26/04/2021
Lissanduff consists of two raths or forts each having two circular earthen banks, the oval-shaped rath to the left is believed to have had the centre lined with non-porous clay to form a deep pool which served as a location for water rituals. The other rath was a fortified settlement. They date to the early bronze age (circa 1500 /2000 BC) and are very significant remains of our ancient past.
During this period of civilization, there were three major influences upon life, belief, and culture, these were the sun, fire, and water. Water, in particular, had reverence and mystery, not only was it life-sustaining it was the only natural source of reflections. In a time of no mirrors, when people had very little idea of what they personally looked like the reflective nature of water had an important connection to the individual.
In traditional mythology, you find other worlds that can be reached by water, through a pool, a lake, or the sea. This idea of water as a gateway between worlds links with boundary-symbolism: water was, at the same time, a barrier between earth and the supernatural world as well as a means to access it. You find lots of stories in our folklore both locally and regionally relating to water and life or the supernatural beyond the surface.
As well as being reflective, you could pass your hand through the surface into what seemed like an unknown world. To pass an axe or other item of personal value through this reflective portal, let it go, and then withdraw your hand back to your world would have been a significant and symbolic act to carry out. Water has and still has this symbolic link through religion, baptism and holy wells are two that are commonly used today.
Lissanduff is a wonderful and mysterious location to visit.
The relatively modern house you see built into one of the raths replaced an older building marked on the 1846 OS map as Lissanduff Cottage, at this time there was very little in Portballintrae apart from the salmon fishery and harbour area.
For more information about the area check my website: www.causewaycoastalroute.com
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