Bog-deal in Co. Clare, with particular reference to bog-pine and its significance

Abstract

The results of radiocarbon dating of bog-deal (three pine and one oak) from the north-west Burren (Gragan West) and south-west Clare (Binvoran and Tullaher) are reported on. The Binvoran and Tullaher samples yielded remarkably early dates (ca. 8800 and 8600 cal. BP, respectively) while the Gragan West sample dated to ca. 4900 cal. BP, a date regarded as typical for bog-pine, especially in western Ireland, where at this time pine growing on bogs was a widespread but relatively short-lived phenomenon. The significance of the new results are discussed in the light of much larger, recently published datasets from Counties Galway (Connemara) and Mayo. The contribution that dating of bog-pine can make to resolving issues, such as whether pine survived in Ireland, and specifically in Co. Clare, through to modern times is emphasised.