Two wrecks found off Irish coast

Near the Connemara coast in the west of Ireland, archaeologists have found two sunken wrecks. The remains belong to vessels from the 18th and 19th centuries respectively. According to the researchers, such a find in this region should not come as a surprise to anyone. The area was in the past famous for its smuggling industry, and many vessels used in this trade have been found on the bottom.

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The older of the wrecks found, dating back to the 18th century, was tracked down and located by a local fisherman in the shallows. It was a great place to anchor and hide from both British and French patrols. According to the findings, the remains of the vessel are in a very poor condition. Even when the water level is low enough, its remains are barely visible from the surface under a load of granite and iron.

In contrast, a vessel dating from the 19th century was found by a local resident on the western side of Ballynakill Harbour on the north-western Connemara coast. It was here that there was a sheltered anchorage overlooking Diamond Hill.

Archaeologist Michael Gibbons says that little is known about the wreck itself and it requires more detailed research. With this, researchers intend to determine more precisely the vessel’s derivation and its history.

The surrounding bays and anchorages played a major role in the maritime history of the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was at this time that the trade route ran through the area, making Connemara the centre of events. This resulted in a large-scale smuggling boom, as well as an expanding network of coastguard stations. Unsurprisingly, some of the smuggled vessels still lie on the seabed, waiting for their discoverers.

Source: irishtimes.com