The Baltinglass hillfort cluster has long been of interest to archaeologists as one of the most complex and exceptional prehistoric landscapes. Within this cluster, Brusselstown Ring has previously been identified as one of the largest hillforts in Ireland, comprising two large ramparts on neighbouring hill summits and covering an area of 41.9 hectares.
Dr Dirk Brandherm from Queen’s University Belfast is the lead author of a research project on the Brusseltown Ring, which has been declared the largest nucleated settlement in prehistoric Ireland and Britain.
Dr Brandherm stated: “Such new evidence considerably enriches our knowledge of how people lived and organized themselves, contributing to broader histories of settlement, social interaction, and landscape use,” he continued, explaining further:
“I very much hope that this new knowledge will not only add to our knowledge but help us preserve Brusselstown Ring as a site of major national and international heritage importance, connecting us to the island of Ireland’s deep past. It also opens avenues for further research into prehistoric societal development, helping to fill gaps in archaeological and historical records.”
Dr Brandherm will be the main speaker at the upcoming event which aims to uncover the archaeology of the ancient landscape, at the Lalor Centre in Baltinglass on Friday, March 27, from 8pm to 9.30pm. The focus of the talk will be on the developments which have emerged from Dr Brandherm’s fieldwork on the Brusseltown Ring.
The talk will begin with an accessible overview of the archaeological landscape and findings, led by Dr Brandherm, contextualising the significance of the Brusselstown Ring discoveries within broader prehistoric settlement patterns. It is hoped the evening will deepen the appreciation of local heritage, and inspire further curiosity of our shared past and historical landscape.
The talk is free but you are advised to register your place on Eventbrite.ie.
Meanwhile, a talk on great Irish grasslands due to take place at Knocksink Wood Education Centre on Wednesday, March 11, has now been postponed instead to Thursday, May 14, with the doors opening at 7pm and the talk commencing from 7.30pm.
Once common throughout the Irish landscape, Ireland’s semi-natural grasslands are much-reduced and need our help. From mown meadows and wet pastures to yellow rattle and rare orchids, ecologist Maria Long will explore the teeming diversity of these ancient and undersung habitats.