N16 Places For The Living

In late 2020, archaeologists from Archaeological Management Solutions identified a fascinating range of prehistoric and more recent sites as part of the N16 Lugatober (Drumkilsellagh to Lugnagall) Road Project, Co. Sligo. The new road extends along the western foot of Cope’s Mountain, in a landscape of known archaeological significance.
In this video, site director James McKee looks at two of the most remarkable discoveries, a possible early Neolithic house at Lugatober 4 and a hilltop palisaded enclosure of potential late prehistoric date at Castlegal 4.
The excavation at Lugatober 4 was focused on a rectangular structure defined by a series of slot-trenches and post-holes. Finds comprised sherds of pottery and flint tools. This may be the remains of a house belonging to the first farmers some 6,000 years ago. If so, it would be an especially important discovery for the Sligo region.
Another exciting finding was a large, palisaded (timber fenced) enclosure, prominently located on a rise at the site of Castlegal 4. The enclosure may have been built about 2,000 to 3,000 years ago and could have been used for religious ceremonies and other important activities.