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| 19th century Ordinance Surveys of Ireland identified between 30,000 and 50,000 sites identified as "ring-forts" and assigned to the Iron-age. In spite of centuries of plowing and other disturbance by both man and nature, the sites remain remarkably visible. Subsequent geological excavation and study of a few of these sites provide sometimes-surprising information.
Early scholars assumed the myriad of sites to be generally defensive in nature because of the circular embankment that distinguished the vast majority of these sites. A twentieth century burgeoning of interest in things Irish, spurred by a growing national pride, led to increased efforts of scholars and laymen to study the inscrutable past of Ireland. As a consequence, considerable work is being done in the field of archeology, as well as in Brehon Law, folklore and mythology. A result of the latest scientific efforts is resulting in previous assumptions being rapidly abandoned in favor of more enlightened study. Though the total number of sites so far excavated is a mere 120 or so, the findings are consistent and revealing. First of all, we now know these "ring-forts" were in actuality, working farms. What had been mistakenly identified as defensive embankments were actually cattle and sheep barriers or "fencing." While thought to be of Iron-age design and construction, some sites are providing Bronze-age dates and show lengths of occupation running into many centuries. Using available clues and relying somewhat on childhood experiences at my grandfather's farm, I think we can develop a reasonable guess about the late-bronze-age to early-iron-age farm and its day-to-day operation. Admittedly, research information is still sketchy in places and I am disagreeing with assumptions by eminent scholars. However, I have on my side some practical experience and if the early Irish farmers were anything, they were practical. |
