The Black Pig’s Dyke Regional Project

Phase 1 of the Black Pig’s Dyke project 2014 was funded by Monaghan, Roscommon, Longford and Cavan county councils in association with the Heritage Council. An interdisciplinary research team of archaeologists, historians, GIS specialists and geophysicists has collated a large body of new information on the linear earthworks of the core study area, comprising counties Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim, and north county Roscommon, north Longford and south Donegal.

The great linear earthworks of the Irish north midlands may remain elusive to contemporary scholarship but phase 1 of this project has sought to bring some clarity in relation to the many questions that endure about their extent, morphology, chronology and purpose by unravelling historical myths around the Black Pig’s Dyke from archaeological facts, and by attempting to present specific interpretations for each individual monument. Notwithstanding the lack of empirical evidence available the analysis conducted so far by the project has allowed for interpretative advances to be made. It is evident from the research carried out to date that the linear earthworks can no longer be reduced to just one interpretation. With further research the unravelling of the enigma that is the Black Pig’s Dyke has the potential of unleashing many benefits including social, cultural, economic and academic at a local, regional and European level. Of Roscommon interest in this project is the Doon of Drumsna which could well be one of Iron Age Ireland’s most spectacular monuments.

The full report of phase 1 of the project can be accessed below. 

Arising from the research compiled in phase 1 of the project, Archaeology Ireland (which is a quarterly magazine aimed at both professional and non-professional readers) have produced a Heritage Guide: The Black Pig's Dyke—power lines in the landscape. To purchase the guide visithttp://wordwellbooks.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1626&Itemid=9

The research will continue with Phase 2 of the Black Pig’s Dyke Project 2015 report, which will be undertaken between May – Oct. 2015. The objective of Phase 2 will be to establish chronology of the earthworks associated with the Black Pig’s Dyke and raise awareness through public talks, exhibition panels, website and other social media of the research findings to date.