Dig reveals finds dating back to 3500BC in Ireland

The excavation at Kilskeagh, which found, where a gathering point dating back to 3500C was uncovered, and (below), an artist's impression of what the gaterhing point may have looked like.

A ‘mound’ used as a gathering point for rituals dating back to 3500 BC, evidence of medieval treasure-hunting and remains of Famine cottages are among the ancient finds along the M17 motorway.

The finds at 26 excavated sites on the 30km stretch from Rathmorrissy (near Athenry) to Tuam have been recorded in a book entitled ‘Through the Lands of the Auteri and St Jarlath’, which will be launched next week...

... Prehistoric activity was mainly found on the flat flood plains of the Clare, Abbert and Grange rivers in the general area around Tuam and Corofin.

At Kilskeagh (near Monivea), evidence was found of a raised mound – more than 5,600 years old – which was probably used for communal rituals such as feasting.

“This region contained an Early Neolithic enclosure ditch in Kilskeagh townland dating to 3500 BC. This site was located on the crest of a low hill, in an area of some apparent local significance; excavation evidence suggests that the monument was revisited, reused and modified over a period of some 4,500 years. [...] connachttribune.ie