Togher Historical Association: 22nd Fieldwork Trip - 2nd September 2017

Saturday, September 9, 2017

22nd Fieldwork Trip - 2nd September 2017 - Fulacht Fiadh

On 22nd September at 4 O'Clock in the afternoon , the Togher Historical Assoc. took to the road once more for its 22nd Fieldwork Trip to date. High on the agenda was the locating of a Fulacht Fiadh or Burnt Mound in the Togher townland of Gortagoulane. Several efforts were made to gain access as near as possible to the site which had only been summarily depicted in Richard Henchion's book - Land Of The Finest Drop - which prompted the investigation. However , it was decided to take a more open route through the farmlands of Chetwynd Farmhouse on Doughcloyne Hill. The route was undertaken in torrential rain as the team , made up of Eamonn Twomey , Eamonn Pearse and Billy O'Brien entered the next field which was home to the remnants of Ashgrove House. Sadly all that remains is the Orchard Wall , albeit just two long walls with one arched entrance.

Ashgrove House , Gortagoulane , Togher

The team next traversed the long field seeking out a streamlet which rises nearby and meets up with the Liberty Stream on its right. However it was decided to make a more direct detour to the spot where the two streams meet as shown on G.P.S. due to substantial rainfall and wind. Thankfully the streamlet was discovered almost by accident just short of its merging with the main stream as shown in the photo below. It is thought that it is piped for most of its course up to this point where it daylights.

Streamlet daylighting near Fulacht Fiadh

Area of Fulacht Fiadh showing grassy mound

It was remarked by all present that the ground underfoot suddenly became hard and uneven - evidence of rocks underground which pointed to a possible location of a Fulacht Fiadh. Roughly translated from the old Irish , the ancient Celtic water pit was known as the " Dragon's Breath ".They are typically u - shaped , circa 3 feet high and near sources of water. It is known that a pit is dug of approximately 2 feet , though they may be larger and deeper. A fire is lit nearby and rocks and stones are heated which are then added to the water. As the stones cool or shatter , they are simply extracted and dumped nearby , over time forming a semi - circle around the pit. The soil is usually charcoal rich and obviously over time becomes overgrown with vegetation. There are many schools of thought which differ and agree in equal measure as to their exact purpose. From bathing to cloth dyeing to cooking and even to brewing of beer! The whole area was investigated as much as possible but the team had to move on due to worsening weather. It is planned to return in the future for a more indepth analysis and to study the area more extensively.

Where the two streams meet at Fulacht Fiadh

Close up view of the Fulacht Fiadh showing rocks

The group next walked through two fields composed of marsh and scrubland to enter the land below the former Phillipine House. At this stage the weather grew more windy but miraculously became calmer in mere minutes as shown by the video below.

Marshland and scrubland near Fulacht Fiadh

A brief moment was spent near the new construction of the now Fellowship House complex. Photo opportunities presented themselves as the team made their way up Doughcloyne Hill to their transport. To the right Togher Reservoir could be seen in the near distance. Then a quick look at the former Sexton House site and the last of Togher's water pumps. Then a cursory look at the former Hegarty home whose owners left in the early 1970s to live on Hazel Road. The Fieldwork Trip ended with the group soaked to the skin but all the richer for the experience of walking in the footsteps of their ancestors.