A significant archaeological find has emerged from the depths of Clew Bay, off the western coast of Ireland, as reported by the Irish Independent.

Clew Bay. Credit: Mariusz Z/Wikimedia Commons

Archaeologist Michael Gibbons, leading a team from Connemara and Mayo County Council, discovered a submerged prehistoric fort during a survey of the area. The fort, situated on Collanmore Island, was unveiled by the receding tide, revealing a pair of mᴀssive double ramparts cutting across a tidal isthmus connecting the island to the mainland.

The discovery, believed to date back to the late Bronze Age between 1100 to 900 BCE, sheds light on the strategic importance of the location. Mr. Gibbons noted that the ramparts, faced with limestone blocks and spanning 200 to 300 meters, were likely constructed to control access to the island, funneling movement through a singular entry point. He emphasized that similar fortifications can be found at various coastal and lake promontory forts along Ireland’s western coast.

The fort’s existence had eluded detection until now, concealed by seaweed and the ebb and flow of the tides. Mr. Gibbons expressed graтιтude for the stroke of luck that led to the discovery, mentioning the presence of local seaweed cutters who inadvertently aided their efforts. He compared the scale and size of the ramparts to those found at other late Bronze Age hillforts, indicative of a society dominated by warlords and facing periods of tribal conflict.

Walls of the submerged fort are revealed in low tide in Clew Bay. Credit: Irısh Independent

The Clew Bay discovery has been officially reported to the National Monuments Service. Additionally, Mr. Gibbons reported a possible stone-lined grave, or burial cist, on the coastline opposite Omey Island, discovered amidst powerful swells that exposed a layer of intertidal peat. However, the precise nature of the structure remains uncertain.

Furthermore, Gibbons drew parallels between the Clew Bay fort and Dún Aonghasa, a renowned prehistoric stone fort on Inis Mór, suggesting the newfound site’s significance rivals that of its Aran Islands counterpart. The comparison highlights the potential for Clew Bay to become a focal point for archaeological research.

As efforts continue to document and analyze this remarkable discovery, researchers remain vigilant against the threat of coastal erosion and storms, which could potentially damage or destroy these invaluable remnants of Ireland’s distant history.