of Nine Arrow, each pin is 32mm x 32mm, with silver plating and a metal clutch.
Hard enamel pin depicting the Mórrígán, the Irish goddess of war whose fit abode was the Cave of Oweynagat.
Size: 45mm, packaged in cellophane on a backing card. Designed and produced by the artist, Friz.
Hard enamel pin based on artist Marian Noone’s (Friz) mural artwork in Dundalk titled, Brigid of Faughart. Both aspects of Brigid are depicted, the Christian Saint Brigid and the Goddess Brigid with elements that reflect the medieval illuminated text, the Book of Kells.
Size: 50mm x 35mm, packaged in cellophane on a backing card.
Fabric Wall Hanging based on artist Marian Noone’s (Friz) mural artwork in Dundalk titled, Brigid of Faughart. Both aspects of Brigid are depicted, the Christian Saint Brigid and the Goddess Brigid with elements that reflect the medieval illuminated text, the Book of Kells.
Size: 700mm x 480mm (approx.)
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Due to a Health & Safety review, we are not currently bringing visitors into the cave during our site tours until further notice.
