Kane — The Dun of Drumsna. 329 



the Dun proper (that is to say, the main work across the neck of the 

 peninsula), though in some parts it has been demolished, as also parts of the 

 vallum. But with regard to the line of the outer works at the rear, which 

 enclosed a large space or camping-ground behind the vallum, these can only 

 be now traced for about 440 yards from the Drumsna bend of the Shannon. 

 All the rest is levelled. There can be little doubt, however, that the line 

 continued west past the second gap, and on to where the high levels of 

 Ardanaffrin commence, which would make a further extension of about 

 850 yards, something short of three-quarters of a mile altogether. At about 

 this distance the land rises gradually till it reaches the westerly bend of the 

 river, and here attains a height of about 75 feet above the water-level. All 

 along its northern face this high ground falls steeply, facing Leitrim. As the 



Fig. 2. — Diagrammatic Section at Ardanaffrin. 



Doon approaches this natural escarpment, which retains traces of having been 

 terraced, as indicated on diagram, it is led up to the foot of it with a height of 

 from 12 feet to 20 feet, and a width across the top of from 60 feet to 70 feet. 

 In front, the outer line of fosse and banks runs along its base with an inter- 

 mediate causeway of about 20 feet to 30 feet wide. I have now completed 

 my survey of what I may call the Dun proper, but will add one or two 

 particulars as regards its construction. 



At the eastern terminal, clay was plentiful, and apparently all the mounds 

 are wholly composed of it ; but as we approach a higher level where the 

 modern road from Charlestown to the railway station crosses the line of 

 entrenchments, we find an outcrop of limestone strata which presents a bare 

 surface almost devoid of soil. Across this stony tract, which has given to 

 that locality the name of Leacach na Dun (the stony place of the Dun), the 

 great mound was carried on with quarried stones. These in modern times 

 have been carted off for road-making, leaving here scarcely a vestige of the 

 original pile. Further west on the far side of the modern road less demolition 

 was effected, because as soil became more abundant the vallum was raised in 



