Archaeological Excavation Report - E2446 Barnacragh, Co. Galway Digital Report

Eachtra Journal Issue 2 [ISSN 2009-2237] Archaeological Excavation Report E2446 - Barnacragh, Co. Galway Burnt mound

Archaeological Excavation Report, Barnacragh, Co. Galway Burnt mound June 2009 Client: National Roads Design Office, Galway County Council E No.: E2446 Ministerial Order No.: A024 Licensee: John Tierney Written by: Mick Drumm Contact details: John Tierney The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork. Penny Johnston Tel.: 021 470 16 16 Fax: 021 470 16 28 E-mail: info@eachtra.ie Web Site: www.eachtra.ie

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Table of Contents i Summary ............................................................................................................ iv ii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................. iv 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................1 2 Site Location, Topography and Soils ....................................................................1 3 Background to the Development .........................................................................1 4 Archaeological and Historical Background .........................................................2 4.1 Prehistoric period ...............................................................................................2 5 Results of Excavation ...........................................................................................4 5.1 Trough ...............................................................................................................4 5.2 Mound ...............................................................................................................5 5.3 Stake-holes .........................................................................................................5 5.4 Pit 6 5.5 Lithics ................................................................................................................6 5.6 Charred plant remains .......................................................................................6 5.7 Charcoal ...........................................................................................................7 5.8 Radiocarbon dates..............................................................................................7 6 Discussion ...........................................................................................................7 7 Bibliography ........................................................................................................9 7.1 Websites ............................................................................................................11 8 Figures ................................................................................................................12 9 Plates ..................................................................................................................18 10 Appendices .........................................................................................................22 10.1 Appendix 1: Stratigraphic Index .........................................................................23 10.2 Appendix 2: Stratigraphic matrix ......................................................................34 10.3 Appendix 3: Groups and sub-groups text ..........................................................35 10.4 Appendix 4: Lithics ..........................................................................................39 Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ iii

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Table of contents cont. 11.5 Appendix 5: Plant remains ...............................................................................42 10.6 Appendix 6: Charcoal ......................................................................................43 List of Figures Figure 1: Discovery Series OS map showing the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) and the location of all excavation sites..................................... 12 Figure 2: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the 1st edition OS map .................................................................................................... 13 Figure 3: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the RMP map .................................................................................................................. 14 Figure 4: Figure 4: Post-excavation plan of the site at Barnacragh E2446.............................. 15 Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the site at Barnacragh E2446 with details of the trough, the extent of the burnt mound and the associated stake-holes ................................... 16 Figure 6: Illustration of Early Mesolithic needle point (E2446:1:1) ....................................... 17 Figure 7: Illustration of Bronze Age convex end scraper (E2446:5:2) .................................... 17 List of Plates Plate 1: Excavation site within the surrounding landscape, facing north-west ....................... 18 Plate 2: Post-excavation view of the trough (C.6) facing south-east ...................................... 18 Plate 3: Pre-excavation view of burnt mound material (C.5) facing south-east ..................... 19 Plate 4: Pre-excavation view of burnt mound material (C.5) facing east ............................... 19 Plate 5: Post-excavation view of stake-holes and trough (C.6) facing south-east ................... 20 Plate 6: Probable Early Mesolithic needle point from Barnacragh E2446:1:1 (Photo: John Sunderland) ..................................................................................................... 20 Plate 7: Profile of Early Mesolithic needle point from Barnacragh E2446:1:1 (Photo: John Sunderland) ..................................................................................................... 20 Plate 8: Chert convex scraper found in burnt mound deposits at Barnacragh E2446:5:2 (Photo: John Sunderland) ..................................................................................................... 21 Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ iv

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 i Summary The sites excavated at Barnacragh E2446 comprised a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes and a pit. Charcoal yielded an Early Bronze Age date, in common with material from other burnt mound sites nearby. This is one of five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of the new road. The recovery of probable Mesolithic artefacts in secondary contexts is a significant addition to the known distribution of Mesolithic material in Galway. Townland Barnacragh Parish Kilcloony Barony Clonmacmowen County Galway Ministerial Order no. A024 E no. E2446 OS Map Sheet GA87 National Grid Reference 181170 228507 Elevation 70 m OD Site type Burnt mound ii Acknowledgements The licence holder was John Tierney and the field crew included Mick Drumm, Marcella Loughman, David Fallon, Lesley Davidson and Rafal Wolanski. Illustrations are by Ben Blakeman, Lesley Davidson, Enda O’Mahony and Robin Turk. Report compilation was by Anluan Dunne. Specialist analysis was carried out by Farina Sternke, Mary Dillon and the 14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. Artefact photography was by John Sunderland. The project was commissioned by Galway County Council and was funded the National Roads Authority under the National Development Plan (2000-2006). The project archaeologist was Jerry O’Sullivan and the assistant project archaeologist was Martin Jones. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ v

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 1 Introduction This report comprises the final excavation report for a burnt mound found at Barnacragh, Co. Galway during archaeological testing within the lands acquired for the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe dual carriageway road scheme (O’Donoghue et al. 2006). The site comprised a spread of burnt mound material, a trough, stake-holes and a pit. Charcoal from the site yielded an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date. 2 Site Location, Topography and Soils The site was located in the townland of Barnacragh at NGR 181170 228507. The site was situated within an area of flat, low-lying ground surrounded by gently undulating terrain (Plate 1). The solid bedrock is Middle to Upper Carboniferous Limestones, with Calp Limestones predominating in the area of this site. The Quaternary deposits in the region are undulating glacial drift with some post-glacial peat and alluvial deposits. Trial pitting for the Environ- mental Impact Assessment report indicated that the subsoil in the area of this site at Barnac- ragh included both sand and gravel with some clay. The large flat areas of land represents the remains of wetlands and open waters which were reclaimed by drainage works were probably undertaken in the 19th and 20th centuries. The burnt mound was located near an esker, a sand and gravel ridge composed of glaciofluvial sediments that was laid down by rivers formed from glacier meltwater. This esker was aligned east to west and c. 20 m to the north there was a palaeochannel which was filled by peat deposits. As peat accumulated it covered the entire burnt mound which was found at the southern edge of the palaeochannel. The site was located on soils classified as grey brown podzolics, with associat ed brown earths, gleys and basin peat. These soils have a moderately wide use range and are good for cereal, fruit and vegetable cultivation (Gardiner & Radford 1980). 3 Background to the Development The excavation was undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects for Galway County Council and the National Roads Authority and forms part of wider archaeological excavation programme undertaken by Eachtra within approximately 15 km of the proposed N6 Galway to Ballinasloe dual carriageway scheme (Contract 4, Figures 1-3). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 1

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 4 Archaeological and Historical Background 4.1 Prehistoric period Mesolithic material has now been identified from a small number of sites in western Con- nacht and in particular material has been identified on the major river and lake systems. Lough Corrib stands out as a centre of outstanding importance for looking at both Mesolith- ic settlement and the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition (Gibbons et al. 2004). The artefactual location bias suggests that the Lough Corrib catchment area was a population centre in the later Mesolithic period. The finding of a Bann flake at Oranmore confirms that there was a human presence to the east of the Corrib in the late Mesolithic. No definite Mesolithc site has as yet been identified in east Galway but there are flint artefacts that probably date to the Mesolithic from burnt mound sites excavated by Eachtra Archaeological Projects at Barnac- ragh (E2446) and Urraghry (E2449). The Neolithic or new stone age began around 4000 BC when the first farmers came in search of pasture for their livestock and arable land in which to grow their grain. Ireland was then heavily forested so it was necessary for these farmers to engage in forest clearance. This they did with polished stone axeheads hafted in wooden handles. A number of stone axes have been recovered from along the valley of the river Suck and around the Ballinasloe area in general (Henry 1992, 37-38), indicating activity in the area during the Neolithic. The Neolithic period also saw new developments in ritual activity, in particular the building of megalithic tombs. Only seven Neolithic tombs are recorded for the whole of north Galway (as defined by Vol 2 of the Archaeological inventory of Co. Galway), which includes the barony of Clonmacowen, and these are limited to court tombs and wedge tombs (Alcock et al. 1999, 1). There is no published inventory for south Galway. No megalithic tombs are recorded from the area around Balinasloe and Aughrim; the closest concentration is a group of four tombs identified around the limestone plains of Monivea. The erection of large more or less unhewn stones, often in prominent locations, was a wide- spread custom in prehistoric Ireland and elsewhere in western Europe. These take the form of stone circles, stone rows, stone pairs and single or isolated standing stones. Single standing stones may have had a wide variety of uses ranging from route or boundary markers to burial memorials. Two standing stones (RMP GA098:031 and GA087:023) are located around Aughrim, one of which is reputed to be associated with a stone axehead (Alcock et al. 1999, Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 2

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 17). During the Bronze Age metal was extracted and worked for the first time. Bronze Age axes and a dagger have been found in the area round Ballinasloe and a bronze spear head (NMI 1986:19) and dirk (NMI 1986:16) were recovered from the river Suck during drainage opera- tions in the 1880s (information from the National Museum of Ireland Topographical files). Underwater investigation of the site of Correen Ford, on the river Suck, identified a Late Bronze Age sword which was found close to a portion of a pottery vessel, perhaps of the same age (Kelly 1989). Coreen Ford was probably one of the main crossing points on the Suck in prehistory and early history. A variety of burial monuments date to the Bronze Age period, including cairns, tumuli and barrows. A cairn is a mound of stone often used to cover burials, and a tumulus is a mound of earth used for the same purpose. Barrows are burial monuments which usually consist of a circular central area, which may be flat or slightly dished (a ring ditch), or domed (a ring barrow), and which is enclosed by a ditch and occasionally by an external bank. Excavated Bronze Age burials include interments in cists, in pits lined with stone flags, and in simple pits, some of which were accompanied by pottery or other grave goods. These can be placed in tumuli, cairns or barrows, but can also be set within ‘natural’ monuments, such as sand ridges, or can appear in flat cemeteries, with no above ground marker at all (Waddell 1990, 1). A total of 22 cairns and tumuli, 10 isolated cist and pit graves and 31 barrows are known from north Galway (Alcock et al. 1999, 4 & 12). A significant concentration of Early Bronze Age features can be recognised in the area between Athenry, Tuam and Headford; however, very few burials or cairns have been identified in the areas around Ballinasloe and Aughrim. The most common Bronze Age monuments are burnt mounds. They are represented by small mounds of burnt stone, which were fired in order to heat water in a pit dug into a marshy area, the stones being discarded once they had cooled. The function of these monuments has been the source of much debate with various theories being expounded including cooking, washing and relaxation. Two burnt mounds (087:175B and 087:175C) lying in close proxim- ity to each other have been identified in Loughbown townland and two other newly recorded sites at Cooltymurraghy (E2448) and Urraghry (E2449), as well as this site at Barnacragh (E2446), have been excavated during the course of the present excavation programme. A Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 3

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Bronze Age settlement site (E2445) was also excavated in Mackney townland and Bronze Age dates were retrieved from another site in Mackney (E2443). These are important additions to the recorded prehistoric landscape in east Galway. We know almost nothing of Irish Iron Age settlement and burial outside the major complexes of royal ritual sites and a small number of burial sites that may be Iron Age in date. Deficien- cies in our knowledge of the settlements and habitations of ordinary people are so marked that Raftery referred to the majority of the population as the ‘invisible people’ (1994, 112). The majority of the evidence for the Iron Age period consists of finds of La Tène decorated metalwork and some pieces of stone sculpture. Examples of La Tène artefacts/monuments from east Galway include the Turoe Stone located close to Loughrea and a Late La Tène metal artefact found at. Rahally hillfort. This hillfort was excavated along the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinalsoe road (Contract 3) and the evidence indicates settlement in prehistoric and medieval times (Mullins in progress). Iron Age radiocarbon dates were obtained from excavations at an enclosure site at Loughbown 2, also excavated along the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4). However, medieval dates were also obtained from Loughbown 2 and the exact nature of occupation at the site during the Iron Age is uncertain. 5 Results of Excavation This site comprised a trough, the remains of a mound of charcoal-rich material and heat-shattered stone, 69 stake-holes and a shallow pit, all found within an area of excavation measuring c. 255 sq. m (Figures 4 and 5). Full details are available in the stratigraphic index (Appendix 1), the stratigraphic matrix (Appendix 2) and the groups and sub-groups text (Appendix 3). 5.1 Trough The trough (C.6) was found beneath the spread of burnt mound material (C.5). It was cut into an alluvial silt deposit (C.78) and the glacial till (C.2) beneath it. The northern part of the trough was sub-circular and measured 2.39 m long by 2.2 m wide and 0.38 m deep. The total capacity was 1.99 cubic metres. A linear cut extended from the southern part of the trough for a distance of 1.8 m. It was 0.8 m wide and 0.4 m deep. This may have aided emptying the trough after use (Plate 2). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 4

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 The trough was filled by a basal organic layer (C.7) of peaty sediment with some fragmentary timbers. This was overlain by a deposit of charcoal and heat-shattered stone (C.5), which spread beyond the confines of the trough and constituted the main deposit of burnt mound material. The backfill or slump in the trough was overlain by a deposit of peat (C.3) with frequent fibrous root and reed inclusions. This formed naturally when the site was no longer in use and it indicates that the area was often waterlogged. This suggests that the trough was self-filling. 5.2 Mound A spread of charcoal and heat-shattered stone (C.5) measuring 5.8 m by 2.35 m was identified (Plates 3 and 4). This material was a maximum of 0.34 m in height and appeared to be homogenous throughout. There was one find from the mound, a typical Bronze Age convex scraper (E2446:5:2, Appendix 4). The typology of this artefact corresponds to the Bronze Age radiocarbon date that was obtained from this site. There were two isolated shallow, charcoal-rich spreads of heat-shattered stone that were probably a continuation of the main mound. The first spread (C.66) measured 0.5 m in length, 0.46 m in width and 0.2 m in height and it was located 1.5 m to the east of the main mound of material. The second spread (C.89) measured 2.6 m in length, 2.4 m in width and 0.1 m in height and was located 2.5 m north of the trough (C.6). 5.3 Stake-holes There were 69 stake-holes excavated at the site (12 within the trough and 57 under the burnt material to the north-west of the trough). A curvilinear arc of stake-holes was 5 m in length and made up of 57 stake-holes (C.14, C.16, C.18-C.64, C.67, C.70, C.72-74, C.76, C.156, C.157 and C.159). It ran from the trough along the contour line to the north-west (Plate 5). The arc was formed by a central line of vertically placed stake-holes, flanked on either side by supplementary stakes-holes that were angled towards the central stakes. The impression is that the central line needed support. The structure may have been load-bearing, but the stake-holes were very narrow and it may simply have acted as a screen, protecting against the prevailing wind, which required repeated support. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 5

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 The remaining 12 stake-holes (C.76, C.77, C.79, C.80, C.81, C.82, C.83, C.84, C.85, C.86, C.87 and C.88) were found within the trough and they may originally have been supports for holding the lining of the trough in place. 5.4 Pit A shallow circular pit (C.9) was located to the south-west of the trough and the burnt mound. It measured 1.36 m in length, 1.30 m in width and 0.26 m deep and it contained three fills (C.10, C.11 and C.12) but there was no indication of the original function of the pit. 5.5 Lithics The lithics assemblage was examined by Farina Sternke (Appendix 4). It consisted of a flint blade (E2446:1:1) recovered from the topsoil and a chert scraper (E2446:5:2) found in the burnt mound material. These were the only artefacts retrieved from the site. The retouched flint blade (E2446:1:1) was most likely produced using a soft hammer stone. Based on technology and typology it probably dated to the Early Mesolithic period, possibly a slightly anomalous form of a rather broad Early Mesolithic needle point (Plates 6 and 7). The retouched flake (E2446:5:2) was a good example of a typical Bronze Age convex end scraper, the result of a platform technology which used a soft to medium stone on a homogenous, fine-grained black chert (Plate 8). 5.6 Charred plant remains A total of 11 samples from this site were examined by Mary Dillon (Appendix 5). No charred seeds were recovered from the deposits. Poor retrieval is common in samples from burnt mound sites. 5.7 Charcoal Charcoal from this site was identified by Mary Dillon (Appendix 6). A total of six samples were examined and the remains were predominantly hazel followed in descending frequency by ash, alder and oak. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 6

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 5.8 Radiocarbon dates Radiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev5.0.2 (©1986-2005 M.Stuiver & P.J. Reimer) and in conjunction with Stuiver & Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004. Lab. Con- Sam- Material Un-calibrat- 13 C 1 sigma 2 sigma Period code text ple (charcoal) ed date calibrated calibrated date date UB- 5 5 Hazel, 3597+/-35 -27.0 Early 7357 20 frags, BP cal BC cal BC 2115- Bronze 7.75g 2015-1997 2099 Age 1979-1905 2038-1879 1838-1831 6 Discussion Comparatively few burnt mound sites have been excavated in County Galway to date and the excavations dataset for 1970-2003 (www.excavations.ie and Bennett 2006) lists only five excavations in the county. These included one burnt mound at Brackernagh, one at Perssepark and three at Doughiska. There is also a record of a possible burnt mound at Bredagh and a threatened site at Frenchfort that was not excavated as the development was changed to avoid the site. Archaeological inventories for the county list only six examples in west Galway, including one of the excavated examples at Doughiska (Gosling1993) and 17 in the north of the county (Alcock et al. 1999). The inventory for the south of the county is not yet published. Large scale archaeological works such as the N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road scheme (Con- tracts 1-4) demonstrate that these numbers are under-representative: this project involved the excavation of 12 burnt mound sites: at Doughiska, Furzypark, Clogharevaun, Killescragh, Newford, Caraun More, Barnacragh, Urraghry and Cooltymurraghy. The distance between the easternmost burnt mound at Barnacragh and the westernmost site at Doughiska was 47 km and the burnt mounds were spread across almost the entire length of the new road. However, they were concentrated within land covered by Contracts 2, 3 and 4, within areas of low-lying damp ground, a characteristic location for most burnt mound sites. Traditionally these sites have been interpreted as ancient cooking places, where large stones Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 7

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 were heated in fires and then added to the water-filled trough, the extreme heat of the stones eventually heating the water in the trough until it reached boiling point. It could be main- tained at this heat by occasional additions of hot stones. Archaeologists suggest that meat was covered in straw or a similar wrapping and boiled within the trough. Experimental cooking at reconstructed sites such as Ballyvourney (O’Kelly 1954) has demonstrated that this could be achieved quite efficiently. However, the scarcity of animal remains from most excavated burnt mounds (although there are some exceptions) has left the question of function open to debate. Other theories on their use include bathing and dyeing textiles together with the pro- duction of hot water and steam for curative purposes and sweat houses (Ó Drisceoil 1988). All of these suggestions are speculative as there is virtually no conclusive scientific evidence to prove or disprove theories about how the sites were used. This may be partly because the sites that archaeologists describe as burnt mounds were used for several different purposes. We recognise the sites archaeologically by the remains of charcoal and heat shattered stones but as Ó Néill (2004) points out, these are the remains of a technology (the use of hot stones known as ‘pyrolithic technology’), rather than specific indications of the aim of the process. The radiocarbon date from Barnacragh fits in with the Early Bronze Age dates obtained from nearby burnt mound sites at Urraghry E2449 and Cooltymurraghy E2448. The concentration of Early Bronze Age dates is interesting as most dated burnt mound sites have a focus of activity in the Middle to Late Bronze Age (Brindley & Lanting 1990; and see graph of dates in Ó Néill 2004). However, Early Bronze Age dates were returned from four of the nine burnt mound sites excavated along the route of the N25 Kilmacthomas realignment (Tierney in prep.) and a burnt mound sites at Doughiska, Co. Galway yielded a Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age date (Fitzpatrick & Crumlish 2000). The three burnt mound sites at Urraghry, Barnacragh and Cooltymurraghy and other Bronze Age sites at Mackney E2445 and E2443 are found within an area where most of the known monuments date to the historic period (see Figure 3). The results from these sites provide a starting point for an exploration of Bronze Age settlement and landscape use in this part of East Galway. A probable Early Mesolithic stone tool was also found at this site. It was from topsoil and was clearly not associated with the archeology that was excavated at the site. However, it is a notable addition to the record of Mesolithic stone artefacts from the region and the first Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 8

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 such find from east Galway. Mesolithic finds were also found in secondary deposits excavated at Urraghry (E2449), c. 750 m to the west. The potential for Mesolithic activity in the area around Lough Corrib is discussed by Gibbon et al. (2004) and the finds from this site suggest that the area between the river Suck and the river Melehan was also exploited by hunter- gatherers. 7 Bibliography Alcock, O., de hOra, K. and Gosling, P. 1999 Archaeological Inventory of County Galway, Vol. 2 North Galway. Dublin, The Stationery Office. Bennett, I. (ed.) 2006 Excavations 2003. Bray, Wordwell. Brindley, A.L. and Lanting, J.N. 1990 The dating of fulachta fiadh, in Buckley, V. (ed.) Burnt Offerings. International contributions to burnt mound archaeology, 55-56. Dublin, Wordwell. Fitzpatrick, M. and Crumlish, R. 2000 The excavation of three burnt mounds on the outskirts of Galway city, Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 52, 135-143. Gardiner, M.J. and Radford, T. 1980 Soil Associations of Ireland and Their Land Use Potential. Dublin, An Foras Talúntais. Gibbons, M., Gibbons, M. and Higgins, J. 2004 Mapping the Mesolithic in Western Connacht, IQUA Newsletter 32, 4-7. Gosling, P. 1993 Archaeological Inventory of County Galway: Vol. 1 West Galway. Dublin, The Stationery Office. Henry, M. 1992 Prehistoric Life in Co. Galway: A Distributional Analysis, Journal of the Galway Hist and Archaeol Society, Vol. 44 (1992), 29-46. Kelly, E.P. 1989 Ford, in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1989. Bray, Wordwell. Mullins, G. In progress Rahally, in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2006. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 9

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 O’Donoghue, J., Tierney, J. and Doolan, A. 2006 N6 Galway to Ballinasloe test excavations report, Centreline testing 4.0, Contract 4 Cloghagalla Eighter Co. Galway to Beagh, Co. Roscommon. Unpublished report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects submitted to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ó Drisceoil, D. 1988 Burnt mounds: cooking or bathing? Antiquity Vol. 62, 671-680. O’Kelly, M.J. 1954 Excavations and experiments in Irish cooking places, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Vol. 84, 105-156. Ó Néill, J. 2004 Lapidibus in igne calefactis coquebatur: The historical burnt mound ‘tradition’, Journal of Irish Archaeology Vol. XII & XIII (2003-04), 79-86. Raftery, B. 1994 Pagan Celtic Ireland: the enigma of the Irish Iron Age. London, Thames and Hudson. Reimer, P.J., Baillie, M.G.L., Bard, E., Bayliss, A., Beck, J.W., Bertrand, C., Blackwell, P.G., Buck, C.E., Burr, G., Cutler, K.B., Damon, P.E., Edwards, R.L., Fairbanks, R.G., Friedrich, M., Guilderson, T.P., Hughen, K.A., Kromer, B., McCormac, F.G., Manning, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Reimer, R.W., Remmele, S., Southon, J.R., Stuiver, M., Talamo, S., Taylor, F.W., van der Plicht, J. and Weyhenmeyer, C.E. 2004 IntCal04 Terrestrial Radiocarbon Age Calibration, 0–26 Cal Kyr BP, Radiocarbon 46, 1029-1058. Wadddell, J. 2000 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Bray, Wordwell. Stuiver, M., and Reimer, P.J., 1993 Extended (super 14) C data base and revised CALIB 3.0 (super 14) C age calibration program, Radiocarbon 35, 215-230. Tierney, J. In preparation. Excavations along the route of the N25 Kilmacthomas Realignment. 7.1 Websites Database of Irish excavations www.excavations.ie Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 10

N 8 E2446 | A024/33 Figures Barnacragh, Co. Galway E2443 A024/31 Mackney Pits & ditches E2449 A024/36 Urraghy E2442 A024/09 Burnt mound Loughbown I E2447 A024/34 Ringfort & forge Coololla Lime kiln & forge E2444 A024/10 Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ Mackney Ringfort with skeletal remains E2448 A024/35 Cooltymurraghy E2445 A024/32 Burnt mound Mackney Pits E2054 A024/21 E2446 A024/33 Loughbown II Barnacragh Ringfort Burnt mound 0 2km Figure 1: Discovery Series OS map showing the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) and the location of all excavation sites ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 11

E2446 | A024/33 E2449 A024/36 Urraghy Burnt mound E2442 A024/09 Loughbown I Barnacragh, Co. Galway Ringfort & forge E2447 A024/34 Coololla Lime kiln & forge Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ E2448 A024/35 Cooltymurraghy Burnt mound E2054 A024/21 Loughbown II E2446 A024/33 Ringfort Barnacragh Burnt mound Figure 2: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the 1st edition OS map ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 12

E2446 | A024/33 E2442 A024/09 Loughbown I Ringfort & forge E2443 A024/31 Mackney E2447 A024/34 Pits & ditches Coololla Lime kiln & forge E2449 A024/36 Urraghy Burnt mound E2444 A024/10 Barnacragh, Co. Galway E2448 A024/35 Mackney Cooltymurraghy Ringfort with skeletal remains Burnt mound E2445 A024/32 E2054 A024/21 Mackney Loughbown II Pits Ringfort E2446 A024/33 Barnacragh Burnt mound Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ nd nal lly gher rthwork ld system rial Ground/Graveyard clesiastical Site/Holy well Figure 3: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the RMP map stle/Tower ne Group/Inscibed Stone gfort ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 13 closure tte nument 0 Km 2 Km

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 181155 181160 181165 181170 228525 228525 228525 228525 181175 228525 N 181175 228520 Straightened Paleochannel C.89 Burnt Mound 181175 228515 C.6 Trough C.6 181175 228510 C.5 Burnt Mound C.9 181175 Pit 228505 Key 181175 228500 Stake-holes 1m 0 5m Figure 4: Post-excavation plan of the site at Barnacragh E2446 Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 14

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 N 81 76 80 87 82 79 77 83 84 C.6 88 Trough 85 86 63 62 70 61 40 156 41 60 73 64 74 57 72 56 67 58 59 C.5 Burnt Mound 55 54 159 53 157 52 51 50 49 47 48 45 46 44 42 43 16 14 39 34 d in 35 gW 37 33 in 31 ail 38 36 30 21 ev 29 Pr 28 22 24 18 26 25 27 23 19 20 50 cm 0 1m Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the site at Barnacragh E2446 showing close up of the trough, the extent of the burnt mound and the associated stake-holes Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 15 C.9

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 E2446:1:1 Flint Blade Figure 6: Illustration of Early Mesolithic needle point (E2446:1:1) y Lithics. E2446:5:2 Chert Scraper Figure 7: Illustration of Bronze Age convex end scraper (E2446:5:2) E2446:1:1 Flint Blade Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 16

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 9 Plates Plate 1: Excavation site within the surrounding landscape, facing north-west Plate 2: Post-excavation view of the trough (C.6) facing south-east Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 17

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Plate 3: Pre-excavation view of burnt mound material (C.5) facing south-east Plate 4: Pre-excavation view of burnt mound material (C.5) facing east Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 18

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Plate 5: Post-excavation view of stake-holes and trough (C.6) facing south-east Plate 6: Probable Early Mesolithic needle point from Barnacragh E2446:1:1 (Photo: John Sunderland) Plate 7: Profile of Early Mesolithic needle point from Barnacragh E2446:1:1 (Photo: John Sunderland) Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 19

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Plate 8: Chert convex scraper found in burnt mound deposits at Barnacragh E2446:5:2 (Photo: John Sunderland) Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 20

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10 Appendices Appendix 1 Stratigraphic index Appendix 2 Stratigraphic matrix Appendix 3 Groups and sub-groups text Appendix 4 Lithics report Appendix 5 Plant remains report Appendix 6 Charcoal identification Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 21

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.1 Appendix 1: Stratigraphic Index Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 1 Site N/A Topsoil Covers entire site. Light brown, firmly compacted No samples taken. clayey silt. 20% fibrous roots and frequent coarse pebble, various shapes. 2 Site N/A Subsoil Beneath all features. Light whitish grey, indurated, No samples taken. silty sand with frequent angular and sub-angular medium pebble inclusions. 3 Site 5 Peaty deposit 2.20 x 1.90 x 0.12 Mid brown, spongy, silty peat. SS07 Frequent fibrous root and reed and occasional coarse pebble inclusions. Overlays (005), underlays (001). 4 Site 5 Colluvium Covers the N half of Mid greyish brown, firmly No samples taken. the site compacted, clayey, sandy, silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebble inclusions of various lithologies. Occasional root fibre inclusions. Overlays (002), underlays (090). 5 0N/5E burnt mound 2.35 x 5.80 x 0.34 Dark bluish black, softly com- SS09 material pacted, clayey, silt with frequent deposit charcoal inclusions. 20% sub- angular, heat effected large stones. Overlays (007), (008), underlays (003). Main mound deposit. 6 0N/15E Cut of trough 2.46 x 2.39 x 0.38 Sub circular trough. Break of slope top gradual at S, W, SE, NW; sharp at N, E, NE, SE. Sides stepped at N, Concave at S, smooth at E and W. Break of slope base sharp at E, NE; gradual at W, SE, NW and imperceptible N, S. Flat base sloping down to SW. Filled by (008), (007), (005), (003). 7 0N/15E 2, 3 Fill of trough 0.84 x 0.50 x 0.12 Mid brown, firmly compacted, SS01 [006]. clayey silt with moderate root inclusions. 8 S half of 2, 3 Alluvial 2.60 x 2.20 x 0.40 Light brown, firmly compacted, SS05 site deposit clayey silt with moderate, medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 9 05N/05E Cut of pit 1.36 x 1.30 x 0.26 Sub-circular pit. Break of slope No samples taken. top sharp, sides smooth, break of slope base sharp. Filled by (010), (011), (012) 10 05N/05E Fill of pit [009] 1.36 x 1.30m x 0.13 Mid reddish brown, firmly No samples taken. compacted peat. No inclusions. Overlays (011), underlays (001). 11 05N/05E Fill of pit [009] 1.36 x 1.30m x 0.02 Dark, greyish black, very soft, No samples taken. clayey silt with moderate small angular stone inclusions. Overlays (012), underlays (010). 12 05N/05E Fill of pit [009] 1.36 x 1.30m x 0.11 Mid grey, soft clay. No inclusions. No samples taken. Overlays [009], underlays (011). 13 0N/15E 5 burnt mound 1.90 x 0.65 x 0.08 Very, dark brown, charcoal rich No samples taken. deposit clayey silt. 25-30% charcoal flecks. Overlays (008), underlays (001). 14 0N/10E 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.02 0.15 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, pointed base. Filled by (015). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 22

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 15 0N/10E 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.02 0.15 Mid greyish brown, soft silty SS02 hole [014] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions. 16 0N/10E 5 Cut of stake- 2.75 x 1.5 x 0.10 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, pointed base. Filled by (017). 17 5 Fill of stake- 2.75 x 1.5 x 0.10 Mid grey, soft, sandy silt with SS03 hole [016] moderate pebble inclusions. 18 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.05 x 0.21 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, pointed base. Filled by (094). 19 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.05 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (095). 20 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 14 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (096). 21 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 14 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (097). 22 5 Cut of stake- 0.08 x 0.06 0.29 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NNE of base at 50°. Filled by (098). 23 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.05 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (099). 24 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.04 x 0.08 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top N of base at 70°. Filled by (100). 25 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.08 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top E of base at 40°. Filled by (101). 26 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.20 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NE of base at 60°. Filled by (102). 27 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.09 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top N of base at 60°. Filled by (103). 28 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.18 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top E of base at 50°. Filled by (104). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 23

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 29 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.25 x 0.18 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NNW of base at 85°. Filled by (105). 30 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.05 x 0.24 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (106). 31 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 0.05 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (107). 32 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (108). 33 5 Cut of stake- 0.45 x 0.4 x 0.17 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NNW of base at 80°. Filled by (109). 34 5 Cut of stake- 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.14 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (110). 35 5 Cut of stake- 0.3 x 0.4 x 0.13 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top N of base at 70°. Filled by (111). 36 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.17 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NE of base at 75°. Filled by (112). 37 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.32 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (113). 38 5 Cut of stake- 0.07 x 0.06 x 0.20 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NE of base at 65° Filled by (114). 39 5 Cut of stake- 0.06 x 0.04 x 0.18 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NNE of base at 85°. Filled by (115). 40 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (143) 42 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.03 x 0.10 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (116). 43 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.09 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (117). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 24

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 44 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.15 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (118). 45 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.08 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NNW of base at 80° Filled by (119). 46 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.14 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NE of base at 75° Filled by (120). 47 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.12 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NE of base at 85° Filled by (121). 48 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.05 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (122). 49 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.05 x 0.07 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (123). 50 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.13 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NE of base at 45°. Filled by (124). 51 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.17 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top S of base at 45°. Filled by (124). 52 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.12 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top SE of base at 70°. Filled by (126). 53 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.03 x 0.19 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top N of base at 80°. Filled by (127). 54 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top S of base at 80°. Filled by (128). 56 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top SSW of base at 70°. Filled by (130). 57 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.14 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top SSW of base at 70°. Filled by (131). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 25

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 58 5 Cut of stake- 0.09 x 0.03 x 0.19 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Pointed base. Top NW of base at 70°. Filled by (075). 59 5 Cut of stake- 0.06 x 0.03 x 0.22 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Pointed base. Top NNE of base at 80°.Filled by (133). 60 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.02 x 0.06 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Pointed base. Top S of base at 85°. Filled by (134). 61 5 Cut of stake- 0.07 x 0.06 x 0.11 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Pointed base. Top S of base at 85°. Filled by (135). 62 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Filled by (136). 63 5 Cut of stake- 0.08 x 0.05 x 0.14 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible, round tapered base. Top NNW of base at 45°. Filled by (137). 64 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.10 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Pointed base. Filled by (069). 65 5 burnt mound 1.42 x 1.0 x 0.12 Mid bluish grey, firm, silty, sandy CS06 deposit clay. Frequent heat effected, angular stone inclusions. 15% charcoal fleck inclusions. 66 5 burnt mound 0.46 x 0.50 x 0.20 Dark black spongy, sandy peat SS08 deposit with frequent angular and sub-angular small stone inclusions. 67 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.09 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered pointed base. Filled by (068). 68 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.09 Light yellowish grey, firm sandy SS011 hole [067]. clay with occasional angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. 69 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.09 Light yellowish grey, firm sandy SS011 hole [064]. clay with occasional angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. 70 5 Cut of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.12 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered pointed base. Filled by (071). 71 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.12 Mid greenish grey, very soft clay SS011 hole [070] with occasional angular and sub- angular fine and medium pebbles. 72 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.04 x 0.12 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Pointed base. Top W of base at 50°. Filled by (140). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 26

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 73 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.20 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Round tapered base. Top NNW of base at 50°. Filled by (141). 74 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.20 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Round tapered base. Top NE of base at 50°. Filled by (142). 75 5 Fill of stake- 0.09 x 0.03 x 0.19 Mid greenish grey, soft clay with SS013 hole [058]. occasional angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. 76 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.10 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (091). Cuts [006]. 77 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.10 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (092). Cuts [006]. 79 5 Cut of stake- 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (147). Cuts [006]. 80 5 Cut of stake- 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (148). Cuts [006]. 81 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.12 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (149). Cuts [006]. 82 5 Cut of stake- 0.08 x 0.04 x 0.16 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (146). Cuts [006]. 83 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.05 x 0.10 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (150). Cuts [006]. 84 5 Cut of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.09 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (151). Cuts [006]. 85 5 Cut of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.12 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (152). Cuts [006]. 86 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.05 0.10 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (153). Cuts [006]. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 27

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 87 5 Cut of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.11 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (154). Cuts [006]. 88 5 Cut of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 0.08 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (145). Cuts [006]. 89 5 burnt mound 2.40 x 2.60 x 0.10 Dark bluish black, softly com- No samples taken. deposit pacted, clayey, silt with frequent charcoal inclusions. 20% sub-angular, heat effected large stones. 90 S half of 5 Peat deposit S half of site Mid brown sandy peat with occa- No samples taken. site sional sub-angular stone inclusions. Occasional root fibres and black reed inclusions. Overlays (004), underlays (001). 91 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.10 Dark grey sandy silt. Occasional SS16 hole [076] angular and sub-angular medium stone inclusions. 92 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.15 Dark grey, firm , sandy silt with SS17 hole [077] moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebble inclusions and frequent peat inclusions. 94 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.05 x 0.21 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [018] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 95 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.05 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [019] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 96 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 14 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [020] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 97 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 14 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [021] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 98 5 Fill of stake- 0.08 x 0.06 0.29 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [022] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 99 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.05 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [023] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 100 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.04 x 0.08 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [024] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 101 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.08 Mid grey, soft, sandy silt with No samples taken. hole [025] moderate pebble inclusions. 102 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.20 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [026] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 103 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.09 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [027] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 28

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 104 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.18 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [028] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 105 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.25 x 0.18 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [029] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 106 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.05 x 0.24 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [030] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 107 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 0.05 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [031] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 108 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [032] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 109 5 Fill of stake- 0.45 x 0.4 x 0.17 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [033] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 110 5 Fill of stake- 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.14 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [034] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 111 5 Fill of stake- 0.3 x 0.4 x 0.13 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [035] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 112 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.17 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [036] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 113 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.32 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [037] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 114 5 Fill of stake- 0.07 x 0.06 x 0.20 Mid grey, soft, sandy silt with No samples taken. hole [038] moderate pebble inclusions. 115 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x 0.04 x 0.18 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [039] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 116 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.03 x 0.10 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [042] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 117 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.09 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [043] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 118 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.15 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [044] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 119 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.08 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [045] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 29

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 120 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.14 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [046] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 121 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.12 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [047] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 122 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.05 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [048] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 123 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.05 x 0.07 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [049] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 124 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.13 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [050] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 125 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.17 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [051] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 126 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.12 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [052] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 127 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.03 x 0.19 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [053] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 128 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [054] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 130 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [056] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 131 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.14 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [057] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 133 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x 0.03 x 0.22 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [059] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 134 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.02 x 0.06 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [060] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 135 5 Fill of stake- 0.07 x 0.06 x 0.11 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [061] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 136 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [062] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 137 5 Fill of stake- 0.08 x 0.05 x 0.14 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [063] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 30

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 138 5 Fill of stake- 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.10 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [064] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 140 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.04 x 0.12 Light yellowish grey, firm sandy No samples taken. hole [072] clay with occasional angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. 141 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.20 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [073] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 142 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.20 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [074] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 143 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.06 Mid greyish brown, soft silty No samples taken. hole [040] clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebble inclusions 145 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x0.06 x0.08 Greenish grey, firm clayey silt No samples taken. hole [088] with occasional medium pebble inclusions. 146 5 Fill of stake- 0.08 x 0.04 x 0.16 Mid grey, firm sandy silt. 30% No samples taken. hole [082] large roots. 147 5 Fill of stake- 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [079] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 148 5 Fill of stake- 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [080] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 149 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.12 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [081] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 150 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.05 x 0.10 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [083] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 151 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.09 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [084] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 152 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.12 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [085] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 153 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.05 0.10 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [086] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 154 5 Fill of stake- 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.11 Dark grey, firm sandy silt. Oc- No samples taken. hole [087] casional medium, angular and sub-angular pebble inclusions. 155 5 Fill of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.09 Greenish grey, firm clayey silt No samples taken. hole [156] with occasional medium pebble inclusions. 156 5 Cut of stake- 0.05 x 0.04 x 0.09 Oval stake-hole. Break of slope top hole. sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Round tapered base. Filled by (155). 157 5 Cut of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.05 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (158) 158 5 Fill of stake- 0.02 x 0.02 x 0.05 Greenish grey, firm clayey silt No samples taken. hole [157] with occasional medium pebble inclusions. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 31

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Environmental C. No. Area/G.S. Dwg. No. Type Dimensions (metres) Description material 159 5 Cut of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.08 Circular stake-hole. Break of slope hole. top sharp, smooth sides, break of slope base imperceptible. Tapered rounded base. Filled by (160) 160 5 Fill of stake- 0.03 x 0.03 x 0.08 Greenish grey, firm clayey silt No samples taken. hole [160] with occasional medium pebble inclusions. SS = Soil sample [ ] = Cut ( ) = Fill Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 32

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.2 Appendix 2: Stratigraphic matrix Please see attached CD for Startigraphic Matrix Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 33

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.3 Appendix 3: Groups and sub-groups text 10.3.1 Group 1 Burnt mound This group describes the deposits of burnt mound material, forming an elongated oval mound of charcoal-rich burnt and heat-shattered stone. Deposits of burnt stone C.5, C.66, C.89 Description: The oval mound of charcoal rich burnt and heat shattered stone was found to be homogenous throughout. The mound was composed of discarded heat shattered limestone, sandstone and quartzite. The condition of the discarded stone in the mound varied from very fragmentary and granular in character to larger, less fragmentary chunks and near complete water rolled and rounded stones. The main spread of charcoal and heat-shattered stone was C.5, which measures 5.8 m north to south by 2.35 m east to west. The mound was a maximum of 0.34 m in height. There was one find from the mound, a typical Bronze Age convex scraper. The typology of this artefact corresponds to the Bronze Age radiocarbon date that was obtained from this site. Spread C.66 measured 0.5 m in length, 0.46 m in width and 0.2 m in height and it was located 1.5 m to the east of the main mound of material C.5. A second spread, C.89, consisted of a sub-circular mound of charcoal rich burnt and heat shattered stone and was present in the eastern part of the excavated area. It measured 2.6 m in length, 2.4 m in width and 0.1 m in height and was located 2.5 m north of the trough (C.6). Both spreads are likely to have been a continuation of the main mound. Interpretation: The mound of burnt and heat shattered stone is essentially the discarded by-product or waste material of a technology which used hot stones to heat water. The size of the mound is an indication that many successive episodes of heating of stone took place. As no stratigraphic sequence was visible in the mound material it is thought that the mound was created through a continuous sequence of use. A glacially derived esker (a long, narrow ridge of coarse gravel deposited by a stream flowing in or under a decaying glacial ice sheet) located 35 m south of the burnt mound is thought to be the most likely source for the stones used in the heating process. The esker has been utilised as a quarry in recent times and large quantities of stone resembling the more intact examples from the mound were present close to the surface of the esker. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 34

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.3.2 Group 2 Trough This group describes the shallow sub circular trough found beneath the mound of stone. Cut C.6, Fills C.3, C.5, C.7, C.8 Description: The trough C.6 was composed of two elements; a shallow circular northern part and a lower southern linear part. Overall the trough measured 3.85 m NE to SW by 2.39 m NW to SE. The entire trough was situated beneath the mound of burnt shattered stone. The northern circular part which measured 2.39 m NW to SE by 2.2 m NE to SW and was 0.38m deep contained a number of stake-holes (See subgroup 1.3). The lower and southern part of the trough extended in a linear fashion for a distance of 1.8 m NE to SW and was 0.8 m in width and a maximum of 0.4 m deep. The trough was filled by four deposits (C.3, C.5, C.7 and C.8). C.3 was a deposit of peat that accumulated at the top of the trough after it was no long in use. The other three deposits were clayey silts that probably accumulated gradually after final use of the trough. Interpretation: The lower part of the trough may have functioned as an outlet channel when the heated water in the upper circular trough was being emptied. Where this the lower southern part or outlet channel met with the more circular northern part of the trough, a number of poorly preserved timber fragments were noted. It is felt that the northern circular part of the trough was used for retaining and heating a volume of water. A circular superstructure may have been present here (See subgroup 1.3). Poorly preserved timber fragments were noted at the junction of the circular and linear components of the trough. It is thought that this represents the remains of a sluice mecha- nism for retaining and releasing water into the lower part of the trough. The lower part of the trough is thought to have functioned as an outflow channel to release water down slope towards the stream. During a period of heavy rainfall during the excavation the upper circular part of the trough was observed to be free draining with the lower possible outflow channel retaining water. 10.3.3 Group 3 Stake-holes A total of 12 stake-holes were located within the trough and 57 more were located under the mound and outside the trough in a linear arrangement extending to the west. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 35

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.3.3.1 Stake-holes within trough Cuts C.76, C.77, C.79, C.80, C.81, C.82, C.83, C.84, C.85, C.86, C.87, C.88, Fills C.91, C.92, C.145, C.146, C.147, C.148, C.149, C.150, C.151, C.152, C.153, C.154 Description: Twelve stake-holes were present within the trough, (C.76, C.77, C.79, C.80, C.81, C.82, C.83, C.84, C.85, C.86, C.87 and C.88). These were situated towards the sides of the trough. All stake-holes contained a similar dark grey sand silt fill. Two stake-holes situated in the west of the trough, C.84 and C.77, were deeper and wider than the other stake-holes present within the trough. They were situated on either side of the entrance to the linear projection which ran to the SW. The remainder of the stake-holes were present in an arc along the north and north- western side of the trough Interpretation: The stake-holes may have been used to support a wooden lining to the trough. They may also have been used to support wooden stakes onto which cloth or leather was fastened. The lining may have been composed of a wattle with clay or moss caulking. This type of structure would have allowed the hot stones to have been placed around the edges of the trough and heated the water inside the superstructure whilst keeping the hot stones outside. No evidence of clay or moss was uncovered. 10.3.3.2 Other stake-holes Cuts C.14, C.16, C.18, C.19, C.20-C.64, C.67, C.72-74, C.76, C57, C.159, Fills C.17, C.68, C.71, C.75, C.93-C.123, C.125- C.138, C.140-C.144, C.155, C.158 and C.160. Description: The 56 stake-holes, (C.14, C.16, C.18, C.19, C.20-64, C.67, C.70, C.72-74, C.76, C.156, C.157 and C.159) which represent this subgroup extend from the north-western edge of the trough for a distance of 5 m to the north-west. They contain similar fills and are all of a similar depth. The orientation of top to base displays some variation. This variation appears to correspond to a pattern. This pattern was observed to be that a centrally placed stake-hole had a stake-hole on either side. The central stake-hole was vertical with the stake- holes on either side angled towards the central stake-hole. Interpretation: It is thought that all of the stake-holes, in this subgroup, form part of the same structure or groups of structures. The stake-holes may represent the remains of a drying rack or windbreak. The method of construction appears to be to support a load bearing linear structure. The arrangement was of vertical central stake-holes ‘buttressed’ by a stake- hole to either side. The load bearing capacity of this arrangement goes beyond the ordinary requirements of a windbreak. In addition to this, the work to create a windbreak using a woven hurdle work construction (rods and sails) technique would have been made difficult if not impossible by the presence of the angled stakes on either side of the central uprights. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 36

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Although the structure may represent a windbreak it is it is more likely that these features represent the remains of a drying rack. 10.3.4 Group 4 Shallow circular Pit This group describes a shallow circular pit. Pit C.9, Fills C.10, C.11, C.12 Description: This was a shallow circular pit 1.31 m in diameter and a maximum of 0.13 m in depth. It was located 2 m to the NW of the NW-SE running linear arrangement of stake- holes (See subgroup 1.4). The pit contained three fills. The lower fill (C.10) was a red brown peat deposit. The middle fill (C.12) was a mid grey clay with no inclusions. The upper fill (C.11) was a dark grey black silt which contained occasional fragments of burnt stone. This cut of the shallow circular pit is very regular. Interpretation: The pit C.9 is thought to be a shallow lined pit. The function of this pit in unclear. The upper fill of the pit contains fragments of heat shattered stone, the lowest pit fill is very peaty in nature and may represent a lining of some kind. It is thought to be con- temporary with or later in date than the burnt mound. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 37

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.4 Appendix 4: Lithics By Dr. Farina Sternke, MA, PhD, Department of Archaeology, University College Cork 10.4.1 Introduction Two lithic finds from the archaeological investigations along the route of the N6 Galway- Ballinasloe Road at Barnacragh, Co. Galway, were presented for analysis. These are associated with the remains of a Bronze Age fulacht fiadh. 10.4.2 Methodology All lithic artefacts were examined visually and catalogued using Microsoft Excel. The follow- ing details were recorded for each artefact: context information, raw material type, artefact type, the presence of cortex, artefact condition, length, with and thickness measurements, fragmentation and the type of retouch (where applicable). The technological criteria recorded are based on the terminology and technology presented in Inizan et al. 1999. The general typological and morphological classifications are based on Woodman et al. 2006. Find Matrial Type Cortex Length Width Thickness (mm) (mm) (mm) 1:1 Flint Re-touched No 44 14 5 5:2 Chert Scraper Yes 30 19 10 Find no. Retouch 1:1 proximal, distal and left edge inverse 5:2 distal and left edge direct semi-abrupt 10.4.3 Quantification The lithics are one worked flint (E2446:1:1) and one chert artefact (E2446:5:2) (Table 1). 10.4.4 Provenance The artefacts were recovered from the topsoil (E2446:1:1) and the burnt mound material (C5) (E2446:5:2) associated with the fulacht fiadh. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 38

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.4.5 Condition The lithics survive in patinated (E2446:1:1) and fresh (E2446:5:2) complete condition. 10.4.6 Technology/Morphology The artefacts represent a modified blade and flake. The blade (E2446:1:1) was most likely produced using a soft hammer stone, while the flake (E2446:5:2) is the result of a platform technology which used a soft to medium stone on a homogenous, fine-grained black chert. 10.4.7 Retouched Artefacts Both artefacts are retouched. Artefact (E2446:1:1) is retouched at its proximal and distal end as well as its left edge inverse at a low angle. This artefact resembles some known very slim examples of Neolithic leaf-shaped arrowheads (see Woodman et al. 2006, 130) and could represent a preform of the same. However, the fact that this blade does not show any bifacial retouch and would have been extremely slim when finished contradicts this identification. The well-developed patination and lustred surface suggest that is has been exposed to the elements for a long time and might therefore be older. It is possible that it represents a slightly anomalous form of a rather broad Early Mesolithic needle point (see Woodman et al. 2006, 114). The type and location of the retouch would support this identification. The retouched chert flake (E2446:5:2) represent a very nice example of a typical convex end scraper. 10.4.8 Dating The retouched blade most likely dates to the Early Mesolithic based on its technology and typology, while the convex end scraper is not out of place in a Bronze Age context. 10.4.9 Conservation Lithics do not require specific conversation, but should be stored in a dry, stable environment. Preferably, each lithic should be bagged separately and contact with other lithics should be avoided, so as to prevent damage and breakage, in particular edge damage which could later be misinterpreted as retouch. Larger and heavier items are best kept in individual boxes to avoid crushing of smaller assemblage pieces. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 39

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.4.10 Discussion The lithic finds from the archaeological investigations at Barnacragh, Co. Galway, along the route of the N6 Galway-Ballinasloe Road are a possible Early Mesolithic needlepoint and chert convex end scraper. The latter is clearly associated with the Bronze Age fulacht fiadh, while the needlepoint which was recovered from the topsoil most likely represents a remnant of an Early Mesolithic presence in the area. Early Mesolithic settlement in the Midlands is well-represented through the excavated site at Lough Boora, Co. Offaly (Ryan 1978). Early Mesolithic material, albeit in secondary context, was also recovered 1km to the west at Ur- raghry, Co. Galway (Sternke 2006). 10.4.11 Recommendations for Illustration Retouched Blade (E2446:1:1) Scraper (E2446:5:2) 10.4.12 Bibliography Inizan, M.-L., M. Reduron-Ballinger, H. Roche and J. Tixier 1999. Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone 5. CREP, Nanterre. Ryan, M. 1978. Lough Boora Excavations. An Taisce Journal 2 (1) Sternke, F. 2006. Lithic Report for the Excavation at E2449 Urraghry, Co. Galway. N6 Galway-Ballinasloe Road Project. Unpublished Report. Eachtra Archaeological Projects, Cork. Woodman, P. C., Finlay, N. and E. Anderson 2006. The Archaeology of a Collection: The Keiller-Knowles Collection of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland Monograph Series 2. Wordwell, Bray. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 40

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 11.5 Appendix 5: Plant remains analysis By Mary Dillon 10.5.1 Introduction Eleven samples were submitted for plant remains analysis from the excavation of a burnt mound site at Barnacragh E2446, Co. Galway. 10.5.2 Methodology Bulk soil samples were collected on site and were processed post-excavation using a simple flotation method. Each sample was saturated in water to allow the carbonised plant material to float. This was then poured off into a series of sieves (1 mm and 250 µm), trapping the ‘flot’ (floating material), which was air-dried and stored in air-tight plastic bags. The flots were sort- ed and scanned for plant material and charcoal using a low-powered binocular microscope (magnification x 10 to x 40). Nomenclature and taxonomic orders follows Stace (1997). 10.5.3 Results None of the samples produced plant remains. 10.5.4 Discussion and Conclusion The lack of plants remains from this site is not altogether surprising. Burnt mounds and troughs, although commonly excavated, have yielded practically no plant remains (Penny Johnston, pers. comm.). 10.5.5 References Stace, C.A. 1997 New Flora in the British Isles (2nd edition), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 41

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.6 Appendix 6: Charcoal analysis By Mary Dillon 10.6.1 Introduction Site E2446 is located in the townland of Barnacragh, Co. Galway. The site comprised a spread of burnt mound material, a trough, stake-holes and a pit. Charcoal from the site yielded an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date. This report deals with the charcoal retrieved from the site and looks at the information produced on environment and selective use of wood types. 10.6.2 Methodology Bulk soil samples were collected on site and were processed post-excavation using a simple flotation method. Each sample was saturated in water to allow the carbonised plant material to float. This was then poured off into a series of sieves (1 mm and 250 µm), trapping the ‘flot’ (floating material). This was air-dried and stored in air-tight plastic bags. The flots were sort- ed and scanned for plant material and charcoal using a low-powered binocular microscope (magnification x 10 to x 40). All charcoal fragments of 2 mm or greater were identified. Each fragment was prepared for microscopic examination by fracturing it by hand and thereby exposing a clean surface along transverse, radial and tangential planes. All three planes were examined at a range of magnifications (x 5 to x 100) under a Nikon stereo microscope. For reference literature the website ‘wood anatomy’ was consulted. The number and weight of fragments were recorded for each charcoal type. 10.6.3 Results In all, 168 charcoal fragments were identified from six samples. In Figs 1 and 2 percentage frequencies of the various charcoal types based on fragment count and dry weight, respectively, are shown. The most frequent charcoal type overall is hazel at 49% or 46% by weight. This is followed in descending frequency by ash 33% / 28%, alder 15% / 24% and oak 3% / 2%. When considered on a weight basis the results change slightly (Fig. 2). Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 42

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 10.6.4 Discussion Burnt mounds are a common feature of the Irish landscape. Charcoal analysis from burnt mounds excavated along the Gas Pipeline to the West demonstrates that a range of trees were gathered as firewood, particularly alder (Alnus glutinosa), hazel (Corylus avellana), oak (Quercus spp.) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) (O’Donnell 2005). O’Donnell’s studies imply that the same wood types were used as fuel in burnt mounds across the country, which suggests that a selection process of some kind was in place. These trees were also common at Kiltotan Colinstown burnt mound in Co. Westmeath (Dillon 2006) and nearby burnt mound sites at Cooltymurraghy E2448 and Urraghy E2449 (Dillon 2007a, 2007b). The assemblage from Barnacragh was a typical burnt mound assemblage, although hazel dominated to the detri- ment of oak. This is in slight contrast to the nearby burnt mound at Urraghry where all wood types were equally represented. Hazel was the most common wood type in the Barnacragh assemblage. It was widely exploited in both prehistory and historical times for its nutritious nuts and supple rods which were widely used for building. Its coppice-like growth form makes it relatively easy to cut and there are normally substantial quantities of dead wood available near ground level for fuel wood. A pollen diagram from Mongon Bog, near Clonmacnoise in Co. Offaly, (Parkes & Mitchell, 2000) indicates that during the Bronze Age hazel was one of the most prominent trees. Ash was the second most common wood type. It makes great fuel, burned green or dead, and this may have influenced its selection. According to the pollen diagram it was readily available in the locality. Alder was the third most common wood type. Alder is quite common in the Parkes & Mitchell diagram (2000), but was probably largely confined to damp/wet areas. Given that burnt mounds are often suggested as places where dyeing may have been carried out (Waddell 1998, 177), it is interesting to note that alder bark and catkins were used to make a black dye in the past. This could be a reason for the abundance of alder wood that is associated, not just with this particular site, but with burnt mounds countrywide Oak made up just a small percentage of the assemblage. It is slow burning and gives out substantial heat as it burns which would have made it a natural choice for a fire. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 43

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Fig. 1 Percentage fragment frequency of wood types from Barnacragh. Fig. 2 Percentage weight of wood types from Barnacragh. 10.6.5 Summary The charcoal assemblage from Barnacragh was a typical burnt mound assemblage, albeit with a majority of hazel and only a small amount of oak. It was probably made up of wood gathered from the locality. Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 44

E2446 | A024/33 Barnacragh, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Table 1 Fragment C5, S5 C7, S4 C5, S14 C5, S9 C65, S6 C66, S8 Total count Oak 1 1 3 5 Ash 8 1 18 15 12 2 56 Hazel 20 1 15 21 25 82 Alder 12 3 5 5 25 Weight in C5, S5 C7, S4 C5, S14 C5, S9 C65, S6 C66, S8 Total grams Oak 0.130 0.2 0.17 0.500 Ash 1.150 0.005 3.51 1.75 1.01 0.08 7.505 Hazel 7.750 0.005 1.73 1.68 1.3 12.465 Alder 5.720 0.14 0.17 0.36 6.390 10.6.7 References Dillon M. 2006 Analysis of charcoal assemblages from Kiltoton Collinstown 12. Unpublished report produced for Eachtra Archaeological Projects. Dillon M. 2007a. Analysis of a charcoal assemblage from Cooltymurraghy E2448, Co. Galway. Unpublished report produced for Eachtra Archaeological Projects. Dillon M. 2007b. Analysis of a charcoal assemblage from Urraghry E2449, Co. Galway. Unpublished report produced for Eachtra Archaeological Projects. O’Donnell, L. 2005 Environmental Archaeology from the Gas Pipeline to the West. On http://www.mglarc.com. Parkes H.M & Mitchell FJG 2000 Vegetation History at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly in Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 100B, No. 1, 35-40. Waddell, J. 1998. The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Galway University Press, Galway ‘Wood Anatomy’ at http//:www.woodanatomy.ch . Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2446-barnacragh-co-galway/ 45

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Archaeological Excavation Report - E2446 Barnacragh, Co. Galway Digital Report

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