Archaeology from the air

A TALK on studying the archaeological landscape from the air will be given to the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society (GAHS) on Monday January 14 at 7.30 pm. Titled An Aerial perspective of some heritage sites in the West of Ireland, it will be given by Dr Eamonn O'Donoghue in the Harbour Hotel. All are welcome to attend and admission is free. Dr O'Donoghue will speak on his ongoing archaeological aerial survey in the West of Ireland. The main focus will be on the Barony of Clare, Co Galway, referring to the 1901 paper of Col JP Nolan of Ballindarry, Tuam, in the first Journal of the GAHS, and exploring the landscape surrounding castles for evidence of preceding and associated occupation.[private] Aerial survey reveals a great richness of archaeological remains in the vicinity of many heritage sites throughout Connacht but continued destruction may result in lost research opportunity. While new developments in LIDAR and satellite imaging are transforming landscape study, traditional oblique aerial photography remains a valuable adjunct for exploring the contextual environs of known sites. It also allows a cost effective method to revisit areas of special interest in varying light and seasonal conditions. This presentation will also look at a variety of specific sites in the West of Ireland outside Clare Barony and introduce some recent discoveries. [/private]