Excavations at Clonfinlough County Offaly

The largescale excavations at the Clonfinlough settlement throw considerable light on aspects of life in later Bronze Age Ireland which have scarcely impinged up to now on the archaeological record. In particular the discovery of two large and somewhat enigmatic paddles raises intriguing questions on the nature of boating in Ireland early in the last pre-Christian millennium. The absolute dating of the site through dendrochronology gives its importance an added dimension. The Unit has now recorded more than one thousand trackways in the three counties in which it has thus far been active and it is clear that many more examples will be found as the survey progresses. It may also be assumed that other sites similar to that at Clonfinlough will be brought to light. It is thus a matter of great satis- faction that the faith and trust of the Office of Public Works in agreeing to the establishment of the Unit in 1990 has been amply justified.