- Knock, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
Daniel Patrick Curley
National University of Ireland, Galway, Archaeology, Graduate Student
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Dept of Archaeology, AlumnusUniversity of Galway, Department of Archaeology, AlumnusUniversity of Galway, Department of History, Undergraduateadd
- History, Archaeology, Cultural History, Politics, Popular Culture, Medieval History, and 53 moreEarly Medieval History, Irish and Celtic Mythology, Celtic Mythology, Early Medieval Ireland, Iron Age, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Human sacrifice (Anthropology Of Religion), Prehistoric Archaeology, Celtic Archaeology, Irish Archaeology, Late Iron Age (Archaeology), Kingship (Medieval History), Early Medieval Archaeology, Gaelic Ireland, High Medieval Ireland, Irish Studies, Landscape Archaeology, Votive offerings, Iron Age Ireland (Archaeology), Irish History, Celtic Studies, Medieval Studies, Old Irish Language and Literature, Medieval castles, Ulster cycle, Medieval Irish Literature, Irish 'Royal Sites, Rathcroghan, Community Archaeology, Tourism Studies, Public Archaeology, Cultures and heritage tourism, Iron Age (Archaeology), Venetian possessions in the Eastern Mediterranean, Venetian History, Late medieval Ireland, Gaelic Archaeology, Gaelic Medieval Ireland, Later Medieval Ireland, Irish Placenames, Crannogs, Galway History and Archeology, Medieval Lordship, Gaelic lordship, Cashel and Crannóg Archaeology, Place-Names, Tower Houses, Medieval communication routes, Cultural Landscapes, Medieval Archaeology, North Atlantic archaeology, Remote sensing and GIS applications in Landscape Research, and Medieval assembly sites, thing sites, medieval administrative landscapeedit
- Irish Research Council Employment-Based Research Scholar having recently completed postgraduate doctoral research in ... moreIrish Research Council Employment-Based Research Scholar having recently completed postgraduate doctoral research in the Department of Archaeology, NUI, Galway
Manager of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommonedit - Dr. Kieran D. O'Conoredit
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This paper examines a range of sources to consider the place held by the former lake of Lough Croan, Co. Roscommon, in the later medieval Ó Cellaig (O'Kelly) lordship of Uí Maine. The paper argues for the lake as a location of high... more
This paper examines a range of sources to consider the place held by the former lake of Lough Croan, Co. Roscommon, in the later medieval Ó Cellaig (O'Kelly) lordship of Uí Maine. The paper argues for the lake as a location of high importance in the medieval past. The research suggests that it served as a caput or cenn áit of the Uí Chellaig within the medieval trícha cét of Tír Maine, which for much of the later medieval period was the patrimony of these eastern Connacht lords.
Research Interests:
The late fourteenth-century composition Leabhar Ua Maine serves as a high watermark for the fortunes of the Uí Chellaig lords of Uí Maine. It is a carefully chosen expression of the wealth and authority that came to be demanded by this... more
The late fourteenth-century composition Leabhar Ua Maine serves as a high watermark for the fortunes of the Uí Chellaig lords of Uí Maine. It is a carefully chosen expression of the wealth and authority that came to be demanded by this eastern Connacht dynasty. This ‘great book’ was commissioned by Muircertach Ó Cellaig, bishop of Clonfert and archbishop of Tuam (1393–1407), a member of the senior Ó Cellaig line. Muircertach’s motivation in commissioning this manuscript was likely influenced by the actions and career of his sometime lord and grand-uncle, Uilliam Buide Ó Cellaig (William Buí O’Kelly), lord of Uí Maine (r. c.1349–1381), the subject of this essay.
Research Interests:
The employment of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the later medieval Ó Cellaig lordship of Tír Maine and Uí Maine, broadly the areas of south Co. Roscommon and east Co. Galway, has yielded important new insights into the... more
The employment of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the later medieval Ó Cellaig lordship of Tír Maine and Uí Maine, broadly the areas of south Co. Roscommon and east Co. Galway, has yielded important new insights into the nature of Gaelic lordship in this part of Ireland. The application of a methodology based on toponymy, historical research, cartographic studies, and analysis of literary works in addition to archaeology, has greatly assisted in identifying the lordly centers of these eastern Connacht lords, as well as evaluating how these cenn áiteanna were ordered and operated through time. One case study area that exemplifies this approach is the district around Callow Lough and Kilconnell, Co. Galway.
Research Interests: Medieval Archaeology, Gaelic Ireland, Medieval Cartography, High Medieval Ireland, Irish Archaeology, and 9 moreGaelic Medieval Ireland, Later Medieval Ireland, Irish Placenames, Crannogs, Galway History and Archeology, Medieval communication routes, Medieval Lordship, Roscommon, and Gaelic lordship
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, County Roscommon is a community-established and run interpretive experience and resource hub for the Rathcroghan Archaeological Landscape. Established in 1999, it serves to create awareness of a unique... more
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, County Roscommon is a community-established and run interpretive experience and resource hub for the Rathcroghan Archaeological Landscape. Established in 1999, it serves to create awareness of a unique collection of archaeological monuments, which is regarded as the provincial royal site for Connacht. In 2014, the visitor centre completed a substantial upgrade to the interpretive rooms, directed by the visitor centre staff. This development of ownership over the centre has led to a number of innovations which has resulted in the improved sustainability and growth of the visitor centre, and increased awareness of and interest in the Rathcroghan Archaeological Landscape. Embracing community archaeology has been a key aspect of this growth, leading to the delivery of a successful annual community archaeology conference, entitled ‘Archaeology Above & Below’. The production of interactive information panels and archaeological trail booklets have assisted in overcoming the challenge of interpreting such a vast archaeological landscape, while current projects, on such diverse topics as improving farming livelihoods, guidebook production and artefact acquisition, are all part of a strive towards sustaining a community social enterprise based around archaeology.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Daniel Curley, John Flynn and Kevin Barton showcase the use of LiDAR in community archaeology projects.
Research Interests:
This paper will attempt to explore the connections that exist between a collection of archaeological and topographical features situated in the area referred to as Mag nAí or Machaire Connacht, ‘the Plains of Connacht’, and the legendary... more
This paper will attempt to explore the connections that exist between a collection of archaeological and topographical features situated in the area referred to as Mag nAí or Machaire Connacht, ‘the Plains of Connacht’, and the legendary warrior figure of Fráoch mac Fidach Foltruad. The exploration of Fráoch and his possible links with these features of the landscape in the vicinity around the multi-period ritual complex of Rathcroghan has developed on the parts of the authors from an almost daily interaction with the area, as well as the questions that visitors, and the authors themselves, have asked of the area that we are interpreting for the visitor.
Research Interests:
The ArchaeoLandscapes Europe Project, now ArcLand International has provided us with a network and support to explore and develop aspects of community engagement in archaeological remote sensing. One aim of the five-year European... more
The ArchaeoLandscapes Europe Project, now ArcLand International has provided us with a network and support to explore and develop aspects of community engagement in archaeological remote sensing. One aim of the five-year European Commission-supported ArcLand project, which was completed in 2015, was to address imbalances in the knowledge and use of modern archaeological surveying and remote sensing techniques. This is particularly the case in the Republic of Ireland in some community-run museums, within community-based local archaeological and historical groups and in schools. This chapter will outline progress in a number of case studies at different stages in their project development. They all have the common theme of communities using archaeological remote sensing to explore and harness their cultural heritage, to the ultimate gain of the local area as a result. This work has been carried out against the background of the academics and professional practitioners beginning to recognise, address and debate challenges in a growth of community archaeology in Ireland.
Research Interests:
Paper written for the 2016 edition of the Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society Journal
Research Interests:
Dundonnell Castle will be explored through a multi-disciplinary approach. This study aims to provide a greater understanding of a simultaneously neglected but oft mentioned potentially multi-period site that has been given many roles in... more
Dundonnell Castle will be explored through a multi-disciplinary approach. This study aims to provide a greater understanding of a simultaneously neglected but oft mentioned potentially multi-period site that has been given many roles in previous scholarly work. This is without ever having been studied properly and fully in its own right. This thesis combines an archaeological analysis of the earthworks and masonry building at Dundonnell with a large corpus of historical material that pertains to the immediate and surrounding area over an extended period of time. More specifically, the thesis will attempt to recreate the importance of the three possible phases at the site, via the use of historical, cartographical, and archaeological evidence to demonstrate the site’s dates of importance, function and role in the wider areas, and to try and pinpoint the site on the historical plane. The study of the castle type, known as the stronghouse, will also be examined in relation to Dundonnell, in an attempt to further the knowledge of this understudied monument type.
Research Interests:
This poster was designed for presentation at the final conference of the ArcLand project 'Sensing the Past — New Approaches to European Landscapes' which took place between the 24-26 February 2015 at the campus of the Goethe-University in... more
This poster was designed for presentation at the final conference of the ArcLand project 'Sensing the Past — New Approaches to European Landscapes' which took place between the 24-26 February 2015 at the campus of the Goethe-University in Frankfurt/DE.
It was an attempt at proving insight on some of the many archaeological monuments that make up the Rathcroghan complex, through non-invasive, remote sensing techniques, while also incorporating QR codes into the poster to provide further information on the individual monuments.
It was an attempt at proving insight on some of the many archaeological monuments that make up the Rathcroghan complex, through non-invasive, remote sensing techniques, while also incorporating QR codes into the poster to provide further information on the individual monuments.
Research Interests:
Rathcroghan is an archaeological site, which could perhaps be described as the Tara of the west. Daniel Curley is investigating the medieval kingdoms that existed around the site near Tulsk. Section starts 13.52 minutes.
Research Interests:
Dundonnell Castle is a collection of monuments located in the south of Roscommon. An MA dissertation in Medieval Studies, completed in 2011, attempted to cast new light on this extensive complex of monuments. It was argued, in keeping... more
Dundonnell Castle is a collection of monuments located in the south of Roscommon. An MA dissertation in Medieval Studies, completed in 2011, attempted to cast new light on this extensive complex of monuments. It was argued, in keeping with the multidisciplinary approach espoused by the Masters programme, that Dundonnell Castle was the site of at least three phases of interaction, beginning at some point in the early medieval period, and continuing until the late 16th or 17th-century. It also had a central role to play in the turbulent politics of 13th-century Roscommon.
In 2015, a suite of geophysical techniques were applied to Dundonnell Castle in order to achieve the next level of understanding to this historically-attested fortification and possible administrative centre.
This paper will deal with the story of Dundonnell Castle, some observations from the geophysical investigations, and an exploration of the place of Dundonnell Castle in high and late medieval Roscommon.
In 2015, a suite of geophysical techniques were applied to Dundonnell Castle in order to achieve the next level of understanding to this historically-attested fortification and possible administrative centre.
This paper will deal with the story of Dundonnell Castle, some observations from the geophysical investigations, and an exploration of the place of Dundonnell Castle in high and late medieval Roscommon.
Research Interests:
Information Panel commissioned by Taughmaconnell Historical and Heritage Group in 2016 for Taughmaconnell Old Church & Graveyard, providing information on the group of monuments on the site, lists and map of inscribed headstone surnames,... more
Information Panel commissioned by Taughmaconnell Historical and Heritage Group in 2016 for Taughmaconnell Old Church & Graveyard, providing information on the group of monuments on the site, lists and map of inscribed headstone surnames, and some of the more interesting carvings present in the graveyard. Inscription drawings an text provided by Mary B. Timoney
Research Interests:
This second edition of the guidebook contains entries on every aspect of Rathcroghan, from its archaeological and historical landscapes, through to its literary and mythological associations. This publication is the quintessential user’s... more
This second edition of the guidebook contains entries on every aspect of Rathcroghan, from its archaeological and historical landscapes, through to its literary and mythological associations. This publication is the quintessential user’s guide to this fascinating archaeological landscape. Drawing upon historical, literary and cutting-edge archaeological research, Rathcroghan: The Guidebook is designed to bring the reader on a journey through time at Rathcroghan, from the first settlers to this broad limestone plain in the
Neolithic period, through to the political mechanics of late medieval Machaire Connacht.
Thereafter, you will be taken on a journey of a different kind. You will see how our ancestors wove a tapestry of literature on top of this canvas of Rathcroghan, connecting physical landmarks and ancestor burials with the intoxicating narrative of Queen Medb of Connacht and the Ulster Cycle of
Tales, filled with war and strife, jealousy and intrigue, gods and mere mortals.
Available for purchase at: https://www.rathcroghan.ie/product/rathcroghan-the-guidebook-2nd-edition/
ISBN: 978-1-7398977-9-6
Neolithic period, through to the political mechanics of late medieval Machaire Connacht.
Thereafter, you will be taken on a journey of a different kind. You will see how our ancestors wove a tapestry of literature on top of this canvas of Rathcroghan, connecting physical landmarks and ancestor burials with the intoxicating narrative of Queen Medb of Connacht and the Ulster Cycle of
Tales, filled with war and strife, jealousy and intrigue, gods and mere mortals.
Available for purchase at: https://www.rathcroghan.ie/product/rathcroghan-the-guidebook-2nd-edition/
ISBN: 978-1-7398977-9-6
Research Interests: Landscape Archaeology, Cultural Landscapes, Medieval Archaeology, North Atlantic archaeology, Iron Age Ireland (Archaeology), and 6 moreRemote sensing and GIS applications in Landscape Research, Irish Archaeology, Iron Age, Medieval assembly sites, thing sites, medieval administrative landscape, Rathcroghan, and Irish and Celtic Mythology
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Geology, Geomorphology, Landscape Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, and 9 moreIrish Archaeology, Wetland Archaeology, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Speleology, Cave and Karst Studies, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Crannogs, Lake-Dwellings and Lacustrine Settlement, Rathcroghan, and Roscommon
This guidebook contains entries on every aspect of Rathcroghan, from its archaeological and historical landscapes, through to its literary and mythological associations. This publication is the quintessential user’s guide to this... more
This guidebook contains entries on every aspect of Rathcroghan, from its archaeological and historical landscapes, through to its literary and mythological associations. This publication is the quintessential
user’s guide to this fascinating archaeological landscape. Drawing upon historical, literary and cutting-edge archaeological research, Rathcroghan: The Guidebook is designed to bring the reader on a journey through time at Rathcroghan, from the first settlers to this broad limestone plain in the Neolithic period, through to the political mechanics of late medieval Machaire Connacht.
Thereafter, you will be taken on a journey of a different kind. You will see how our ancestors wove a tapestry of literature on top of this canvas of Rathcroghan, connecting physical landmarks and ancestor burials with the intoxicating narrative of Queen Medb of Connacht and the Ulster Cycle of Tales, filled with war and strife, jealousy and intrigue, gods and mere mortals.
ISBN: 978-1-9997428-4-3
user’s guide to this fascinating archaeological landscape. Drawing upon historical, literary and cutting-edge archaeological research, Rathcroghan: The Guidebook is designed to bring the reader on a journey through time at Rathcroghan, from the first settlers to this broad limestone plain in the Neolithic period, through to the political mechanics of late medieval Machaire Connacht.
Thereafter, you will be taken on a journey of a different kind. You will see how our ancestors wove a tapestry of literature on top of this canvas of Rathcroghan, connecting physical landmarks and ancestor burials with the intoxicating narrative of Queen Medb of Connacht and the Ulster Cycle of Tales, filled with war and strife, jealousy and intrigue, gods and mere mortals.
ISBN: 978-1-9997428-4-3