Drystone walls of the Aran Islands

the long version

"Set against the spectacular natural beauty that inspired writers such as Liam O'Flaherty, Mairtin O Direain, J.M. Synge and, more recently, Tim Robinson, the drystone-wall field-boundary system of the Aran Islands is one of Ireland's rich cultural landscapes. A repository of history and heritage, it retains remarkable continuity with the past: the arrival of the Celts, Christianity, invasion and famine, a unique combination of the forces of humankind and nature. However, this landscape is threatened by change." "Mary Laheen examines the many factors that influence the cultural landscape, including topography, geology and political history. Other factors, such as the settlement pattern and the increased amount of wall building during the nineteenth century, which are vital to our understanding of the unique landscape of the Aran Islands, are outlined. Each townland is divided into ceathruna or quarters. The author looks at one specific ceathru, one specific farm within that ceathru and the pattern of landholding and farming practised today in the traditional style." "This book provides a fine template and methodology for landscape study, particularly in an Irish context."--Jacket.