Heritage Group hosts Susan Johnston

A very happy gathering took place in The Heritage Centre on Thursday night to mark the visit of anthropologist Dr Susan Johnston, who has been carrying out surveys on the ancient royal site of Dun Ailinne.

Back: Dr Pam Crabtree, George Washington University; Roseanne from NUI Galway; Ian Doyle, Heritage Council; Ger from NUI Galway; Pam's son Robert; Front: Des Travers, Kilcullen Heritage Group; Doug Crabtree; Kieran Forde, Kilcullen Community Action; Dr Susan Johnston and her children Kate and Nick.

Dr Johnston works at the George Washington University, and is collaborating with Dr Bernard Wailes, who carried out the original surveys on the hill in the 1970s, on the publication of his report in book form; she is therefore very familiar with the topography and the known history of the site.

Nessa Dunlea of Kilcullen Heritage Group introduced a number of guests, including Ian Doyle of the Heritage Council which has funded the surveys; County Kildare's own Heritage Officer (and new Kilcullen resident) Bridget Loughlin; Dr Pam Crabtree of George Washington University and local sculptor Noel Scullion.


Bridget Loughlin, County Heritage Officer; Reg Darling; Jim Kavanagh, Curragh History Society.

Dr Johnston gave an account of their work this week on Dun Ailinne where they carried out various geophysical surveys, coming up with some exciting results. They have now mapped about 25 percent of the site and have found several new areas which show the distinct remnants of human activities and man-made earthworks. She also thanked the Thompson family, who own the land, for their hospitality and assistance to the project.


Annette Mccarthy and Ros Scott.

Ian Doyle spoke of the importance of this largely unknown site and of the Heritage Council's hope that further explorations will be carried out there and that appreciation will increase of the tremendous value of Dun Ailinne to our knowledge of the ancient history of this area.

Nessa made a presentation to Dr Johnston of a drawing by Noel Scullion of the sculpture on which he is currently working, which depicts a representation in granite of the earlier surveys carried out by Dr Bernard Wailes and a four metre high model of the spearhead which was found there at that time.

Noel explained the various and complex carvings and designs he has included on the shaft of the spear, which promises to become a very striking piece of art and a symbol for Kilcullen in the future. It will be positioned at the site of the old Fingerpost and within sight of Dun Aillinne.


Ian Scott with Dr Johnston.

The evening finished with Dr Johnston showing on CD the results of the surveys of the site, which clearly show considerable areas of interest -- anyone who has watched Time Team will be very familiar with the excitement and speculation which this type of survey brings! It is hoped that further surveys will be carried out in the future and that the history, purpose and importance of Dun Ailinne, which has remained hidden for so long, will be better understood.

Geraldine Gahan.

Pictures by Nessa Dunlea.