More finds at Dun Ailinne

Though last year was a big one for Kilcullen in relation to the Dun Ailinne ancient royal site, with the opening of the Interpretive Park, it looks like it will continue to be an important focus here.

That's what can be surmised from the latest report from Dr Susan Johnston to the Heritage Council, which has sponsored three seasons of further investigatons since 2006.

She says that a ‘remarkable’ range of sub-surface features discovered in her surveys includes a ‘massive’ ancient enclosure which likely predates the Iron Age activity previously known about the site.

Her work builds on the knowledge gained from excavations made on Dun Ailinne in the 1960s/70s under the direction of Professor Bernard Wailes from the University of Pennsylvania. These digs established habitation on the site from Neolithic times, but significantly during the Iron Age up to 400 AD.

The surveys have provided significant new data for the interpretation of the site, she says. "It has allowed us to think in new ways about its use during prehistory,” she adds.

Dr Johnston is now seeking support for further investigations.

Brian Byrne.