ARCHAEOLOGISTS say that even more discoveries could be made at the site of a major viking settlement which has been uncovered at Annagassan.
A fortress, believed to be almost 1170 years old, has been located at Lynns after five years of research. The archaeological dig has been taking place for the past three weeks.
Dr Mark Clinton is leading the excavations and says that even more discoveries could be made.
"It's the hope of what might come up next but given the range of finds we've had in three weeks in three relatively small trenches you'd have good expectations that an expanded site would produce more nice surprises."
The find has been described as one of the best preserved Viking settlements in Europe.
It dates from 841, the same year Dublin was founded, and is believed to have been the previously unidentified fortress of Linn Duchaill – one of two locations, along with what would become Dublin, chosen by the Vikings when they decided to winter in Ireland.
Director of the excavations, Dr Clinton said: "In 841 the Vikings over-wintered for the first time instead of raiding and leaving. The annals said they over-wintered here and in Dublin and this location was elusive. Until now.
"Finds of Viking ship rivets, cut-up Viking silver and looted Irish metalwork also appears to be amongst the excavated material," said Dr Clinton.
The excavations, which began earlier this month, have so far uncovered part of a human skull, rivets used to build and repair ships, silver used for weighting and exchanging, a spindle whorl for spinning thread and a broach pin.
A defensive rampart, consisting of a deep ditch and a bank, was excavated and while, the results of radio carbon tests are awaited to confirm the date, it "has all the appearance of the main fortification of the Viking fortress," he said.
Dr Clinton described the defensive ditch at Annagassan as "massive" and said it was clear the Vikings had built it across an inlet on the river, some 200m from the Irish sea.
The extensive site was uncovered following an excavation by Archer Heritage Planning, directed by Dr Clinton in collaboration with archaeologist Mr Kelly and local historian Michael McKeown, under the aegis of the Annagassan and District Historical Society.
Those involved believe the archaeological work will continue at the site for years to come.
Author: James Rogers | Source: Dundalk Democrat [September 22, 2010]