This edited volume of 16 papers provides an introduction to the techniques and methodologies, approaches and potential of environmental archaeology within Ireland. Each of the 16 invited contributions focuses on a particular aspect of environmental archaeology and include such specialist areas as radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology, palaeoentomology, human osteoarchaeology, palynology and geoarchaeology, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of environmental archaeology within an Irish context. The inclusion of pertinent case studies within each chapter will heighten awareness of the profusion of high standard environmental archaeological research that is currently being undertaken on Irish material. The book will provide a key text for students and practitioners of archaeology, archaeological science and palaeoecology.

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• Acknowledgements
• List of Contributors
• Introduction
• 1 - Radiocarbon Dating: A Practical Overview
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • History of Radiocarbon Dating in Ireland
  • Methods
  • Methodological Summary
  • Conclusion
  • Online Archive Sources
  • References
• 2 - Dendrochronology and Lessons Learned from Irish Examples
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Practicalities of Dendrochronology
  • Moving From General to Specific Issues
  • Sapwood Estimation and Preservation
  • Late and Post Medieval House Structures and Sequences
  • Early Christian Examples: Nendrum Tidal Mill and Island MacHugh Crannog
  • Wider Considerations
  • Longer Distance Connections
  • Some Point Events–Splitting Up Archaeological Time
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 3 - The Use of Tephra in Linking European Sequences of Terrestrial, Lacustrine, Marine and Ice Palaeoenvironmental Records
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Geographical Distribution and Temporal Range
  • Practicalities
  • How do we Detect Tephra in a Sediment Core or Sample?
  • Preparation for Geochemistry
  • Recognition of Tephra
  • Chemical Fingerprinting of Tephras
  • Type Material and Matching
  • Why is Tephra Useful?
  • Tephra for Correlation Between Cores, Between Sample Sites and Between Regions
  • Tephra as a Taphonomic Guide
  • Tephra as a Chronology
  • Tephra from Ice Cores
  • An Example of the Use of Tephra in a Palaeoenvironmental Investigation
  • Problems
  • References
• 4 - Human Osteoarchaeology in Ireland
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methodology
  • Why Study Irish Human Remains?
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 5 - Mammal Bone Studies from Prehistoric Irish Sites
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methodology
  • Animal Exploitation in Prehistoric Ireland
  • Iron Age
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 6 - Exploitation of Birds and Fish in Historic Ireland: A Brief Review of the Evidence
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methodological and Taphonomic Considerations
  • The Evidence: Birds
  • The Evidence: Fish
  • Priorities for Future Research
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 7 - Molluscs and Middens: The Archaeology of ‘Ireland’s Early Savage Race’?
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Mesolithic (c. 7000–4000 BC)
  • Neolithic (c. 4000–2500 BC)
  • Bronze Age (c. 2500–600 BC)
  • Iron Age (c. 600 BC–400 AD)
  • Early Christian (400–twelfth century AD)
  • Conclusion
  • References
• 8 - The Study of Fossil Insect Remains in Environmental and Archaeological Investigations: An Irish Perspective
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Principles and Methods
  • Practicalities: Sampling and Analysis of Fossil Insect Material
  • Quaternary Entomology and Climate Change
  • Quaternary Entomology and Holocene Environmental Change
  • Rural and Urban Settlement Assemblages
  • Concluding Remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 9 - Environmental Archaeology in Ireland: A Personal and Archaeobotanical Perspective
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • A Personal Reflection on Archaeobotanical Studies: Future Perspectives
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 10 - Wood and Charcoal Research in Ireland
  • Abstract
  • Introduction to the Study of Wood and Charcoal from Archaeological Sites
  • History of Wood Identification and Analysis in Ireland
  • Methodology
  • Sampling Strategies
  • Irish Case Studies
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 11 - The Study of Non-Wood Plant Macro-remains: Investigating Past Societies and Landscapes
  • Abstract
  • Why Study Plant Macro-remains? A General Introduction
  • A History of Plant Macro-Remains Research
  • Selection and Processing of Samples
  • Scanning, Sorting and Identification
  • An Irish Case Study: Tracing Agricultural Change at Kerlogue, Co. Wexford
  • Potential, Prospects and Opportunities
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 12 - Pollen Analysis and Archaeology in Ireland
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • A Brief History of Archaeology-Related Pollen Studies in Ireland
  • Methodologies in Pollen Analysis
  • The Pollen Record and Archaeology in Ireland: Some Case Studies
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 13 - Alluvial Geoarchaeology in Ireland
  • Abstract
  • Introduction: The Geological and Geomorphological Context
  • The History of Alluvial Studies in Ireland
  • Lakes, Rivers, Bogs and Archaeology
  • Recent Palaeoenvironmental and Geoarchaeological Studies
  • Conclusions: The Archaeology of River Valleys and Geoarchaeological Potential
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
• 14 - Multi-proxy Approaches to Palaeohydrological Investigations of Raised Bogs in Ireland: A Case Study from Derryville, Co. Tipperary
  • Abstract
  • Introduction: Raised Bogs, Palaeohydrology and Climate Change
  • Previous Palaeohydrological Research in Ireland
  • Proxy Methods for Palaeohydrological Reconstruction
  • Case Study: Palaeohydrological Investigations at Lisheen, Co. Tipperary–Palaeohydrological Changes around the Bronze Age Causeway, Killoran 18
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions: Observations Regarding the Proxy Records at Derryville
  • Future Research
  • References
• 15 - Exploring the Role of Environment in Wetland Archaeological Contexts in Ireland
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • History of Research
  • Environmental Insights into Wetland Environments
  • Concluding Remarks
  • References
• 16 - Heritage Legislation and Environmental Archaeology in Ireland
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Heritage Legislation in Northern Ireland
  • Heritage Legislation in the Republic of Ireland
  • Heritage Legislation and Environmental Archaeology
  • The Reality of Environmental Archaeology in Ireland
  • Legislation and Policy Documents Referred to in the Text
  • References