The term crannog' is an ambiguous one, but essentially crannogs are small man-made islands found across Ireland, with examples also in Scotland and one identified in Wales. These islands have been attributed with many different functions from defensive enclaves, to high status residences, to links with fishing and central production areas. Based on field survey, excavations, literary study and interviews, Fredengren presents a detailed study of the people who created, lived on and exploited crannogs from the Mesolithic to the present day. Focusing especially on the region of Lough Gara in northwest Ireland, she explores the ideas behind crannog-building, how the islands were perceived, used and re-used and includes a tight classification and dating scheme for crannogs in this area. Details on the sites surveyed and excavation are provided on a CD.