Excavations At Tlachtga Hill Of Ward Co Meath Ireland

Initial remote sensing survey at Tlachtga, Co. Meath in 2011–12 highlighted the presence of multiple, partially overlapping phases of enclosure at the site. Three subsequent seasons of excavation provided critical interpretive evidence, with over 15,000 fragments of animal bone, human remains, charred plant material, evidence of metalworking, and a hoard of Anglo-Saxon silver coins dating to the late 10th century AD. The main activity at the site spans four broad periods and two main phases of monumental construction: a late Bronze Age to early Iron Age ‘Hillfort Phase’ (1100–400 BC) and a late Iron Age to early medieval (AD 400–600) ringfort phase associated with a smaller foundation enclosure – the ‘Southern Enclosure’. This ringfort phase was remodeled later in the early medieval period (9th–10th century AD) and augmented by a phase of mound construction in the mid-10th century AD. This is contemporary with the deposition of the coin hoard east of the main complex in an apparent craft-working area. The final phase of the central mound indicates the construction of a timber stockade, most likely in the 12th century, again with significant craft activity. This volume represents the excavation of at least four loci within the broader monumental landscape of Tlachtga, charting its progression from Bronze Age hillfort to pre-Anglo Norman power display mound. The excavations at the Hill of Ward and this publication were made possible through funding by the National Monuments Service via the Royal Irish Academy archaeological research excavation grants, and by Meath County Council, with additional support by the Office of Public Works and the Heritage Council.

Tlachtga is one of very few quadrivallate ringforts in Ireland and a site that has long been regarded as of potential 'Royal' status. It is a site with significant associated folklore and historical narrative associated with it. In the 12th century, Tlachtga was the scene of negotiations between Hugh de Lacy and Tighernan Ui Ruairc, king of Breiffne, at which Ui Ruairc was said to have been slain by treachery and his head sent to Henry II in London. Initial remote sensing survey in 2011-12 using both lidar and multi-method geophysical survey highlighted the presence of multiple, partially overlapping phases of enclosure at the site. Three subsequent seasons of excavation yielded over 15,000 fragments of animal bone, human remains, charred material, evidence of metalworking, and a hoard of 23 Anglo-Saxon silver pennies. The earliest material culture comprises lithics and two small sherds of middle Neolithic pottery. The main activity at the site seems to span two periods: a late Bronze Age to early Iron Age (1100-400 BC) trivallate hilltop enclosure and a late Iron Age to early medieval (AD 400-1000) enclosure phase. This latter in particular sees a great deal of development from a 40 m univallate enclosure to a 150 m quadrivallate enclosure, and finally a phase of mound building where the central space is converted to a 'rath mound' probably in the mid-10th century. This is contemporary with the deposition of the coin hoard just east of the main complex in an apparent craft-working area. The final phase examined seems to indicate a timber stockade constructed on the central mound, most likely in the 12th century.

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