Here at Glenree, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a midden; a prehistoric rubbish heap that offers fascinating glimpses into the daily lives of Ireland’s early inhabitants. These accumulations of discarded materials, recorded by M.R. Colhoun, reveal a rich tapestry of human activity spanning centuries.

The midden layers tell a compelling story through their contents. Amongst the stratified deposits, excavators have discovered scraps of iron and bronze, including delicate bronze pins that once fastened cloaks or served as decorative accessories. These metal finds suggest the site was occupied during the Bronze and Iron Ages, when such items were valuable commodities, carefully crafted and treasured even when broken. The presence of these materials indicates this wasn’t merely a temporary campsite but rather a place where people lived, worked, and discarded their broken tools and ornaments over extended periods.

Perhaps most striking are the extensive layers of shells that characterise the site, testament to the importance of marine resources to these coastal communities. These shell deposits, built up over generations, preserve a record of ancient diets and seasonal gathering patterns. The location itself, nestled between the bay and the sand hills, would have provided an ideal settlement spot; sheltered from Atlantic storms whilst offering easy access to both marine resources and inland territories. Today, these archaeological remains lie quietly beneath the dunes, their secrets gradually being revealed through careful excavation and study.