This island provides a link between pre-history and the late medieval history of the area with finds from the Neolithic (flint and pottery), Bronze Age (artificial extension of the island), Early Christian (main Crannog building) & Medieval periods (tower house). Crannogs are artificial islands built up in a series of stones and timber frameworks to provide a secure base for habitation. Often the home or retreat of a lord or king there are 1200 examples throughout Ireland and 347 in Scotland. This one, along with a nearby rath (circular earthwork) is associated with the king of the Ui Fiachragh people who occupied an area south of the River Mourne in the Early Christian period.