Archaeology
In particular many old burial grounds covered areas greater than their contemporary enclosures, consequently human burials occur beneath some of the City’s streets and houses. 8.10 Cork’s pre-eminence as a trading centre and maritime merchant port in the eighteenth and nineteenth century has created industrial archaeology and historic remains which still survive in the contemporary city e.g., Butter Market in Shandon and the Bonded Warehouses in the Port of Cork. The nearby riverside villages of Douglas and Glanmire also have a range of mill complexes. The gunpowder mills in Ballincollig with its combination of size (53 hectares), range of surviving buildings and canal system make it a is a unique industrial heritage site. 8.11 Cork city centre has 60 archaeological sites ranging from a prehistoric standing stone to the medieval city wall. In addition, the towns, villages and hinterland of the city have c.400 sites (as listed in the Recorded Monuments and Places RMP). These sites range from prehistoric fulacth fiadh cooking sites to large castle sites, such as Blarney Castle.
8.7 The archaeological heritage of an area includes monuments, sites, and objects whether situated on land or under water. Cork City has a significant archaeological heritage, that provides a valuable cultural, educational and tourism resource. 8.8 Cork city is one of the oldest cities in Ireland and has a rich archaeological record. There are few surviving ancient monuments above ground in the city; however, the buried archaeology of Cork embraces every era of Cork’s development. For example, recent archaeological excavations in the South Main Street area of the city centre have contributed greatly to our knowledge of the late Viking period in Cork (11th century), known as the Hiberno-Norse period. Above ground there are only a few surviving medieval and early post-medieval structures such as Red Abbey Tower and Elizabeth Fort. 8.9 Within the City there are also a number of church and graveyard sites many of which are important in that they are active cemetery sites but also contain important archaeological features and structures.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 1 I Chapter 8
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