Environment Minister hails Tullyhogue houses find as ‘a first for Ireland’

The rare archaeological remains, located outside of the well-known landmark of Tullyhogue Fort, were uncovered during pre-development works for the creation of new visitor facilities.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “These preliminary findings have surpassed all our expectations. We believe that not only is this the first time such buildings of this date have been uncovered in the North but may well be a first for the entire island of Ireland.

“The houses would have had sod or clay walls supporting angled roof timbers known as crucks. A fire, set in its hearth at the centre of the house, would have heated the building, with the smoke rising to find its way out through a thatched or sod roof. At least two houses have been found so far along with the fragmentary remains of a possible two or three more. Archaeologists suspect that many more lie dotted around the hill, forming an O’Hagan farming settlement that supported the elite members of the clan who lived in the Fort or nearby on the hill.”

Councillor Linda Dillon, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, also spoke of the significance of the discovery by archaeologists: “These latest finds serve to further position Tullyhogue as a ‘must-visit’ destination for anyone interested in Irish history and I’m delighted that the Mid Ulster connection with the seat of the O’Neill’s is being strengthened as we work towards achieving that balance between recognising, preserving and protecting our heritage, and the economic benefits to be derived from our area’s attraction as a place to visit and explore.”