On Friday, our Irish Studies field trip took us to Glencurran Cave. The lecture had involved the early peoples of Ireland, and Glencurran is a site of artifacts and bones dating from the bronze age, and was excavated by Dr. Marion Dowd. This can be read about in greater detail here: http://www.archaeology.burrenforts.ie/Dowd.pdf
The cave is located in a woodland valley. Everything in the little glen is covered in moss and ivy and shamrocks. The cave entrance is gated, and we were lucky enough to have archaeologist Michael Lynch guide us through. There are still bones underfoot, waiting to be excavated and catalogued. Stalactites were forming over our heads and we encountered a few bats along the way. When I say encountered, I mean I nearly strode headfirst into one. Luckily none of them stirred from their hibernation.
On the way to Glencurran cave.
The mossy valley.
The cave entrance.
The mossy valley.
Walking back.
Ivy and moss.
Shamrocks.
After Glencurran we bussed to the site of Poulawack cairn, which was excavated by Harvard in 1935 and is the burial site of 16 people.
Poulawack cairn.
Little constructions, likely left by Harvard to house artifacts during the excavation.
Another view of Poulawack.
This weekend saw the Burren winterage festival, when all the cattle are driven up into the hills for the winter. Scheduling meant that we were unable to attend the festivities in Carron. We were however able to do a shopping trip and stock up on much needed groceries. And of course there was a halloween party on Friday night, but perhaps that is best left to the imagination.
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