The Doon of Drumsna
A spur near Jamestown is formed by a tight meander of the River Shannon and is cut off by massive ramparts, 1.6km long by c. 30m wide by 6m high, which are pierced by two out-turned entrances (Archaeology Ireland Heritage Guide No. 1, 1998). Bark from an unworked timber found at the base of one of the ramparts was radiocarbon-dated to 340–40 cal. BC (GrN-18564), suggesting that construction began in the Iron Age. A single linear earthwork follows the east bank of the Shannon to the south of the main ramparts.
The earthworks have been interpreted as a ‘gateway to Connacht’ that protected strategic fording points on the River Shannon.
Gallery
Plan of the Doon of Drumsna, derived from LiDAR model and RMP (Kilkenny Archaeology)
LiDAR 1m (hillshade) model of the cross-spur ramparts of the Doon of Drumsna
Doon of Drumsna (Google Earth)