_The House in the Lake._
In the Irish annals lake dwellings, which were formerly common in
Ireland, are called _crannogs_, from crann, a tree, either because of
the timber framework of which the island was formed or of the wooden
huts erected thereon.
Some _crannogs_ appear to have been veritable islands, the only means
of communication with the land being canoes. Remains of these have
been frequently found near the dwelling, in some instances alongside
the landing stage, as if sunk at their moorings.
"Favourite sites for _crannogs_ were marshes, small loughs surrounded
by woods and large sheets of water. As providing good fishing grounds
the entrance to or exit of a stream from a lake was eagerly
selected."--"Lake Dwellings of Ireland," Col. Wood Martin, M.R.I.A.