Summary: Location of Bronze Age Settlements
Key dates:
Many of these Bronze Age settlements were located near sources of water, such as lakes. At Lough Eskragh in Co Tyrone four sites were recorded along the eastern lakeshore. Three of these had been constructed on the lake using piles as a foundation. The fourth one was built on a lakeside platform.
There is also evidence that many settlements were near rivers. At Sheepland, Co Down, a stairway was cut from the dwelling area on a slope to the stream. Other sites in the Co Down area indicate that there was settlement on both sides of the stream.
In the later Bronze Age period, prominent hill top sites were popular. Such a location was the site for a number of dwellings at Navan before the important ritual centre was constructed there.
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