Dendrochronology and Deer Park Farms

This chapter examines some aspects of the environmental<br/>context for the constructional activity observed at Deer<br/>Park Farms (DPF). This can be done at several levels by<br/>observing what dendrochronology suggests in terms of<br/>environment and environmental change across the period<br/>from around AD 500 to 1000. Looking at the broad sweep<br/>of tree growth across the period, something not previously<br/>attempted, we can make comparisons between tree<br/>growth in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. We can study<br/>abrupt events in the records and draw on information<br/>from other sources in an attempt to paint a picture of the<br/>period against which to view the constructional activity<br/>on the site itself. It is worth remarking that there is no<br/>blueprint for this work. Most of the information used has<br/>only recently been produced and it is largely independent<br/>of conventional history.