Evidence of Historical Settlement in KillarneyBy Nadine O’ Brien

“The area shown on the Ordnance Survey map extract indicates evidence on a wide variety of historic settlement.’’

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Early Christian Period 500-800AD

Holy Wells

There is much evidence on the map that indicates Killarney was once in the Early Christian Period from the sightings of holy wells. There is evidence of

one in V 88 90. These wells would have been used for the storing of water for people in the town. Thousands are still standing and used in Ireland today.

Graveyards

In V 98 87 there is evidence of a graveyard in the town of Killarney. The people in the Early Christian period would

have buried their relatives and friends in graves with head stones marking the person’s identity. In this picture, you can see how some headstones are shaped into crosses worshiping the Christian religion.

Round towers

Round towers were used for people to keep watch on anything or anyone who could come charging into battle and trying to destroy their towns. There would be a guard on watch for twenty four hours in the very top of the tower. There is evidence of a high tower on the map in V 93 92

Norman Period: 1100-1500AD

Castles

This is Killarney Castle. There is evidence of this castle on the map at V 88 91. This castle would have been home to the king and

queen, guarding their town of Killarney. The castle is also made of stone which was first introduced by the Normans. On the map, the castle is situated beside the River Loe. This indicates the Normans built up their homes near rivers lakes where there would be a water supply.

Iron Age: 600BC

Standing Stones

Ogham stones contained the alphabet. The alphabet was used to commemorate someone, using the edge of the stone as the centre line. Each line represented a certain letter, delivering the

message it was trying to give. The people of the Iron Age used Ogham Stones when there was no paper or pens. There is evidence of an Ogham Stone on the map at V 87 90.

Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, Fionulagh River (V 98 85), Deenagh River (V 96 92) and River Loe (V 87 90) suggest that Killarney was a town built up based on the use of water for food, water and cleanliness. This would have attracted thousands of years of settlers changing the town more and more.