Sheep Shears

Cahercommaun, County Clare

Dramatically sited on the edge of a ravine, the three walled stone fort of Cahercommaun is on the south-east edge of the Burren.

The fort was built during the 9th century AD although there is evidence of settlement dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD.

Cahercommaun was of considerable importance in the area as is seen by the rich quality of objects excavated, including a silver brooch and a padlock. It is possible that the fort was built by the Uí Chormaic, a branch of the Uí Fidgeniti dynasty, which was powerful in the region before the rise of the Dáil Cais in the 9th century AD.

This shears, along with others found at Cahercommaun stone fort convey how integral wool processing was to the economy. The many spindle whorls and pin beaters excavated from here provide further evidence of this aspect of the Medieval economy. The shears is a well-preserved example of the type used during this period.

Ref: E4:64

Cahercommaun Collection
National Museum of Ireland, Irish Antiquities Division Collection
Tools and Equipment Collection

Photograph appears courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland

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