Excavations, started in 1969
(Rafferty), revealed important evidence for Late bronze Age
activity at Rathgall, dating about 800BC. Evidence of a house
was discovered in the inner circle stone. Farming activity
and extensive workshop areas uncovered in the inner and outer
circles for casting large quantities of bronze weapons and
tools. Other finds included artefacts, glass and stone objects,
clay moulds, gold and glass beads.
In the Bronze Age people were
buried crouched down in the foetal position and put in a clay
pot. The remains of a woman and child were found in such a
clay pot.
A piece of metal with mercury
gilding was discovered. Mercury gilding was used to stick
gold to bronze. This emphasis the importance of the Rathgall
site as other mercury gilding found in the world dates back
to only 400BC!
Location: Situated
5km from Tullow, Co Carlow off the Shillellagh Road - access
direct
Read
more about the Rathgall Hillfort here
