Iron Age Roadway at Corlea Bog

Iron Age Roadway at Corlea Bog

Iron Age Roadway at Corlea Bog

Iron Age Roadway at Corlea Bog

Iron Age Roadway at Corlea Bog

Iron Age Roadway at Corlea Bog

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One of the largest bog trackways in Europe dating from 148 B.C. was discovered in Kenagh, Co. Longford in May 1985 when harvesting machinery uncovered a massive railway line about six feet down in Corlea Bog.
 

Excavation work which commenced in the summer of 1985 has yielded evidence of civilisations and settlements dating back to 5000 B.C.
 

The trackway itself is a marvel to behold. It has been estimated that it would take about 2000 mature oak trees to make one mile of roadway. The trees would have had to be transported across the marshy bogland on men's shoulders.
 

The purpose of the railway remains a great mystery. Scholars have claimed that it was one of the five great roads of Ireland leading to Tara and was therefore built for ceremonial or religious reasons.
 

An Interpretative Centre has been built on the site and a book entitled "Trackways Through Time" by Dr. Barry Raftery gives a complete list of all the artefacts found so far.