New historical findings in Waterford 'deepen our understanding'

NEW EVIDENCE that historic settlers lived on high ground in Waterford has been released.

Research, from the Portalis pilot project of €1.95m, indicates that Mesolithic people settled on higher terrains, such as Creaden Head in Waterford, due to rising sea levels. 

It also suggests that settlers may have occupied terrain tens of kilometres east of the present shoreline at Creaden Head. 

The findings were presented by Portalis public archaeology team members Dr Joseph Schuldenrein and Prof Martin Bates at the project’s event ‘Ambition, Delivery & Future’ at the Granville Hotel, Waterford on Thursday, July 13. 

Referencing the ‘social and historical ties’ that ‘bind us across the Irish Sea’, Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh said: “The Portalis Project reminds us of a time when our seas and rivers weren’t barriers but highways, facilitating trade and transfer of knowledge, skills and ideas between our shores right back to the Neolithic. 

“The community engagement and citizen science elements of the Portalis project allows us to participate together in deepening our shared understanding and appreciation of the ties that have bound us for so long.” 

The Mesolithic landscape was different from that of today because the coastline was tens of kilometres further east, and the sea level six to eight metres lower.

Over the course of the Bronze and Iron Ages the shoreline had migrated to the location of present day Fornaught Strand at Creaden Head.

“Our findings provide new resources for our six coastal communities and their visitors. The pilot has delivered the first steps in underpinning sustainable new blue and green economy growth,” said Joy Rooney, Portalis Senior Responsible Officer and Design Lead, Lecturer and Researcher in Design, South East Technological University (SETU).  

“Telling the story of our uniquely significant new data has and will help raise awareness of and interest in protecting our coastal cultural and natural heritage in the challenging times ahead.”

This project was led by South East Technological University, and is supported by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Ceredigion County Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce.