Hut site, An Baile Mór, Co. Donegal

Co. Donegal |

Settlement Sites

Hut site, An Baile Mór, Co. Donegal

Atop Slieve League in County Donegal, where the mountain offers sweeping views across the landscape, lies the remnant of an ancient circular dwelling.

The hut site at An Baile Mór consists of a low dry stone wall, standing about 0.8 metres high with walls roughly 0.9 metres thick, forming a circle with an internal diameter of 5 metres. Though time has taken its toll on the structure, you can still make out what appears to be a doorway in the western wall, offering a glimpse into how its inhabitants once entered their mountain home.

This modest dwelling wasn't alone on the mountainside. Just 5 metres to the south, another circular hut site keeps it company, whilst 40 metres to the north stands what appears to be a rectangular structure; possibly another house or hut with a different architectural approach. These clustered remains suggest this wasn't merely an isolated hermitage but rather part of a small settlement, where multiple families or groups may have lived side by side on the heights of Slieve League.

The positioning of these structures speaks to the practical considerations of their builders. The commanding views from this elevation would have provided early warning of approaching visitors or threats, whilst the sturdy stone construction offered protection from the fierce Atlantic weather that regularly batters this part of Donegal. Though we can only speculate about who lived here and when, these simple stone circles represent centuries, if not millennia, of human habitation on one of Ireland's most dramatic mountain landscapes.

Rated 0 out of 5

Visitor Notes

Review type for post source and places source type not found
Added by
Picture of Pete F
Pete F
IrishHistory.com is passionate about helping people discover and connect with the rich stories of their local communities.
Please use the form below to submit any photos you may have of Hut site, An Baile Mór, Co. Donegal. We're happy to take any suggested edits you may have too. Please be advised it will take us some time to get to these submissions. Thank you.
Name
Email
Message
Upload images/documents
Maximum file size: 100 MB
If you'd like to add an image or a PDF please do it here.

Advertisement