Reconstruction of an ancient Crannog. A Crannog is a settlement located on an artificial island in the middle of the lake designed to offer protection to the inhabitants and their animals. Crannogs date from the Bronze Age. Thatched huts are surrounded by a wooden fence and water. At the entrance is a watchtower overlooking a walkway which gives access to the settlement. The artificial island was created by building up a base consisting of a layers of stones, followed by tree trunks, brush etc. on the lake bed. Wooden pilings held the sructure in place. It was then covered with a layer of earth. The thatched houses were constructed of wattle and mud. In the foreground is a reconstruction of an Iron Age field. Ridges were made to improve drainage and grain and other seeds planted. This Crannog is part of the Craggaunowen Project in County Clare, Ireland