Transcript Evidence of Historical Settlement in Killarney

By Nadine O’ Brien
“The area shown on the
Ordnance Survey map extract
indicates evidence on a wide
variety of historic settlement.’’
Early Christian Period 500-800AD
Holy Wells
There is much evidence on
the map that indicates
Killarney was once in the
Early Christian Period
from the sightings of holy
wells. There is evidence of
one in V 88 90. These wells would have been used for
the storing of water for people in the town. Thousands
are still standing and used in Ireland today.
Graveyards
In V 98 87 there is
evidence of a graveyard
in the town of Killarney.
The people in the Early
Christian period would
have buried their relatives and friends in graves with
head stones marking the person’s identity. In this
picture, you can see how some headstones are shaped
into crosses worshiping the Christian religion.
Round towers
Round towers were used for people to keep watch on
anything or anyone who could come charging into
battle and trying to destroy their towns. There would
be a guard on watch for twenty four hours in the very
top of the tower. There is evidence of a high tower on
the map in V 93 92
Norman Period: 1100-1500AD
Castles
This is Killarney Castle.
There is evidence of this
castle on the map at V 88
91. This castle would have
been home to the king and
queen, guarding their town of Killarney. The castle is
also made of stone which was first introduced by the
Normans. On the map, the castle is situated beside the
River Loe. This indicates the Normans built up their
homes near rivers lakes where there would be a water
supply.
Iron Age: 600BC
Standing Stones
Ogham stones contained
the alphabet. The alphabet
was used to commemorate
someone, using the edge of
the stone as the centre line.
Each line represented a
certain letter, delivering the
message it was trying to give. The people of the Iron
Age used Ogham Stones when there was no paper or
pens. There is evidence of an Ogham Stone on the map
at V 87 90.
Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, Fionulagh River (V
98 85), Deenagh River (V 96 92) and River
Loe (V 87 90) suggest that Killarney was a
town built up based on the use of water for
food, water and cleanliness. This would have
attracted thousands of years of settlers
changing the town more and more.