Understanding dugout boats through discoveries from recent weather events & experimental archaeology
Channel: The Ulster Archaeological Society
Date: 2023-05-30

Understanding dugout boats and their interaction within their receiving environment in Northern Ireland, through discoveries from recent weather events and experimental archaeology

Abnormal weather conditions or events in recent years in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland led to the discovery of a number of dugout boats. While this has increased the overall corpus of dugout boats, it also provided the opportunity to undertaken in-depth examinations of them. This led to the discovery of previously unrecorded boat classes in terms of design use and techniques of propulsion. A subsequent re-examination of the records revealed that these sub-classifications were extant within the records, but went unnoticed.

Emerging patterns from re-examination of the records together with recent discoveries are starting to present strong indicators of regional variations in dugout boat design and use. Previous attempts to create a classification system for dugout boats have proved very challenging. This is in part due to a of lack of awareness of how to effectively record these watercraft. A more nuanced approach to dugout boat classification requires a better understanding of recording techniques and data collection, including that of their environment of use.

Frequently new boat discoveries occur through chance encounters, whether as a consequence of human activity or weather events, and very rarely through archaeological endeavour. Therefore, there is a case for inclusion of relevant stakeholders from local individuals and groups under the tutelage and guidance of state agencies, in the reporting and management of this facet of our cultural heritage.

Dr Niall Gregory (Co. Tipperary)

Professional archaeologist, since 1988, commenced career as underwater archaeologist. Worked with various archaeological companies. Senior Archaeologist Babtie (multi-national engineering design consultants) – 2000 - 2002. Has own commercial practise – Gregory Archaeology, since 2002.