As a result of the work carried out at Chancellorsland, archaeologists can now recognise a new type of monument built by Bronze Age people. This is an earthwork enclosure, sub-rectangular in shape, sometimes found associated with cemeteries of ring barrows. The recognition of this monument type vastly increases the visibility of the Bronze Age landscape in Munster and indicates a more widespread settlement pattern than had hitherto been suspected. In addition, the excellent conditions for the preservation of organic remains at Chancellorsland has greatly enhanced our ability to reconstruct everyday life in a Bronze Age farming community.
The Iron Age date obtained for the Claidh Dubh is the first evidence we have for the placing of that earthwork in a chronological context. The study of the three hillforts, Castle Gale, Caherdrinny and Carn Tigherna, overlooking the Blackwater Valley and their juxtaposition in relation to the Claidh Dubh, which closes off the valley floor to the west, at least raises the possibility of the contemporanity of both earthwork and hillforts. It also raises questions about the emergence of centres of power in this part of Munster during the Iron Age.
The excavation of the enclosures and pits at Conva in the Blackwater Valley illustrates clearly the substantial nature of these crop-mark sites. The implications for archaeological visibility in the Blackwater Valley are obvious. The excavation proved to be inconclusive regarding the date of the Conva sites. However, the weight of evidence suggests an Early Christian/Medieval date. The range of sites identified in this area through aerial reconnaissance is such that no general conclusions regarding their date may be made as a result of the work at Conva.
The final report was published in 2008 (see publications)
