Rathcroghan: Archaeological and Geophysical Survey in a Ritual Landscape

The authors have completed a major programme of archaeological field research in the Rathcroghan area of Roscommon in the west of Ireland.

This project involved the use of a range of geophysical techniques to explore a number of extraordinary monuments in the Rathcroghan and Carnfree areas of Co. Roscommon. Rathcroghan is one of the most famous archaeological complexes in this part of Ireland and, like Tara, is renowned in archaeology, history and legend as a late prehistoric royal centre.

In addition to detailed micro-topographical survey the principal geophysical techniques deployed included magnetic susceptibility, magnetic gradiometry, electrical resistivity, ground penetrating radar, and electromagnetics. There was a strong emphasis on computer-based processing and interpretation techniques, using a number of sophisticated two and three dimensional mapping and modelling software packages, to provide high-resolution images which were correlated to the local topography.

Contents
Rathcroghan and Carnfree: myth, legend and history
Survey at Caran Fort, the 250m enclosure, Rathnadarve, Rathmore, Oweynagat, the Mucklaghs and Rathbeg
Survey at Carn Lámha, Carnfree and Dumha Sealga
Rathcroghan Mound
Rathcroghan landscapes: archaeological, mythical and remembered

John Waddell is Professor of Archaeology at NUI Galway. Joseph Fenwick is Archaeological Field Officer at NUI Galway. Kevin Barton is an independent consultant specialising in applied geophysical survey techniques.