Mount Sandel Fort, Archaeological site on River Bann escarpment, Northern Ireland.
Mount Sandel Fort is an archaeological site perched on a high bank overlooking the River Bann in Northern Ireland. The location contains remains of seven circular dwelling structures arranged across the landscape, each once serving as a residential space.
This settlement dates back approximately 9000 years and represents some of the earliest evidence of human occupation on the Irish island. Radiocarbon dating confirms sustained activity at the site during the early Mesolithic period.
The inhabitants constructed dwellings using bent saplings arranged in circles and covered them with deer hides, establishing basic architectural methods.
The site sits on elevated ground offering views across the landscape and the river valley below. Visitors can access the location on foot and examine the archaeological remains from multiple angles.
Excavations uncovered a fish-drying structure and specialized stone tools including microliths and flint axes. These findings demonstrate that early residents had already developed techniques for food preservation.
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