Catherconnell Stone Fort

In front of the ruins of Catherconnell Stone Fort

Out of all the things we say in the Burren, probably the most impressive were the ruins of Catherconnell Stone Fort, a fortified village that was built over a thousand years ago. Again, using dry stone masonery, Catherconnell allows a visitor to imagine what life would have been like in southern Ireland over a millenium ago. The stone fort was a popular idea at the time as Ireland was a country with its fair share of clan warfare where one needed a way to protect valuable assets such as livestock and grain stores.

Catherconnell was used up until the late 17th century when it was finally abandoned. As we discovered on our travels, much of Ireland's history was never documented as stories were simply passed down from generation to generation. As such, it is unknown as the present time who actually lived here. Archeological work is still being done at the site, so maybe they might figure it out in the future.

Mindy surveys the inside of Catherconnell

The rocks above are the remains of what was once a seperating interior wall that divided the fort into two sections.

The remains of foundation rocks of what was once the principal house in Catherconnell

The foundations for a smaller dwelling inside the fort

Mindy was all smiles as we walked the path down to where the current archeological work is being done.

Life did not only take place inside the fort as there was plenty of evidence of activity along the outside walls. Here you can see a pen with a small hutch at the back that was used for keeping baby animals at night.

Catherconnell as it might have looked like in the year 1000 AD