NEWSLETTER

Farming in a Royal Archaeological Landscape

Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon

A Project Submission by Roscommon County Council as part of National Heritage Week, 15-23 August 2020

This Project is supported by the Heritage Council

FARMING IN A ROYAL LANDSCAPE: , CO. ROSCOMMON

A Royal landscape The ancient royal landscape of Rathcroghan or Rath Cruachan meaning ‘fort of the mound’ commands extensive views across the medieval grazing plains of Machaire Connnacht. These plains are still grazed to the present day and the Rathcroghan area is dotted with over 240 known archaeological monuments, with many more likely to survive beneath the ground surface.

Steeped in mythology, Rathcroghan was the main royal and ceremonial site of during the Iron Age and early medieval period and is also reputed to have been the burial place of its kings.

Queen (by Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874 - 1951), 1907)

One of five royal sites in Ireland, together with Emain (), Temaire (Meath), Cashel (Munster), Dún Ailinne and Uisneach (Leinster), the Rathcroghan area features widely in early where it is strongly linked to Queen Medb, most notably in the epic tale of the Táin Bó Cuailnge, and the defensive endeavours of Cú Chulainn. It is also associated with a host of other mythological creatures including the Morrigan and the origins of the festival of or . Above - Aerial view of Rathcroghan mound (courtesy of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre and Western Aerial Survey) Below - Artist’s impression of Rathcroghan Mound and the inauguration site of the kings and queens of Connacht (by J.G. O’Donoghue / Roscommon County Council)

This Project is supported by the Heritage Council

FARMING IN A ROYAL LANDSCAPE: RATHCROGHAN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Project aims Roscommon County Council are delighted to assist in supporting the Farming Rathcroghan EIP-Agri Project. The project involves re-learning the benefits of traditional farming for more sustainable outputs in today’s world. This is all the more challenging in an archaeological royal landscape that is densely populated with an exquisite array of earthen and stone-built ancient monuments. Provision of a dedicated archaeological Field Monument Advisor role for the project has been provided (co-funded by the Heritage Council) with a view to offering bespoke farming solutions that continue to protect and preserve the archaeological resource. Cú Chulainn (by Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874 - 1951), 1907) Farming challenges

By trialling a range of new and exciting Farming Rathcroghan EIP-Agri Project project-based innovations, in tandem with The Farming Rathcroghan Operational rearing rare stock breeds and using Group was granted a project budget of traditional managed farming practices, this €0.984 million, through the Department of farmer-led approach will continue to safe- Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guard the heritage of this royal landscape. EIP-Agri fund, for an innovative project to address the declining socio-economic circumstances of the farming community, while addressing the need to preserve and create awareness of this unique archaeological landscape.

This project will run until December 2023. The knowledge gained from this EIP has the potential to be replicated in future EU-funded schemes.

Farming Challenges Soil erosion and grazing pose challenges in an archaeological landscape (Image Source: John Cronin & Associates) This Project is supported by the Heritage Council

FARMING IN A ROYAL LANDSCAPE: RATHCROGHAN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Farming Challenges Scrub encroachment and Wildflowers of (Image water-logging, as well as climate change factors Source: John J Early / Roscommon County Council, can be damaging to the archaeological resource 2009) (Image Source: John Cronin & Associates)

What next? Currently in its early stages of a 5-year programme, the Farming Rathcroghan EIP- Agri Project is embracing its design and development strategies. Farm Plans are in preparation. Established archaeological best practice measures are being put in place and on-going innovative archaeological advisory services are commencing in the field. We very much look forward to the findings that this important project will bring.

Grazing on the ‘Mucklaghs’, Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon (Source: John Cronin & Associates)

Further information available at: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Service s/Community/Heritage/Heritage/Rathcrog han/

This Project is supported by the Heritage Council