Excavations at Cahergal, Co. Kerry: A Venue for Royal Ceremony in Early Medieval Corcu Duibne

Abstract:Excavations at the impressive early medieval cashel or stone fort of Cahergal were concentrated on the entrance through the circular enclosing wall and on the circular stone house in the centre, where a sequence of habitation and other use was in evidence. Many stake holes associated with the early occupation of the house were found, indicating internal features. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the cashel and stone house were constructed between the mid-seventh and mid-ninth centuries AD and may have served initially as a venue for high-status ceremonies and entertaining. Later use of the site dating between the eleventh and seventeenth centuries seems to have been by people of lower status.