Men Who Eat Ringforts was a commission awarded to artist Seán Lynch through our Gaining Ground Public Art Programme.

It was realised in a 64 page publication with extensive colour and black and white images and maps.

Ringforts are Ireland’s most common archaeological monument, liberally spread throughout the countryside. Seen as circular enclosures in the rural landscape, they are often overgrown with trees and bushes, forming an unassuming yet encompassing presence, one grown from habitation, lived life and ritual.

With increasing regularity, the Irish state has sanctioned the destruction of ringforts as part of motorway schemes and infrastructural development.

Sinead Mercier explores the legal and moral implications of such while Michael Holly’s fieldwork with Eddie Lenihan reveals many sites of resonance in County Clare. In addition, extensive aerial imagery and historical maps licensed from Ordnance Survey Ireland detail changes over recent decades to the landscape.

Men Who Eat Ringforts is available to purchase from Askeaton Contemporary Arts