Green TD Steven Matthews has said that the current developments in Baltinglass related to hillforts are some of the most important developments in the discovery of Wicklow’s cultural heritage in years. The employment of cutting edge LiDar technology has helped uncover numerous potentially influential archaeological sites, including prehistoric burial monuments, many enclosures of possible early medieval origin, rare ritual cursus monuments and a massive new hilltop fortification which can be regarded as some of the largest archaeological monuments in the country.
Speaking on the matter Deputy Matthews said:
“This is a wonderful advancement in the discovery of Wicklow’s History. The investigation of the Baltinglass Hillfort Complex, which has been described as “Ireland’s Hillfort Capital”, has given us a deeper understanding of the site which provides an invaluable insight into the hugely influential role which the area of Baltinglass played in the history of Wicklow and the rest of the country. I am so excited to see future developments using LiDar technology in this area in the near future.
“I am encouraged by the organisation of a very positive event which was hosted in Baltinglass recently aimed at sharing the methodology and findings of the research. This event was attended by a number of the leading experts involved in the project as well as a number of local representatives.
“We in Wicklow are incredibly fortunate to be home to some of the most historically significant sites in the entire country. Our county’s significant role in Ireland’s long and proud history is reflected in our continued contributions to our ever-growing cultural heritage. I would like to thank all of those who were involved in this study which has transformed our understanding of this archaeological landscape in Wicklow spanning Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Early Medieval eras. I cannot wait to see what other historical sites our landscape is hiding,” Deputy Matthews concluded.
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