The site at Ballyvergin comprised one hearth, two ditches, twenty-five stakeholes and a number of pits, some of which may have acted as troughs. It was located close to a stream and heat-shattered stones and charcoal were found in several of the deposits. The site has therefore been interpreted as a burnt mound, although the identification of troughs is tentative. The area of excavation was truncated by later (modern) field ditches.
Archaeological excavations in Harristown Big townland revealed a number of anomalous archaeological features within an excavated area of c. 100 m2. A total of 33 excavated contexts were recorded including stake-holes, pits and a post-hole.
The two cut features excavated at Dungeer were small pits that were used for metalworking. Both pits demonstrated evidence of oxidisation and had fills which contained slag. The analysis of industrial residues confirmed that these were bowl furnaces used for smelting ore. The only metal type worked at the site was iron, with bog ore almost certainly the main raw material.
A small group of two pits dating to the Middle Neolithic and a burnt mound where hot stone technology was used was identified at Fermoy. This burnt mound technology could have been utilised in a variety of processes from cooking and bathing to fulling, felting, boat building and many other industrial processes. The challenge of these sites is to determine which activity took place on each or indeed whether they were multifunctional. It can be suggested that the site was used for the manufacture of cloth by the processes of fulling or dying.
This document provides an archaeological excavation report for a spade mill and lime kiln excavated at Coololla, Co. Galway. It includes background information on the archaeological and historical context of the site. The excavation uncovered the remains of a post-medieval building interpreted as a water-powered forge or spade mill, as well as a post-medieval lime kiln. While there is no evidence linking the two structures, they could potentially have been operated by the same individuals. The report provides detailed descriptions of the excavated structures and artifacts, and places them in the historical context of land use changes in the local area from the medieval to post-medieval periods.
Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Farranfore, Co Kerry 04 E0646John Tierney
The fulacht fiadh, AR10, is located in the townland of Garraundarragh and the parish of Currans (National Grid Reference Q093050/107950) in north Kerry, c. 4km north of Farranfore and c. 8km south-east of Tralee town. It is situated at the southern end of a wet and low-lying field used for rough pasture and is bounded to the south and east by a substantial drainage dyke.
The basal remains of the fulacht fiadh mound were recorded in test trench 22, chainage 7470-7495, Field 10, and measured 15m north-south by 17m east-west and up to 0.40m deep. This feature is not a classic fulacht fiadh as described above but the remains of a mound that has been disturbed by land reclamation and the digging of drainage ditches and cultivation furrows.
The site comprised a cluster of ten pits and post-holes and a series of plough furrows. There was also a small charcoal-rich feature located 5m south of the main cluster. The features appear to be the remains of a funerary pyre from the Middle Bronze Age. No buried cremated remains were found. The site suggests a single burning episode, with the posts of the pyre either built on the ground surface or raised above ground.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Archaeological excavations in Harristown Big townland revealed a number of anomalous archaeological features within an excavated area of c. 100 m2. A total of 33 excavated contexts were recorded including stake-holes, pits and a post-hole.
The two cut features excavated at Dungeer were small pits that were used for metalworking. Both pits demonstrated evidence of oxidisation and had fills which contained slag. The analysis of industrial residues confirmed that these were bowl furnaces used for smelting ore. The only metal type worked at the site was iron, with bog ore almost certainly the main raw material.
A small group of two pits dating to the Middle Neolithic and a burnt mound where hot stone technology was used was identified at Fermoy. This burnt mound technology could have been utilised in a variety of processes from cooking and bathing to fulling, felting, boat building and many other industrial processes. The challenge of these sites is to determine which activity took place on each or indeed whether they were multifunctional. It can be suggested that the site was used for the manufacture of cloth by the processes of fulling or dying.
This document provides an archaeological excavation report for a spade mill and lime kiln excavated at Coololla, Co. Galway. It includes background information on the archaeological and historical context of the site. The excavation uncovered the remains of a post-medieval building interpreted as a water-powered forge or spade mill, as well as a post-medieval lime kiln. While there is no evidence linking the two structures, they could potentially have been operated by the same individuals. The report provides detailed descriptions of the excavated structures and artifacts, and places them in the historical context of land use changes in the local area from the medieval to post-medieval periods.
Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Farranfore, Co Kerry 04 E0646John Tierney
The fulacht fiadh, AR10, is located in the townland of Garraundarragh and the parish of Currans (National Grid Reference Q093050/107950) in north Kerry, c. 4km north of Farranfore and c. 8km south-east of Tralee town. It is situated at the southern end of a wet and low-lying field used for rough pasture and is bounded to the south and east by a substantial drainage dyke.
The basal remains of the fulacht fiadh mound were recorded in test trench 22, chainage 7470-7495, Field 10, and measured 15m north-south by 17m east-west and up to 0.40m deep. This feature is not a classic fulacht fiadh as described above but the remains of a mound that has been disturbed by land reclamation and the digging of drainage ditches and cultivation furrows.
The site comprised a cluster of ten pits and post-holes and a series of plough furrows. There was also a small charcoal-rich feature located 5m south of the main cluster. The features appear to be the remains of a funerary pyre from the Middle Bronze Age. No buried cremated remains were found. The site suggests a single burning episode, with the posts of the pyre either built on the ground surface or raised above ground.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
The site consisted of two concentrations of burnt mound material spread over an area of 20 m2 and an off-centre trough that was possibly originally plank-lined.
The site situated at Harristown Big consisted of five fire pits, one heat affected area, nine pits, three stakeholes and three areas where archaeological material accumulated in natural hollows. There was a proliferation of burnt waste and evidence for burning in situ. Two of the pits and a stakehole produced fragments of pottery identified crucibles and a small bowl or stand. Radiocarbon dating indicated that activity at the site was Middle or Late Bronze Age. Specialist analysis of the ceramics has facilitated the interpretation of the site as an area where metalworking was carried out.
This site probably represents evidence of domestic occupation. Based on comparative evidence and the absence of any artefacts it has been assigned a prehistoric date. It may form either a corner from a fence line or may form part of a more complex structure such as a dwelling house. Rectangular houses are
known from the Neolithic through to the Bronze Age, and from the early historic period onwards.
This report details an archaeological excavation of an isolated hearth feature located in Bricketstown, Co. Wexford during construction of the N25 road. The hearth consisted of a charcoal-rich spread overlying three deposits within an irregular oval cut that had been heavily truncated by previous groundworks. Radiocarbon dating placed the hearth in the Iron Age period between 500 BC-500 AD. It was one of few Iron Age sites identified in County Wexford to date.
The site comprised a total of eight features, located in two areas approximately 15 m. apart but clearly relating to the same activity. One feature represented recent agricultural disturbance. Of the seven remaining features, five contained traces of burnt bone with charcoal, suggesting the presence of cremation deposits. A large spread of burnt material was also observed, lying in a shallow cut.
The site comprised a kiln, a small pit, and a field system, evidenced by three ditches. This is one of three kilns discovered during the road development scheme. It was medieval/post-medieval in date and consisted
of a circular main chamber with the flue projecting to the south-southwest. It was probably a limekiln and there was evidence for several periods of use.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation at a burnt mound site located at Urraghry townland in County Galway. The excavation uncovered a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes, gully, and paleochannel. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples indicated Early Bronze Age activity on the site. Mesolithic stone tools were also found, suggesting earlier occupation. The site contributes to understanding prehistoric settlement patterns in the area, with five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of a new road development.
The Harristown Little kiln appeared to be a typical key-hole shaped kiln. Two similar kilns were excavated as part of this project, both in Bricketstown townland (licence nos. 00E0476 and 00E0626). The radiocarbon date from this kiln (cal AD 1460-1660) was very close to the date of use at Bricketstown 00E0476 (cal AD 1450-1650). Channels were cut into the bases of both the Bricketstown kilns and these acted as wind tunnels which distributed air evenly through the kiln as it was burning but these were not present at Harristown Little.
This report summarizes the archaeological excavation of a burnt mound site located in Cooltymurraghy townland, Co. Galway. The site consisted of a burnt spread (C.7) that had been cut by a later water channel (C.16). Charcoal from the burnt spread yielded an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date, consistent with other burnt mound sites in the area. The excavation is one of five Bronze Age sites uncovered along the route of a new road between Galway and Ballinasloe.
This archaeological excavation report describes features found at a site in Mackney, Co. Galway excavated for road works. Prehistoric features included a Bronze Age hearth, three pits and a post-hole dating to the Middle-Late Bronze Age based on radiocarbon dating. Later features consisted of a gully, field boundary ditch and several field drains dating from the 18th century and modern times. While no artifacts were found, the features provide evidence of Bronze Age occupation at this site and in the surrounding area.
The moated site comprised a rectangular moated area with an inside bank, a sub-rectangular building, and extensive evidence for activity outside the moat including numerous field boundaries, drains, furrows, working areas, a pottery kiln and a possible bisque firing kiln.
In Bricketstown townland a number of agricultural features were exposed including a limekiln, land divisions, hearth and stakeholes, a platform with medieval waste and evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation. The main features of the sites included early land divisions (ditches), a work surface with residues from various industrial activities, a hearth surrounded by stakeholes/hearth furniture, later land divisions (ditches) that enclosed ridges and furrows and a kiln. The archaeological evidence from the site is generally indicative of activity associated with agriculture, incorporating a kiln, furrows, boundaries and drainage ditches.
This archaeological excavation report details the excavation of a post-medieval spade mill and lime kiln located in Coololla, Co. Galway. The spade mill structure was interpreted as a water-powered forge, likely used to produce spades. Stone foundations and a mill race were uncovered. The adjacent lime kiln structure contained evidence of limestone extraction and firing. While these structures were located near one another, there is no evidence they were contemporaneous. The report provides historical background on land use and ownership in the local area from the medieval period through the 17th century, and discusses the excavated structures and artifacts in detail.
Two distinct features were recorded on the western and eastern side of the route of the N8 during topsoil striping prior to the construction of the temporary realignment of the R614. Site A a Bronze Age / Iron Age ring ditch was located to the west of the N8 and Site B an Early Bronze Age enclosure was located to the east in Ballybrowney Lower.
Site A has been identified as a ring-ditch with an internal diameter of 4.25m. Cremated human bone was recorded in the fills of the ring ditch. It is likely to be associated with the large Bronze Age/Iron Age site on the route of the N8 to the north-east which was excavated by E. Cotter in 2003. The site included four enclosures, three circular houses and a medieval corn-drying kiln. The site was truncated by several levelled field boundaries, probably 18th in origin (Cotter 2004, 38).
Site B was a continuation of an Early Bronze Age enclosure partially excavated by E.Cotter in 2003. As it was not going to be disturbed it was not excavated but recorded, planned and covered.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation of a disturbed ringfort (GA087-177) in Loughbown, County Galway. The excavation revealed evidence of Iron Age activity pre-dating the construction of the enclosure. Features excavated included a sub-circular structure, a causeway, entrance, internal bank, and a V-shaped external ditch enclosing the site. Radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples spanned the 4th century BC to the 17th century AD. Few artefacts were recovered, including a bracelet, quernstone, and knife blade. The excavation helped further the understanding of the construction and occupation of the site from the Iron Age period through the medieval period.
Archaeological Test Excavation Report E2003 Ballybrowney, N8 RFJohn Tierney
Two main areas of high archaeological significance were identified during the testing of the proposed route option A. These were a sub rectangular enclosure and the upstanding enclosure elements of the ringfort.
The outer bank and ditch of the ringfort are still intact to a large degree and are visible on the surface within the CPO line. The area is heavily overgrown with mature and semi-mature trees and a dense understorey of secondary growth. Despite this, and despite having been truncated by the insertion of a trackway cutting through the outer bank and the construction of a stone revetment and drain on its southern side, the outer enclosing elements of the ringfort are to a large degree extant.
The insertion of a modern trackway in this location would have a severe negative impact on the northern enclosing elements of the ringfort.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Eachtra Archaeological Projects were engaged to monitor works within previously untested or unresolved locations along the route of the new N8 Rathcormac/Fermoy Bypass, between June 2004 and February 2005. Three previously unknown archaeological sites were discovered in the course of monitoring internal works. One such site was at Ballyoran Bog, where remains of Giant Irish Deer and a possible brushwood trackway were excavated. The skeletal remains of the Giant Irish Deer are a rare occurrence on archaeological sites, but one of the most interesting aspects of the excavation was the discovery that later inhabitants of the area were aware that deer remains were present in the bog, as tool marks on antler fragments demonstrate. Excavation and post-excavation analysis of the brushwood platform/trackway has revealed that the occupiers of this site exploited the immediate environs of the bog for construction materials. The discovery of the possible trackway is significant, given that the majority of those sites recorded in Ireland are located in the Midlands. In conclusion, the site at Ballyoran bog is important on a provincial, as well as a national scale.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Ballydowny in Killarney, County Kerry. Five cooking pits (fulachta fiadh), a ring ditch containing a cremation burial, two medieval iron working areas, and a prehistoric site with evidence of copper working were uncovered. Radiocarbon dating indicates occupation from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into the early medieval period. The excavation revealed remnants of iron smelting and smithing, as well as five cooking pits that were likely used for boiling or steaming food. A ring ditch and associated cremation burial were also found, dating to the Bronze Age.
The recording of three Early Bronze Age pots within a small pit is a very significant find. There are no parallels for the two small pots, one of which was decorated to represent a human face or body. The pit containing the pottery was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River on the western fringe of the road corridor, it is possible that further archaeological features are located to the west. The pit maybe associated with the burnt mound. The radiocarbon date returned for the pottery would overlap with Early Bronze Age dates returned for Fulachta Fiadh in Stagpark 3 (04E1119), located 2200m to the south, and are almost identical to dates returned for Early Bronze Age activity in Stagpark 1 (04E1120), located 1400m to the south.
There are 16 Bronze Age burials, comprising cist burials, Food Vessel burials, Urn burials and pit burials, recorded within a 13 km radius of the site. The burials are generally located on low-lying ground between 60 m and 100 m OD. Some are located within 500 m of the Funshion River and its tributaries, the Sheep River, the Tooraleagan River and the Gradoge River. Generally, Early Bronze Age burials tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas such as valley floors, while the associated settlement sites are probably located on higher ground along the valleys (Cooney & Grogan 1999, 103). While the majority of graves contain the remains of one individual, multiple burials, either collective or successive, also occurred. The majority of the Cordoned Urns are associated with burials and the simple pit grave is the commonest type (Waddell 2000, 149).
The Mitchelstown pit and pottery group shares some characteristics of Early Bronze Age burial practices in terms of the low-lying location in the river valley, the simple form of the pit itself, and the deposition of the Cordoned Urn. However, many aspects are very different. The creation of a face and human features on Vessels 2 and 3, the positioning of the ears, anatomically incorrect, on both vessels and the inclusion of a spoon are all unusual. In addition, despite the inclusion of a Cordoned Urn - usually a funerary vessel, there was no evidence of burial recorded at the site. The deposition therefore points away from burial and towards other ritual, for instance libation to a deity. It is also possible that this pit does not exist in isolation and other archaeological features, including burials, may be located in the area to the west, beyond the edge of the road corridor.
The Historic Graves Project involves community volunteers conducting archaeological surveys of historic graveyards. Volunteers use GPS cameras and audio recorders to photograph, document, and map over 1,200 headstones across 11 graveyards over two years. For each graveyard, the project creates a folder with a register of graves, a sketch map, contact sheets of photographs, and record sheets. The goal is to explore, protect, and promote awareness of Ireland's historic graveyards.
Public talk by John Tierney on recent work on the O'Daly Bardic School, Dromnea, Sheepshead, Cork and outlining a strategy for community-led heritage projects.
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Similar to Archaeological Excavation Report E0473 - Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford, Ireland - EAP Journal
The site consisted of two concentrations of burnt mound material spread over an area of 20 m2 and an off-centre trough that was possibly originally plank-lined.
The site situated at Harristown Big consisted of five fire pits, one heat affected area, nine pits, three stakeholes and three areas where archaeological material accumulated in natural hollows. There was a proliferation of burnt waste and evidence for burning in situ. Two of the pits and a stakehole produced fragments of pottery identified crucibles and a small bowl or stand. Radiocarbon dating indicated that activity at the site was Middle or Late Bronze Age. Specialist analysis of the ceramics has facilitated the interpretation of the site as an area where metalworking was carried out.
This site probably represents evidence of domestic occupation. Based on comparative evidence and the absence of any artefacts it has been assigned a prehistoric date. It may form either a corner from a fence line or may form part of a more complex structure such as a dwelling house. Rectangular houses are
known from the Neolithic through to the Bronze Age, and from the early historic period onwards.
This report details an archaeological excavation of an isolated hearth feature located in Bricketstown, Co. Wexford during construction of the N25 road. The hearth consisted of a charcoal-rich spread overlying three deposits within an irregular oval cut that had been heavily truncated by previous groundworks. Radiocarbon dating placed the hearth in the Iron Age period between 500 BC-500 AD. It was one of few Iron Age sites identified in County Wexford to date.
The site comprised a total of eight features, located in two areas approximately 15 m. apart but clearly relating to the same activity. One feature represented recent agricultural disturbance. Of the seven remaining features, five contained traces of burnt bone with charcoal, suggesting the presence of cremation deposits. A large spread of burnt material was also observed, lying in a shallow cut.
The site comprised a kiln, a small pit, and a field system, evidenced by three ditches. This is one of three kilns discovered during the road development scheme. It was medieval/post-medieval in date and consisted
of a circular main chamber with the flue projecting to the south-southwest. It was probably a limekiln and there was evidence for several periods of use.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation at a burnt mound site located at Urraghry townland in County Galway. The excavation uncovered a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes, gully, and paleochannel. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples indicated Early Bronze Age activity on the site. Mesolithic stone tools were also found, suggesting earlier occupation. The site contributes to understanding prehistoric settlement patterns in the area, with five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of a new road development.
The Harristown Little kiln appeared to be a typical key-hole shaped kiln. Two similar kilns were excavated as part of this project, both in Bricketstown townland (licence nos. 00E0476 and 00E0626). The radiocarbon date from this kiln (cal AD 1460-1660) was very close to the date of use at Bricketstown 00E0476 (cal AD 1450-1650). Channels were cut into the bases of both the Bricketstown kilns and these acted as wind tunnels which distributed air evenly through the kiln as it was burning but these were not present at Harristown Little.
This report summarizes the archaeological excavation of a burnt mound site located in Cooltymurraghy townland, Co. Galway. The site consisted of a burnt spread (C.7) that had been cut by a later water channel (C.16). Charcoal from the burnt spread yielded an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date, consistent with other burnt mound sites in the area. The excavation is one of five Bronze Age sites uncovered along the route of a new road between Galway and Ballinasloe.
This archaeological excavation report describes features found at a site in Mackney, Co. Galway excavated for road works. Prehistoric features included a Bronze Age hearth, three pits and a post-hole dating to the Middle-Late Bronze Age based on radiocarbon dating. Later features consisted of a gully, field boundary ditch and several field drains dating from the 18th century and modern times. While no artifacts were found, the features provide evidence of Bronze Age occupation at this site and in the surrounding area.
The moated site comprised a rectangular moated area with an inside bank, a sub-rectangular building, and extensive evidence for activity outside the moat including numerous field boundaries, drains, furrows, working areas, a pottery kiln and a possible bisque firing kiln.
In Bricketstown townland a number of agricultural features were exposed including a limekiln, land divisions, hearth and stakeholes, a platform with medieval waste and evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation. The main features of the sites included early land divisions (ditches), a work surface with residues from various industrial activities, a hearth surrounded by stakeholes/hearth furniture, later land divisions (ditches) that enclosed ridges and furrows and a kiln. The archaeological evidence from the site is generally indicative of activity associated with agriculture, incorporating a kiln, furrows, boundaries and drainage ditches.
This archaeological excavation report details the excavation of a post-medieval spade mill and lime kiln located in Coololla, Co. Galway. The spade mill structure was interpreted as a water-powered forge, likely used to produce spades. Stone foundations and a mill race were uncovered. The adjacent lime kiln structure contained evidence of limestone extraction and firing. While these structures were located near one another, there is no evidence they were contemporaneous. The report provides historical background on land use and ownership in the local area from the medieval period through the 17th century, and discusses the excavated structures and artifacts in detail.
Two distinct features were recorded on the western and eastern side of the route of the N8 during topsoil striping prior to the construction of the temporary realignment of the R614. Site A a Bronze Age / Iron Age ring ditch was located to the west of the N8 and Site B an Early Bronze Age enclosure was located to the east in Ballybrowney Lower.
Site A has been identified as a ring-ditch with an internal diameter of 4.25m. Cremated human bone was recorded in the fills of the ring ditch. It is likely to be associated with the large Bronze Age/Iron Age site on the route of the N8 to the north-east which was excavated by E. Cotter in 2003. The site included four enclosures, three circular houses and a medieval corn-drying kiln. The site was truncated by several levelled field boundaries, probably 18th in origin (Cotter 2004, 38).
Site B was a continuation of an Early Bronze Age enclosure partially excavated by E.Cotter in 2003. As it was not going to be disturbed it was not excavated but recorded, planned and covered.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation of a disturbed ringfort (GA087-177) in Loughbown, County Galway. The excavation revealed evidence of Iron Age activity pre-dating the construction of the enclosure. Features excavated included a sub-circular structure, a causeway, entrance, internal bank, and a V-shaped external ditch enclosing the site. Radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples spanned the 4th century BC to the 17th century AD. Few artefacts were recovered, including a bracelet, quernstone, and knife blade. The excavation helped further the understanding of the construction and occupation of the site from the Iron Age period through the medieval period.
Archaeological Test Excavation Report E2003 Ballybrowney, N8 RFJohn Tierney
Two main areas of high archaeological significance were identified during the testing of the proposed route option A. These were a sub rectangular enclosure and the upstanding enclosure elements of the ringfort.
The outer bank and ditch of the ringfort are still intact to a large degree and are visible on the surface within the CPO line. The area is heavily overgrown with mature and semi-mature trees and a dense understorey of secondary growth. Despite this, and despite having been truncated by the insertion of a trackway cutting through the outer bank and the construction of a stone revetment and drain on its southern side, the outer enclosing elements of the ringfort are to a large degree extant.
The insertion of a modern trackway in this location would have a severe negative impact on the northern enclosing elements of the ringfort.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Eachtra Archaeological Projects were engaged to monitor works within previously untested or unresolved locations along the route of the new N8 Rathcormac/Fermoy Bypass, between June 2004 and February 2005. Three previously unknown archaeological sites were discovered in the course of monitoring internal works. One such site was at Ballyoran Bog, where remains of Giant Irish Deer and a possible brushwood trackway were excavated. The skeletal remains of the Giant Irish Deer are a rare occurrence on archaeological sites, but one of the most interesting aspects of the excavation was the discovery that later inhabitants of the area were aware that deer remains were present in the bog, as tool marks on antler fragments demonstrate. Excavation and post-excavation analysis of the brushwood platform/trackway has revealed that the occupiers of this site exploited the immediate environs of the bog for construction materials. The discovery of the possible trackway is significant, given that the majority of those sites recorded in Ireland are located in the Midlands. In conclusion, the site at Ballyoran bog is important on a provincial, as well as a national scale.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Ballydowny in Killarney, County Kerry. Five cooking pits (fulachta fiadh), a ring ditch containing a cremation burial, two medieval iron working areas, and a prehistoric site with evidence of copper working were uncovered. Radiocarbon dating indicates occupation from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into the early medieval period. The excavation revealed remnants of iron smelting and smithing, as well as five cooking pits that were likely used for boiling or steaming food. A ring ditch and associated cremation burial were also found, dating to the Bronze Age.
The recording of three Early Bronze Age pots within a small pit is a very significant find. There are no parallels for the two small pots, one of which was decorated to represent a human face or body. The pit containing the pottery was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River on the western fringe of the road corridor, it is possible that further archaeological features are located to the west. The pit maybe associated with the burnt mound. The radiocarbon date returned for the pottery would overlap with Early Bronze Age dates returned for Fulachta Fiadh in Stagpark 3 (04E1119), located 2200m to the south, and are almost identical to dates returned for Early Bronze Age activity in Stagpark 1 (04E1120), located 1400m to the south.
There are 16 Bronze Age burials, comprising cist burials, Food Vessel burials, Urn burials and pit burials, recorded within a 13 km radius of the site. The burials are generally located on low-lying ground between 60 m and 100 m OD. Some are located within 500 m of the Funshion River and its tributaries, the Sheep River, the Tooraleagan River and the Gradoge River. Generally, Early Bronze Age burials tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas such as valley floors, while the associated settlement sites are probably located on higher ground along the valleys (Cooney & Grogan 1999, 103). While the majority of graves contain the remains of one individual, multiple burials, either collective or successive, also occurred. The majority of the Cordoned Urns are associated with burials and the simple pit grave is the commonest type (Waddell 2000, 149).
The Mitchelstown pit and pottery group shares some characteristics of Early Bronze Age burial practices in terms of the low-lying location in the river valley, the simple form of the pit itself, and the deposition of the Cordoned Urn. However, many aspects are very different. The creation of a face and human features on Vessels 2 and 3, the positioning of the ears, anatomically incorrect, on both vessels and the inclusion of a spoon are all unusual. In addition, despite the inclusion of a Cordoned Urn - usually a funerary vessel, there was no evidence of burial recorded at the site. The deposition therefore points away from burial and towards other ritual, for instance libation to a deity. It is also possible that this pit does not exist in isolation and other archaeological features, including burials, may be located in the area to the west, beyond the edge of the road corridor.
Similar to Archaeological Excavation Report E0473 - Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford, Ireland - EAP Journal (20)
The Historic Graves Project involves community volunteers conducting archaeological surveys of historic graveyards. Volunteers use GPS cameras and audio recorders to photograph, document, and map over 1,200 headstones across 11 graveyards over two years. For each graveyard, the project creates a folder with a register of graves, a sketch map, contact sheets of photographs, and record sheets. The goal is to explore, protect, and promote awareness of Ireland's historic graveyards.
Public talk by John Tierney on recent work on the O'Daly Bardic School, Dromnea, Sheepshead, Cork and outlining a strategy for community-led heritage projects.
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration ProjectJohn Tierney
This document provides an overview of a genealogical tourism project led by Dr. Paul MacCotter and John Tierney to document the history of families that took part in the Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration from Ireland to Canada in the 1820s-1830s. The project involves surveying graveyards and mapping homestead locations to build an online geolocated database of records. The goal is to help descendants research their ancestry and trace the places their families lived before emigrating. Methods for collecting, organizing, and publishing the historical data online are discussed.
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882John Tierney
The document discusses the benefits of meditation for reducing stress and anxiety. Regular meditation practice can help calm the mind and body by lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that meditating for just 10-20 minutes per day can have significant positive impacts on both mental and physical health over time.
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in IrelandJohn Tierney
This document outlines John Tierney's work with Eachtra Archaeological Projects surveying historic graves and homesteads in Ireland. It provides guidance on conducting graveyard surveys through sketch plans, geotagged photos, and record sheets. It also describes a process for identifying historic homesteads through reconnaissance, geotagged photographs, and publishing findings online and in a shared spreadsheet. The goal is to link Irish emigrant communities both within Ireland through shared heritage sites and records, and with communities abroad where emigrants settled.
Human remains of 48 individuals were discovered and excavated during works associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply Scheme in Toberjarlath townland on the eastern edges of Tuam, County Galway. The burials were located within the bounds of the former Tuam Union Workhouse, which opened in 1846. Eighteen grave pits containing between two and four burials each were uncovered. Analysis showed the individuals were paupers buried in the former workhouse grounds in the 19th century. A section of the workhouse boundary wall and internal ditch were also excavated.
Slides from John Tierney's talk on exploring the heritage of Ardmore in the era of digital research and publication. This talk is part of the www.reyndr.com project being developed by Eachtra in association with a number of community groups.
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic GravesJohn Tierney
Community engagement in historic graveyard surveys has a multiplier effect. What started as an archaeological survey of headstones has become community genealogy and local history. This talk was presented to the Irish Genealogical Research Society AGM in May 2013.
The Historic Graves Project is a community collaboration that aims to promote genealogical tourism by pinpointing family names and histories across centuries in graveyards in southeast Cork, Ireland. Volunteers record information from historic graveyards to share online and create puzzles and stories to engage people in learning about the people and families represented in each place through time.
Following the discovery of human remains during archaeological monitoring of engineering trial pits in Sawpit Lane a 1 m wide trench was excavated along Sawpit Lane, Church Lane and The Mall in advance of pipelaying associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply in July 2010. The remains of 15 individuals were recorded and excavated along with a series of ditches and pits. A stone culvert and the remains of a boundary wall were also identified. Two of the skeletons and a bone fragment from the base of one of the ditches returned calibrated radiocarbon dates centring on the seventh century. In addition a smithing hearth cake typical of early iron smithing was recovered from the upper fill of the ditch along with a bone trial motif piece which has sixth/seventh century parallels. The other pits and ditches had fills containing relatively mixed finds and animal bone fragments. The excavated features are located outside the present Temple Jarlath enclosure in the middle of Tuam and close to the site of the early medieval market area and the site of the post-medieval shambles. The pits may have acted as refuse pits for waste and the ditches may have demarcated areas or being used as open drains. The early burial evidence and the early possible enclosing ditch coupled with reports of an early unclassified cross slab suggest that the graveyard and enclosure at Temple Jarlath may be associated with St Jarlath’s original early Christian foundation.
This document provides an archaeological excavation report for Adare Castle in County Limerick, Ireland. It includes:
- A history of Adare Castle from its origins in the medieval period through different periods of occupation.
- A description and maps showing the location of the castle and areas excavated between 2001-2006, including the drawbridge, moat, kitchen, great hall, and two domestic areas.
- Results of the excavations including structures like walls, drains, and pits uncovered, along with artifacts found consisting of pottery, wood, bone, stone, metal, glass and leather objects.
- Environmental evidence from animal bones, plant remains, and shells analyzed to understand life at
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordJohn Tierney
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity, in the form of a well and boundary wall, associated with the demolished buildings on Peter Street was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the central southern part of the site. The area of excavation measured 11.5m north-south by 12m east-west.
All the pits in the excavation trench were medieval in date and are likely to have served as rubbish dumps. The artefactual material and the faunal remains recovered from the various fills would support this hypothesis. There was no evidence that they were used for industrial practises, though waste material from industrial activity was mixed with domestic refuse. They were located in the area of the medieval house burgage plots. No evidence of medieval structures was recorded. It is likely to exist under the foundations of the existing upstanding structures on South Main Street.
The pottery assemblage from the site was examined by the ceramic specialist Clare McCutcheon. The majority of the pottery consisted of local and Irish wares, comprising of Lenister Cooking ware, Wexford-type coarse ware, ware, fine ware and cooking ware. The English wares consisted of Minety-type, Ham Green and Redcliffe wares. The Wexford-type wares indicate local pottery production, although no medieval pottery kilns have as yet been located in Wexford. The French wares particularly the Saintonge ware, from the southwest of France, jugs, represented the wealthier tastes.
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...John Tierney
The site was excavated under licence no. 04E0712. It was divided into ten areas of excavation: Areas 1-6, Area 6W, Area 7, Area 10 and Area 12.The earliest evidence for human activity was an Early Neolithic radiocarbon date obtained from the fill of a ditch in Area 6. However, there is no evidence for associated Early Neolithic activity. Most of the archaeological features excavated at Ballynattin were Bronze Age. Bronze Age pits were found in Area 6W, there was a spread of Bronze Age material in Area 3 and three partial Bronze Age structures were found in Areas 6 and 7. These were truncated and approximately only one third of each structure survived for excavation. A furnace excavated in Area 2 may also be Bronze Age in date; it has no associated radiocarbon dates but a saddle quern and flints were found within the furnace fill. The remaining features excavated at the site were primarily post-medieval, including a hearth excavated in Area 4, drains and ditches (Areas 1, 4 and 5) and a 19th century cobbled surface (Area 5).
The site consisted of a sub-circular enclosure with a diameter of approximately 36 m; it was initially identified as a crop mark on an aerial photograph, with no trace at ground level. Three sides of the enclosure were formed by two ditches (recorded as the ‘east ditch’ and the ‘west ditch’). The fourth side was characterised by large pits/postholes and slot trenches which probably continued the line of the enclosure, despite the absence of a ditch. The enclosure surrounded a Bronze Age settlement site, with a sub-circular post and stake-built structure excavated near the centre of the enclosed area and an ancillary structure to the west. This report details the results of excavation at the site and the descriptions are broken down into context complexes: the enclosure, the internal structure, the ancillary building, other internal features and external features.
The greatest proportion of archaeological features encountered at Shandon relate to Medieval activity. While nothing dateable was recovered from the sub-rectangular enclosure ditch itself, the discovery of 12th/13th century pottery from features inside and immediately outside the enclosure provides a strong case that the ditch is contemporaneous.
It must be considered a possibility that the enclosure at Shandon is a Medieval moated site. The latter have been defined as “all rectangular enclosures bounded by banks and moats of Medieval date, whether they enclosed a major house or simply a garden or cattle pen” (Barry 1987, 84). While there was no definite evidence of a bank at Shandon, there is a suggestion that one may have existed. Moated sites date to the 13th and 14th century (ibid., 85) and the local pottery found at Shandon overlaps with this date range.
It must also be considered that the Shandon enclosure relates to Hiberno-Norse activity. Prior to the present work, the motif piece was the sole indicator of such activity. However, this find is now further substantiated by the discovery of an 11th century Hiberno-Norse coin (Plate 12). Because of preservation by redesign and avoidance, a large proportion of archaeological features at Shandon were not excavated and consequently it is quite possible that further diagnostic Hiberno-Norse material survives on the site. However, one coin and a trial piece do not a Hiberno-Norse settlement make and it is plausible that the coin was deposited in Anglo-Norman times long after its original period of manufacture and use.
Eachtra archaeological projects undertook excavation of Stratham’s garage in January and February of 2005 under licence 99E0757, an extension to a pre-existing licence. In total some eighty pits were excavated with a small number of linear features and post-medieval wall foundations, drains and a cobbled surface also present. There was no evidence for a medieval structure in this area of the site and many of the pits were filled with refuse. The excavated area was interpreted as the partial remains of four medieval burgage plots. Recent excavations of the area immediately north and adjacent to this site will hopefully provide material comparable to the results from the Stratham’s Garage site.
The buildings to the rear of 26 Patrick St. were demolished. The area of the extension to the rear to the hotel measured 20m by 13m. The area of excavation was bounded by a stone wall to the south, by a building site to the north and west and by the Georgian building, 26 Patrick St., due for refurbishment to the east.
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity associated with the demolished extension to 26 Patrick St. was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the western side of the site. Post-medieval construction, associated with the red brick foundations of the extension to the rear of the Georgian building which fronts onto Patrick St., had truncated medieval activity at the eastern end. The destroyed earlier medieval activity is evidenced by the occurrence of both medieval and post-medieval pottery in the same strata.
Most of the archaeological features recorded during this excavation were pits, 26 in total, two walls and a well were also excavated.
Most of the contexts were dated according to the artefacts retrieved from their fills. Therefore, pits with exclusively or almost exclusively medieval pottery were classified as medieval, whereas pits with medieval and post-medieval finds were classified as post-medieval. However, as most of the excavated features were backfilled, it is possible that some of the cut features that contained deposits, with inclusions of post-medieval artefacts, were actually open and in use in the medieval period.
The remains uncovered can be divided into medieval, post-medieval and modern. The pits were in general sub-circular and oval in plan, and, with the exception of pit C.98, were on average 2.06 m in length by 1.36 m in width by 0.61 m in depth. The fills of the pits were a mix of dark grey brown silty clay with occasional inclusions of animal bone and pottery. A total of 26 pits, two walls and a well were recorded.
Reimagining Your Library Space: How to Increase the Vibes in Your Library No ...Diana Rendina
Librarians are leading the way in creating future-ready citizens – now we need to update our spaces to match. In this session, attendees will get inspiration for transforming their library spaces. You’ll learn how to survey students and patrons, create a focus group, and use design thinking to brainstorm ideas for your space. We’ll discuss budget friendly ways to change your space as well as how to find funding. No matter where you’re at, you’ll find ideas for reimagining your space in this session.
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
हिंदी वर्णमाला पीपीटी, hindi alphabet PPT presentation, hindi varnamala PPT, Hindi Varnamala pdf, हिंदी स्वर, हिंदी व्यंजन, sikhiye hindi varnmala, dr. mulla adam ali, hindi language and literature, hindi alphabet with drawing, hindi alphabet pdf, hindi varnamala for childrens, hindi language, hindi varnamala practice for kids, https://www.drmullaadamali.com
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
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Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxDenish Jangid
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering
Syllabus
Chapter-1
Introduction to objective, scope and outcome the subject
Chapter 2
Introduction: Scope and Specialization of Civil Engineering, Role of civil Engineer in Society, Impact of infrastructural development on economy of country.
Chapter 3
Surveying: Object Principles & Types of Surveying; Site Plans, Plans & Maps; Scales & Unit of different Measurements.
Linear Measurements: Instruments used. Linear Measurement by Tape, Ranging out Survey Lines and overcoming Obstructions; Measurements on sloping ground; Tape corrections, conventional symbols. Angular Measurements: Instruments used; Introduction to Compass Surveying, Bearings and Longitude & Latitude of a Line, Introduction to total station.
Levelling: Instrument used Object of levelling, Methods of levelling in brief, and Contour maps.
Chapter 4
Buildings: Selection of site for Buildings, Layout of Building Plan, Types of buildings, Plinth area, carpet area, floor space index, Introduction to building byelaws, concept of sun light & ventilation. Components of Buildings & their functions, Basic concept of R.C.C., Introduction to types of foundation
Chapter 5
Transportation: Introduction to Transportation Engineering; Traffic and Road Safety: Types and Characteristics of Various Modes of Transportation; Various Road Traffic Signs, Causes of Accidents and Road Safety Measures.
Chapter 6
Environmental Engineering: Environmental Pollution, Environmental Acts and Regulations, Functional Concepts of Ecology, Basics of Species, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Hydrological Cycle; Chemical Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen & Phosphorus; Energy Flow in Ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Water Quality standards, Introduction to Treatment & Disposal of Waste Water. Reuse and Saving of Water, Rain Water Harvesting. Solid Waste Management: Classification of Solid Waste, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid. Recycling of Solid Waste: Energy Recovery, Sanitary Landfill, On-Site Sanitation. Air & Noise Pollution: Primary and Secondary air pollutants, Harmful effects of Air Pollution, Control of Air Pollution. . Noise Pollution Harmful Effects of noise pollution, control of noise pollution, Global warming & Climate Change, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect
Text Books:
1. Palancharmy, Basic Civil Engineering, McGraw Hill publishers.
2. Satheesh Gopi, Basic Civil Engineering, Pearson Publishers.
3. Ketki Rangwala Dalal, Essentials of Civil Engineering, Charotar Publishing House.
4. BCP, Surveying volume 1
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
2. Final Excavation Report,,
N25 Harristown to Rathsillagh Realignment,
Ballyvergin,
Co. Wexford
December 2009
Client: Wexford County Council,
c/o Tramore House Road Design Office,
Tramore,
Co. Wexford
Licence No.: 00E0473
Licensee: Daniel Noonan
Written by: Daniel Noonan & Penny Johnston
Contact details:
The Forge,
Innishannon, Co. Cork.
Tel.: 021 470 16 16
Fax: 021 470 16 28
E-mail: info@eachtra.ie
Web Site: www.eachtra.ie
3. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Table of Contents
i Acknowledgements ............................................................................................ iv
1 Summary ............................................................................................................1
2 Introduction .......................................................................................................1
3 Description of Development ...............................................................................1
4 Background to the excavation area......................................................................1
5 Archaeological & Historical Background............................................................2
5.1 Mesolithic 7000-4000 BC............................................................................2
5.2 Neolithic 4000-2500 BC ..............................................................................2
5.3 Bronze Age 2500-500 BC.............................................................................3
5.4 Iron Age 500 BC-500 AD ............................................................................3
5.5 Early Medieval 500 AD-1169 AD ................................................................4
5.6 Later Medieval 1169 AD-1600 AD...............................................................4
5.7 Post-Medieval (after 1600 AD) .....................................................................5
6 Site location and topography...............................................................................5
7 Results ................................................................................................................5
7.1 Trough and associated deposits and pits........................................................6
7.2 Hearth and stakeholes ..................................................................................6
7.3 Pits ...............................................................................................................6
7.4 Ditches .........................................................................................................7
8 Artefacts .............................................................................................................8
9 Environmental Remains .....................................................................................8
10 Discussion ..........................................................................................................9
11 Summary ........................................................................................................... 10
12 Bibliography ...................................................................................................... 11
13 Figures ............................................................................................................... 13
14 Plates ................................................................................................................. 19
15 Appendices ........................................................................................................ 22
15.1 Appendix 1 Context Register......................................................................22
15.2 Appendix 2: Stratigraphic Matrix ................................................................31
15.3 Appendix 3 Radiocarbon Results.................................................................32
15.4 Appendix 4 Charcoal Assessment ................................................................33
15.5 Appendix 5 Archaeobotanical Assessment ...................................................34
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4. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
List of Figures
Figure 1: Discovery map showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road
Figure 2: Ordnance Survey 1st edition showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Har-
ristown road
Figure 3: RMP (Sheet 36) showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road
Figure 4: Route of new road with all excavated sites displayed
Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the excavated area at Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford
(00E0473) showing the pits, possible furnace and the later ditches truncating
the archaeological contexts
Figure 6: Post-excavation plan of the site at Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford, with the Early-
Middle Bronze Age features accentuated
List of Plates
Plate 1: Working shot of site under excavation with view of surrounding landscape
Plate 2: Cut of Pit C.112
Plate 3: Stakeholes around area of hearth C.37
Plate 4: Pit C.4
Plate 5: Deposit C.90 containing a large amount of heat shattered stone
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5. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
i Acknowledgements
Project Manager: Michael Tierney
Licensee: Daniel Noonan
Field Staff: Margôt Ryan, Tom Jaynes, Karen Ward, Carol Power, Ronan O’ Donoghue
Photography: Brian MacDomhnaill
Illustrations: Stuart Elder, John Lehane, Bernice Kelly, Brian MacDomhnaill,
Enda O’ Mahony, Robin Turk
Text: Daniel Noonan, Margôt Ryan, Antonia Doolan, Penny Johnston, Stuart
Elder
This project was entirely funded by Wexford County Council, under the National Development
Plan.
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6. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
1 Summary
County Wexford
Townland Ballyvergin
Parish Kilgarvan
Civil Parish Kilgarvan
Barony Shelmaliere West
National Grid Co-ordinates 287948 123877
Chainage 3050
Site Type Burnt Mound
Excavation Licence Number 00E0473
2 Introduction
The Rathsillagh to Harristown Little N25 realignment scheme in Co. Wexford has resulted in the
discovery of several archaeological sites. The site at Ballyvergin (excavation licence number 00E0473)
comprised one hearth, two ditches, twenty-five stakeholes and a number of pits, some of which may
have acted as troughs. It was located close to a stream and heat-shattered stones and charcoal were
found in several of the deposits. The site has therefore been interpreted as a burnt mound, although
the identification of troughs is tentative. The area of excavation was truncated by later (modern) field
ditches.
3 Description of Development
The N25 is the main southern east to west route, traversing the counties of Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny
and Wexford. It links the port of Rosslare Harbour with Cork City, via New Ross, Waterford City,
Dungarvan and Youghal. A section of the N25 route between the townlands of Rathsillagh and Har-
ristown Little was selected for upgrading, as the old road comprised a single carriageway in either
direction, with several ‘blind’ junctions, and in many cases only a hedge separating farmland from
the road. The new route sought to straighten and level out the N25 and to provide a wider single car-
riageway with hard shoulder in either direction, in keeping with the Barntown scheme completed in
1998 (Fig. 1).
4 Background to the excavation area
The 8.5 km route of the new road crosses a series of low, undulating hills, to the south of the old N25
route, and is situated at a height of between 45 m and 80m above sea level. The landscape here is
characterised by small hills, interspersed with many small streams; these eventually flow into the River
Corock to the southwest, into the Slaney to the northwest, as well as feeding into Ballyteige Bay to
the south. From its western beginning in Rathsillagh townland the routeway climbs gently, running
parallel and to the south of the old N25. It then continues through Assagart, Ballyvergin, Shanowle,
Camaross, Carrowreagh, Dungeer, Bricketstown and through into Harristown Little, eventually exit-
ing in Harristown Big townland and tying into the Barntown improvement which opened in 1998.
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7. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
The higher ground was lush pasture, well drained, and gave spectacular views all around. Sites on this
part of the route included prehistoric settlement activity and a series of medieval/post-medieval kilns.
Conversely, the lower ground in Camaross, Carrowreagh and Dungeer was quite marshy and prone to
growth of gorse. Sites traditionally associated with low-lying ground were found in these townlands,
for example a burnt mound at Dungeer and a moated site at Carrowreagh.
5 Archaeological & Historical Background
There are thirteen recorded archaeological monument sites within 1 km either side of the development;
one is a church and graveyard site, nine are listed as enclosure sites of between 30 m and 60 m in di-
ameter and three are moated sites (two of which are destroyed). The ecclesiastical site apparently dates
to the medieval period as there is a fragment of a medieval grave cover in the graveyard and the site
was originally surrounded by a circular bank (Moore 1996, 129). The enclosures most likely represent
the raths and ringforts of the early medieval period (Moore 1996, 28). Prior to these excavations, the
known archaeological remains in the locality were all medieval and post-medieval but several prehis-
toric sites were identified during the course of this programme of excavation along the N25 route-way,
including Neolithic material at Harristown Big, Bronze Age sites at Dungeer, Ballyvergin and Har-
ristown Big and Iron Age activity at two sites in Bricketstown.
5.1 Mesolithic 7000-4000 BC
The earliest known human occupation of Ireland dates to the Mesolithic period (c. 7000-4000 BC).
Lithic scatters from the period have been found along the banks of the Barrow river in counties Wex-
ford and Waterford (Green and Zvelebil 1990). Some diagnostic Mesolithic stone artefacts were also
found in Camolin, in north Wexford, and along the eastern coastline between Carnsore and Kilm-
ichael point (Stout 1987, 3). However, most activity is identified in resource-rich locations by riversides
and coastlines and there is no known evidence for Mesolithic activity within the area affected by the
road-take.
5.2 Neolithic 4000-2500 BC
There is piecemeal evidence for Neolithic occupation in County Wexford. Stout’s (1987) distribution
map of Neolithic remains includes evidence for one single burial site, fifteen find spots for flint and
stone atefacts, two portal tombs and seven other possible megalithic tombs. Work on the Archaeologi-
cal Survey of Ireland reduced the number of other possible megaliths from seven to five (Moore 1996).
Subsequent excavation work has increased the extent of knowledge concerning Neolithic settlement in
the county. Early Neolithic pottery was found by McLoughlin (2004) at Kerlogue (02E0606) and at a
pit and a hearth excavated under licence 00E0630 at Courtlands East (Purcell 2002). Later Neolithic
activity in the county is indicated by Sandhills ware, discovered during an excavation (02E0434) in a
pit at St. Vogues (Purcell 2004). An undated excavation at MacMurroughs (1985:59) also uncovered a
number of flints and a ground stone axe, associated with a hearth and pit may also be Neolithic in date
(Cotter 1986). Some evidence for Neolithic activity was found as part of this project at Harristown
Big (00E0424) where Neolithic pottery was discovered at a site where various pits and stakeholes were
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excavated. Early Neolithic and possible Middle Neolithic wares were found.
5.3 Bronze Age 2500-500 BC
Some of the earliest Bronze Age finds from Co. Wexford are three chance finds of Beaker gold discs
(only one with a provenance). Other Bronze Age metal finds from the county includes hoards of both
Early and Late Bronze Age artefacts, e.g. at Cahore Point, a cave at Nash, Ballyvadden, Enniscorthy,
Forth Commons and New Ross (Stout 1987, 9-10, 22). At Ballyvadden the Late Bronze Age metal ob-
jects were found within a ceramic container, a unique feature in Irish hoards, but apparently common
on the continent during the period (Stout 1987, 22).
Burnt mounds are the most common Bronze Age site-types found in Ireland and sixty-three such sites
were identified in the Archaeological Inventory for the county (Moore 1996) and since the survey work
several have been excavated in the county; examples were found at Strandfield (McCarthy 2004) and
along the routes of the N30 (Enniscorthy to Clonroche) and the N11 (Arklow to Gorey) roads (www.
nra.ie). Only one burnt mound was excavated during works on the Rathsillagh-Harristown realign-
ment of the N25; this was found at Dungeer 00E0474.
Much of our evidence for Bronze Age activity in Wexford to date has come from burials. There is a
recognised concentration of cist-type burials in Co. Wexford; these are commonly thought to date to
the Early Bronze Age. Stout (1987) identified more than thirty-seven identified but many were not
well documented and Moore (1996) could only pinpoint the locations of only twenty-five cist and
pit burials in total. Several other burials with diagnostic Bronze Age pottery have since been found
during excavation: there was a cordoned urn burial at Ballintubbrid, vase urn burials at Coolnaboy,
Gorey Corporation Lands and Kilmurry, a cist with a tripartite bowl at Knockbrack and a ring ditch
with cremation burials at Ferns Lower (Bennett 2004-5). Another ring-ditch was found at Kerlogue
Sites 4 and 5 and a large round house excavated at Kerlogue Site 2 was probably also of Bronze Age
date (McLoughlin 2004). The excavations from the Rathsillagh-Harristown road scheme included this
Early-Middle Bronze Age site at Ballyvergin where hot-stone technology was used, a metalworking site
at Harristown Big (00E0425) where a series of Late Bronze Age metalworking pits and crucibles were
found, and the Late Bronze Age burnt mound site at Dungeer (00E0474).
5.4 Iron Age 500 BC-500 AD
In common with much of Ireland there is very little evidence for Iron Age activity in Co. Wexford.
Hillforts and promontory forts have possible construction dates in the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron
Age and there are two hillforts and five promontory forts in the county (Moore 1996). The artefactual
evidence for this period in Wexford includes two pins that are of probable Iron Age date and two pos-
sible Iron Age stone heads recovered from Duncormick (Stout 1987, 29-30). Two of the sites excavated
along the route of the Rathsillagh-Harristown road produced Iron Age radiocarbon dates, both were
from Bricketstown and one was a small cremation cemetery (00E0623), the second was a small hearth
(00E0624).
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5.5 Early Medieval 500 AD-1169 AD
The beginnings of Christianity are evident in the remains of seventeen early ecclesiastical sites in Co.
Wexford (Moore 1996). One of the earliest excavated examples from Co. Wexford was at St. Vogues,
at Carnsore, where a wooden church preceded a stone building (O’Kelly 1975). One of the closest
known early church sites to the roadtake is located approximately 3 km to the south at the church of
Poulmarl/Taghmon, the monastery founded by St. Munna in the seventh century. The list of abbots
from this site continues to the end of the tenth century and there is a record of a Viking raid in 917 AD
(Moore 1996, 160). By this time the Norse town of Weisford, later to become Wexford, was already
established, having been established by the end of the ninth century (Colfer 1990-91).
Evidence for settlement in the county during the early medieval period comes from ringforts, typical
monuments of the period. These were circular or subcircular enclosures made from earthen banks that
surrounded areas roughly between 25 and 40 metres in diameter. Excavated examples have demon-
strated that they generally surrounded single farmstead-type settlement sites. One hundred and fifty-
three examples are known from the county (Moore 1996). Of these only two were located within close
proximity to the area of the new Rathsillagh-Harristown road (at Haystown, c. 3 km to the north of
the new road and at Cullenstown c. 2 km to the south). There are also numerous circular enclosure sites
that probably represent ringforts; thirteen of them appear on the RMP Sheet 36 (covering the area of
the new road-take) for Co. Wexford.
5.6 Later Medieval 1169 AD-1600 AD
The Anglo-Normans first landed in Ireland in Co. Wexford in 1169. The county was within their initial
land-grab zone between AD 1169 and AD 1190 (Mitchell & Ryan 1997, 305) and was sub-infeudated
in the early stages of Anglo-Norman activity in Ireland (Colfer 1987). Wexford county was one of the
first twelve counties created by the English Kings in the 12th to 13th centuries, from the original Prov-
inces and lesser Territories of the Irish Tuatha (Howarth 1911, 161). By the thirteenth century much of
the area covered by the Rathsillagh-Harristown road-take was a frontier zone and the archaeological
landscape of these areas is characterised by moated sites: there are ten known sites on RMP Sheet 36
for Co. Wexford, the area covered by the new road, and one moated site at Carrowreagh was found
along the line of the new road. Moated sites were distributed at the peripheries of the colonial organi-
sation centres and probably represent an attempt at secondary colonisation (O’Keeffe 2000, 73-75).
There are almost 130 moated sites known in County Wexford (Moore 1996, 95). However, by the end
of the fourteenth century, much of the Anglo-Norman settlement in Co. Wexford had retreated to a
southeastern stronghold in the baronies of Forth and Bargy, a pattern that Colfer (1987) suggests was
reminiscent of the “Pale of county Wexford”. Excavations of medieval sites in the county include the
remains of a medieval house were excavated at Ballyanne (Moran 2000), with pottery indicative of oc-
cupation in the 12th to 14th centuries, and excavations at Ferns, Hook Head, Newtown, Tintern, Tagh-
mon, New Ross and Wexford town all produced medieval archaeological remains (Bennett 2004-5).
Along the route of the Rathsillagh-Harristown road the moated site at Carrowreagh (excavated under
licence no. 00E0476) was the largest medieval site excavated. A spread of medieval occupation material
was also excavated at Bricketwtown (00E0476) and this was rich in the remains of medieval pottery.
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It is also possible that the limekilns at Bricketstown (00E0476) and Harristown Little (00E0417) were
in use at the very end of the medieval period.
5.7 Post-Medieval (after 1600 AD)
A few excavations of post-medieval archaeological sites have been carried out in Wexford county, in-
cluding Brideswell Big, Duncannon Fort, and excavations in Wexford and Ennisorthy town (Bennett
2004-5). Some of the excavations from the Rathsillagh to Harristown road scheme were probably used
during this time, in particular the limekilns at Bricketstown (00E0476, 00E0626) and Harristown
Little (00E0417) were probably in use at this period. There is Jacobean house site in Dungeer, one of
the townlands affected by the roadtake. References to the house/castle date to the early seventeenth
century (Moore 1996).
6 Site location and topography
The site excavated under licence number 00E0473 was located 15 km west of Wexford city and 4.2
km northwest of Taghmon town, just southeast of the junction of the L128 and the old N25 roads.
The archaeological contexts were located on a flat and level site at the base of slope to the west with a
more substantial hill to the east (Plate A). It was approximately 10 m west of a small stream which is
a tributary of the Corock River. The site was generally well drained but did have a slight tendency to
flood to the extreme east and north during heavy rainfall.
The surrounding archaeological landscape of the site consists of three enclosures recorded in the Ar-
chaeological Inventory of County Wexford (Moore 1996, 253) which are located within one kilometre of
the site. These are a polygonal enclosure in Camaross (OS 36:5:3), 750 m northeast; an enclosure in
Assagart (OS 36:5:2) 750 m to the northwest and an enclosure in Ballyvergin (OS 35:1:5) which is 900
m north of the site. On the new route of the N25, a farmhouse and limekiln (recorded under monitor-
ing licence number 00E0379) is located less than 100 m to the west. The nearest archaeological site
excavated on the re-routed N25 is located 1.3 km to the southeast, this is a moated site excavated under
excavation licence number 00E0471.
7 Results
The archaeology uncovered and excavated under licence number 00E0473 consisted of seven pits,
some perhaps used as troughs, one hearth, two ditches and twenty-five stakeholes (Fig. 5). Most of
the pits contained waste material that appeared to be associated with metalworking (although there
was no slag or hammer scale in the samples) and these deposits identified during excavation may have
been natural ores and/or manganese deposits. A full context register is included in Appendix 1 and a
stratigraphic matrix is incorporated into this report in Appendix 2.
There archaeological activity at the site was represented by a large sub-rectangular pit with some as-
sociated spreads, a nearby hearth and stakeholes. There were also several pits and much of this activity
was cut by two linear ditches that crossed the site and possibly acted as a boundary or enclosure in the
relatively recent past.
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7.1 Trough and associated deposits and pits
The earliest phase consisted of a large pit (C.112) and four spreads. C.112 (Plate 1) was the cut of a
large sub-rectangular pit that was 2.4 m long, 1.98 m wide and 0.77 m in depth. In size and shape this
pit resembled troughs from burnt mound sites although it was not permanently filled by water. It had
four fills (C.107, C.108, C.110 and C.113). The fills of the pit ranged in depth from 0.13 m to 0.6 m.
Although they differed greatly in colour and texture, most deposits contained small amounts of char-
coal and some also contained inclusions of manganese. One stakehole, C.115, (c. 0.2 m in diameter
and 0.25 m deep) was associated with the pit, located at its north-western end. There is evidence that
the pit was re-used as a shallow re-cut was found; C.41 measured 1.36 m long, 0.98 m wide and it was
0.2 m deep. The re-cut was subsequently filled with more waste-like material (C.40) that contained
many heat-shattered stones. The fills of both the original pit and the re-cut were later truncated by a
pit (C.91) and a ditch (C.88).
Immediately adjacent to the pit, at its southeastern end, there were two spreads (C.97 and C.98) with
average dimensions of 1.1 m by 0.67 m by 0.07 m in depth. They contained charcoal, burnt stone and
manganese and were similar to some of the fills within the pit.
To the south of the pit C.112 there were four spreads of waste material (C.96, C.104, C.106 and C.111)
that were similar in nature to burnt mound material; they were predominantly black in colour (but
also varied between grey and brown) and contained frequent inclusions of fire-shattered stone and
charcoal. They measured on average 1.7 m in length, 0.6 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. They were
probably deposits associated with the use of hot-stone technology at the site (see Ó Néill 2003-4).
7.2 Hearth and stakeholes
A hearth (C.37) and several stakeholes (Plate 3) located immediately to the west of the possible trough
were probably associated with its use. The hearth (C.37) was 1.7 m long and measured 0.74 m wide at
its base. The upper fills of (C.5 and C.21) had an average depth of 0.1 m and both were charcoal-rich
deposits. The underlying context (C.37) consisted of oxidised natural. The hearth was closely associat-
ed with 23 stakeholes (C.14, C.15, C.17, C.19, C.20, C.24, C.29, C.31, C.33, C.36, C.49, C.51, C.53,
C.55, C.57, C.65, C.67, C.69, C.71, C.73, C.75, C.77 and C.79) that were of similar morphology
(average diameter 0.12 m and average depth 0.14 m) and contained the same types of fills, suggesting
that they were more-or-less contemporary. A small number of these stakes (C.15, C.17 and C.36) were
burnt in situ, being charcoal filled or containing charcoal plugs. The large number of stakeholes to the
northeast and southwest of the hearth and the presence of stakeholes within the hearth suggests that
there may have been a spit or a similar overhanging feature suspended by the fire. The hearth may have
been used to prepare stones that were used to heat water in the trough (C.112).
7.3 Pits
A large, truncated pit (C.2) and several smaller pits were also discovered at the site.
The large pit C.2 was truncated by a later feature (C.4) to the north and by the ditch C.94/95. The
remaining shape in plan was sub-rectangular and it measured 1.86 m in length by 1.0 m in width with
a depth of 0.26 m. It contained four separate fills (C.10, C.25, C.26, and C.27). These deposits all
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contained material that resembled slag, charcoal flecks, and some had residues of ash. One of the fills
(C.10) produced diffuse-porous wood charcoal that returned an Early-Middle Bronze Age radiocar-
bon date of cal BC 1650-1420 (Beta 219133; see Appendix 3). The basal layer C.27, was the thickest
at 0.15 m in depth. It was a firm clay that was possibly a special lining for the pit. The three remaining
fills (average depth 0.05 m) appeared to be heat-affected and in situ; this suggested that the pit was
used for heating material. The fact that the deposits overlay each other suggests that it was not cleaned
out after each use.
To the north there was a pit (C.44) that was rectangular in plan with smooth sides that varied from
vertical to steeply sloping and it measured 1.1 m in length, 0.79 m wide and had a maximum depth of
0.15 m. The main fills (C.58, C.62 and C.63) were on average 0.05 m deep and contained burnt stone,
manganese, slag-like deposits and charcoal. The uppermost deposit (C.39) apparently represented nat-
ural silting, suggesting that the pit was not entirely back-filled prior to disuse. C.45 (a stakehole meas-
uring 0.2 m in diameter and 0.1 m in depth) was found immediately north of the pit and it may have
been associated with its use. Given its steep sides and its proximity to the large pit C.2, it is possible
that this cut was originally a cooling pit for heated material that was produced within the larger pit.
Pit (C.101) was possibly also associated with the pit C.2. It was sub-circular in plan and measured 1.68
m long, was 1.56 m wide and 0.5 m deep, but it was heavily truncated by a later ditch (C.88/C.93). It
was filled with C.92 (a stony, charcoal flecked deposit).
A single truncated pit (C.12) may be contemporaneous. It is difficult to describe as the pit was trun-
cated by machine and by a later pit, C.4 (Plate 2). The remaining cut was irregular in shape and meas-
ured 0.26 m long, by 0.15 m wide and 0.32 m deep. It was filled by a brown sandy silt (C.11) that may
have accumulated naturally.
Two pits (C.4 and C.91) were stratigraphically later than the others excavated at the site as they trun-
cated earlier features. The pit C.4 was 2.4 m long, 1.2 m wide and was 0.3 m deep. It contained one
homogenous fill (C.3). It truncated the large pit C.2 and another pit C.12. The other pit (C.91) was
truncated by a ditch (C.88/C.93) so its true extent is unknown; the surviving remains measured 0.83
m in length, 0.6 m in width and 0.28 m in depth. This pit was filled by C.90, a light grey, stone-rich
deposit (Plate B). It truncated the pit C.112. The deposits within both pits differed in texture but had
similar inclusions of charcoal and ash. This suggests that they were backfilled with heat-affected mate-
rial that included waste from the activities carried out at the site. The stratigraphy of these cut features
indicates that they post-dated the possible trough C.112 and pre-dated at least one of the ditches that
traversed the site.
7.4 Ditches
The latest (most recent) phase of activity at the site was the excavation of two roughly parallel, wide,
shallow, curvilinear ditches (C.88/93 and C.94/95).
The inner ditch (C.88/C.93) was approximately 8.5 m long (where excavated) and from 1.1-1.2 m wide
and c.0.4 m deep. It was filled by C.87 and C.13, fills that varied from brown to greyish brown and
from silts to clays; it appears that the ditch was in-filled gradually and naturally.
The excavated part of the outer ditch (C.94/C.95) was 5.4 m long, c.1.6 m wide and 0.3 m deep. It
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was particularly shallow and wide in places and was probably heavily truncated. It was filled by seven
deposits: C.46, C.34, C.42, C.59, C.60, C.61, and C.86. All of the fills were brown silts or clays and
the majority appear to have accumulated naturally although there were some burnt stone inclusions
towards the south. These may have been the results of disturbance to earlier archaeological features
when the ditch was dug, suggesting that the excavation results only hint at the extent of archaeological
activity in the area.
These ditches were roughly parallel and were orientated from northwest to southeast (for on average
3.8 m) before taking a 90° turn and changing orientation from northeast to southwest (for on average
3.3 m). This indicates that the ditches served the same purpose; it is likely that they acted as a bound-
ary and/or enclosed the field. This boundary is not currently in use, perhaps indicating a shift in land
ownership or land use. The ditch fills contained the only finds from the site: the outer ditch contained
some modern pottery (in C.46) and some glass (in C.86) while the inner ditch (C.87) contained an
extremely corroded anomalous iron object. All of these finds are modern in origin and they were not
kept as part of the site archive. Their recovery suggests that the ditches date to a relatively recent phase
of activity at the site.
8 Artefacts
No artefacts were retrieved during excavation of this site.
9 Environmental Remains
Twenty-one bulk soil samples were taken during excavation. These were assessed for the presence of
plant remains by Martha Tierney but no significant macroplant material was recovered apart from
the remains of one charred weed seed taken from a modern ditch fill (Appendix 5). Sixteen of the
samples were assessed for charcoal by Mary Dillon in order to select suitable material for radiocarbon
dating. Charcoal was only present in thirteen of the samples (Appendix 4) and it was predominantly
identified as a diffuse-porous wood type. Given the limited range of trees present in prehistoric Ireland
this means that the charcoal was from alder, willow/poplar, birch, hazel, plum/cherry, gorse or an ap-
ple-type tree. The most common types found at prehistoric sites tend to be alder or hazel. Only two
samples were different: C.92 from the fill of pit C.101 and possibly associated with the furnace, pro-
duced ring-porous wood and well preserved charcoal that was possible to identify definitively as oak
taken from C.13, the fill of one of the later ditches (C.88/C.93). This sample also contained charcoal
of diffuse-porous type.
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10 Discussion
The frequent recovery of charcoal and heat-shattered stone deposits at Ballyvergin is striking and it
indicates that hot-stone technology (as described by Ó Néill 2003-4) was used at the site. There is an-
other, more conventional example of a burnt mound site at Dungeer, c.1,2 km to the southeast. Burnt
mounds are the most common Bronze Age sites found in Ireland. The characteristic site-type is found
in low-lying/damp ground and consists of a mound of charcoal-rich black sediment that is packed with
heat-shattered stones and forms a horseshoe-shape around a pit or trough that filled with water. In
many cases, however, all that survives to the present day are black spreads with fragments of shattered
stones visible in ploughed fields.
Traditionally these sites have been interpreted as ancient cooking places, where large stones 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 maintained at this heat by occasional ad-
ditions 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) have demonstrated that this could be achieved quite efficiently. However, the scarcity of ani-
mal remains from most excavated burnt mounds (although there are some notable exceptions such as
Inchagreenoge in Co. Clare; Grogan forthcoming) has left the question of function open to debate
and other theories on their use include bathing and dyeing textiles together with the production of
hot water and steam for curative purposes and sweat houses (Ó Drisceoil 1988). All of these sugges-
tions are speculative as there is virtually no conclusive scientific evidence to prove or disprove theories
about how the sites were used. This may be partially 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 (2003-4) points out, these are the remains
of a technology (the use of hot stones known as “pyrolithic technology”), rather than specific indica-
tions of the end result of the process.
The Dungeer burnt mound was situated at the only area of low ground that was covered by this
scheme and this perhaps explains why there was only one definite example of these ubiquitous monu-
ments excavated during the course of this project. There are sixty-three burnt mounds (or “ fulachta
fiadh”) listed in the Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford (Moore 1996) but up to the year 2003
there were only three others recorded in the county (www.excavations.ie and Bennett 2003, 2004 and
2005), as well as a reference to ploughed-out burnt mounds recorded during testing (Stafford 2003).
Recent excavations in Co. Wexford along the routes of new roads in the county will augment the
number of excavated examples.
There are also suggestion that the deposits excavated from Ballyvergin were associated with metalwork-
ing, as slag-like and manganese deposits were quite commonly recorded during excavation, although
no slag or hammer-scale was retrieved from any of the samples from the site. There are suggestions
of associations with metalworking at burnt mound sites such as Tullaheddy, Co. Tipperary (O’Brien
2000) and Bawnaglogh, Cork (Ó Néill 2000) and perhaps metalworking was one of the many applica-
tions for hot-stone technology.
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11 Summary
The site at Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford, excavataed under licence 00E0473, comprised five pits, one pos-
sible furnace, one hearth and twenty-five stakeholes. The entire area was truncated by two ditches that
are of recent origin. The frequency of charcoal and heat-shattered stone in the archaeological deposits
indicated the use of pyrolithic technology at the site. However, despite the similarity of these deposits
to burnt mound material, there was no evidence for a trough at the site and many of the contexts were
interpreted as the residues of industrial waste, probably from metalworking. The site produced an Ear-
ly-Middle Bronze Age radiocarbon date and it complements evidence for fairly sporadic and low-level
production of metal in the earlier part of the Irish Bronze Age. The area of excavation was truncated
by later (modern) field ditches which caused extensive disturbance to the archaeological remains.
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12 Bibliography
Bennett, I. (ed.) 2003. Excavations 2001. Bray, Wordwell.
Bennett, I. (ed.) 2004. Excavations 2002. Bray, Wordwell.
Bennett, I. (ed.) 2006. Excavations 2003. Bray, Wordwell.
Bennett, I. 2004-5. ‘Archaeological Excavations in Co. Wexford’, Journal of the Wexford Historical
Society 20, 184-196.
Colfer, B. 1987. ‘Anglo-Norman Settlement in County Wexford’, pp. 65-101 in Whelan, K. (ed.)
Wexford History and Society. Interdisciplinary essays on the history of an Irish county. Dublin,
Geography Publications.
Colfer, B. 1990-1991. ‘Medieval Wexford’, Journal of the Wexford Historical Society 13, 4-29.
Cotter, C. 1986. ‘MacMurroughs, Co. Wexford’, in Cotter, C. (ed.) Excavations 1985. Dublin, Irish
Academic Publication for Organisation of Irish Archaeologists.
Green, S. W. and Zvelebil, M. 1990. “The Mesolithic colonisation and agricultural transition of south-
east Ireland”, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 56, 57-88.
Howarth, O.J.R. 1911. A Geography of Ireland. London, Oxford Geographies.
McCarthy, M. 2004. ‘Strandfield, Co. Wexford’, pp. 520-521 in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2002.
Bray, Wordwell.
McLoughlin, C. 2004. ‘Kerlogue’, pp.517-518 in Bennet, I. (ed.) Excavations 2002. Bray, Wordwell.
Mitchell, F. & Ryan, M. 1997. Reading the Irish Landscape, Town House, Dublin
Moore, M.J. 1996. Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford. Dublin, Government Publications.
Moran, J. 2000. ‘Ballyanne, Co. Wexford’. in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1998. Bray, Wordwell.
O’Brien, R. 2000. ‘Tullahedy, Co. Tipperary’, in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1999. Bray, Wordwell.
O’Keefe, T. 2000. Medieval Ireland, An Archaeology. Stroud, Tempus.
O’Kelly, M.J. 1975. ‘Archaeological Survey and Excavation of St. Vogue’s Church, Enclosure and
Other Monuments st Carnsore, Co. Wexford’, Unpublished excavation report for the Electricity
Supply Board.
O’Kelly, M.J. 1954 ‘Excavations and experiments in Irish cooking places’, Journal of the Royal Society
of Antiquaries of Ireland 84, 105-156.
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13 Figures
Figure 1: Discovery map showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh to Harristown road
Figure 1: Discovery map showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road
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2 km
00E0417
00E0425
00E0424
0
00E0476
00E0623
00E0624
00E0626
00E0625
00E0475
00E0474
00E0471
00E0473
New Archaeological Sites
Existing N25
New Road
Key:
Figure 2: Ordnance Survey 1st edition showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road.
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20. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
2 km
00E0417
21
20
D
TE
25
00E0425
IS
EL
18
D
19
00E0424
58
173131
52
24
00E0476
16
00E0623
23
67
00E0624
00E0625 64
00E0626
0
00E0475
00E0474
TE1531
D
LIS
DE
33
00E0471
D
TE
3232
IS
EL
D
14
00E0473
13
New Archaeological Sites
Existing N25
New Road
Key:
Figure 3: RMP (Sheet 36) showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road
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21. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Figure 4: Route of new road with all excavated sites displayed
500m
0m
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22. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
E 287948
N 123884
E 287944
N 123875
E 287954
N 123871
Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the excavated area at Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford (00E0473)
showing the pits, possible furnace and the later ditches truncating the archaeological contexts
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23. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
C.93
E 287948 C.101
N 123884
E 287957
N 123881
C.93
C.112
C.73
C.67 C.14
C.17
C.49 C.44
C.19
C.20 C.51 C.45
C.65 C.71
C.53
C.57 C.55
C.36
C.75
C.77 C.115
C.69
C.37
C.79 C.91
C.33 C.29
C.31
E 287944
C.13
N 123875
C.4
C.104
C.12
C.2
C.94
E 287954
N 123871
0 5m
Figure 6: Post-excavation plan of the site at Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford, with the Early-Middle
Bronze Age features accentuated
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24. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
14 Plates
Plate 1: Working shot of site under excavation with view of surrounding landscape
Plate 2: Cut of Pit C.112
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25. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Plate 3: Stakeholes around area of hearth C.37
Plate 4: Pit C.4
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26. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Plate 5: Deposit C.90 containing a large amount of heat shattered stone
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27. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
15 Appendices
15.1 Appendix 1 Context Register
Context No. Dimensions (l x b Description
x d) in metres
2 1.86 m N-S x 1.0 m A sub-rectangular cut with rounded corners to the SE and SW. The break
x 0.26 m in depth of slope top was gradual to the south, NE and SW, sharp to the west, SE
and NW and the cut was truncated by machine to the north and to the
east by C.4. The west side was vertical and irregular, the south side was
gently sloping and concave and the eastern side was moderately sloped and
concave. The break of slope at the base was gradual except to the west, SE
and NW where it was sharp. The base was flat to concave in profile. The
cut of a pit dug for the purpose of industrial activity, filled with C.10, 25,
26, and 27.
3 2.2 m NW-SE x Mid reddish brown, soft, fine, sandy silt that contained moderate amounts
1.40 m x 0.3 m in of pebbles, small stones, charcoal flecks, ash and slag-like material. Inclu-
depth sions indicate that it may be the by-product of industrial activity on the
site. Fill of pit cut C.4.
4 2.4 m NE-SW x 1.2 Sub-rectangular cut. Break of slope top of the cut was gradual everywhere
m x 0.3 m in depth except to the south and NE where it was imperceptible. Sides were gently
sloping and the break of slope base was gradual. The base itself was oval in
plan and concave in profile. The SE edge of the cut was truncated. A large
shallow pit cut filled with C.3, it truncated C.2 and 12. It was purposely
dug for the deposition of waste industrial material, possibly associated with
localised, small-scale industrial activity.
5 1.44 m NNE-SSW Dark brownish black, charcoal stained soft clayey silt with frequent coarse
x 0.74 m x 0.12 m pebbles and moderate amounts of stones. The primary fill of a very shallow
in depth hearth, burnt in situ, it is over C.21, possibly for the purpose of cooking or
heating. The presence of stakeholes around this feature suggests some form
of a temporary shelter for the fire.
6 0.22 m E-W x 0.1 A black, soft, silty clay that contained occasional coarse pebbles and char-
m x 0.20 m depth coal. However, the soil is generally charcoal stained. Fill of stakehole, cut
C.15, the stake appears to have been burnt in situ.
7 0.1 m NW-SE x A mid yellowish brown, soft, silty clay that contained occasional charcoal
0.07 m x 0.1 m flecks and pebbles. Fill of stakehole cut C.14.
depth
8 0.1 m NW-SE x A dark orangish black, soft, silty clay that contained frequent coarse peb-
0.08 m x 0.07 m bles. Bioturbation has caused the infiltration of stones and pebbles. The fill
depth of a stakehole, cut C.19.
9 0.09 m x 0.08 m x A dark orangish black, soft, silty clay that contained frequent coarse peb-
0.1 m in depth bles. Bioturbation has caused the infiltration of stones and pebbles. The fill
of stakehole, cut C.20.
10 2 m N-S x 0.6 m x Dark brownish black, soft, sandy silt that contained occasional sub-an-
0.07 m in depth gular stones, frequent charcoal flecks and moderate amounts of ash and
slag-like material. This context was overlain by others suggesting that the
pit was not cleaned out after every use. It is a fill of the pit cut C.2, and is
possibly representative of one episode of use, is truncated by the overlying
pit cut C.4.
11 0.26 m N-S x 0.15 A mid reddish brown, firm, sandy silt that contained moderate amounts of
m x 0.32 m in stones. This possibly naturally accumulated. The fill of a heavily truncated
depth cut, C.12, truncated by C.4 to the west and by machining to the east.
12 0.26 m N-S x 0.15 An irregularly shaped cut. The break of slope top was imperceptible to the
m x 0.32 m in SE and sharp to the NW and was severely truncated elsewhere. The sides
depth to the NW and the SE were gently sloping and concave and the break of
slope at the base was gradual. The base was concave in profile. The high
degree of truncation makes it difficult to tell the original shape or func-
tion of this feature. It was truncated by C.4 and machining. The cut of a
truncated possible pit, filled with C.11
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28. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Context No. Dimensions (l x b Description
x d) in metres
13 14.32 m NE-SW Dark brown, firm, silty clay with frequent angular pebbles and small
x 1.08 m x 0.25 stones and occasional charcoal flecks. Extended through Grid Squares 5,
m.depth 6 and 7 from NW to SE, and from NE to SW in Grid Square 4. Natural
silting up of ditch cut C.93.
14 0.1 m NW-SE x A circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top, vertical sides and an
0.07 m x 0.1 m imperceptible break of slope at the base. The base was circular in plan and
depth had a tapered point in profile. The cut of a stakehole filled with C.7. Ap-
proximately 0.20 m west of a stakehole C.15 and three stakeholes C.18, 19
and 20 and to the northwest of a hearth fill C.5.
15 0.22 m E-W x 0.1 An oval shaped cut with a gradual break of slope at the top, steeply sloping
m x 0.20 m depth sides and imperceptible break of slope at the base. The base was pointed in
profile. This was the cut of a stakehole filled with C.6, located to the north
of the hearth feature and immediately west of stakeholes C.19, 20 and 14.
16 0.29 m x 0.16 x A black, soft, silty clay that contained occasional coarse pebbles and char-
0.33 m in depth coal. with charcoal staining. This stake appears to have been burnt in situ.
This is the fill of a stakehole, cut C.17.
17 0.29 m x 0.16 x An oval shaped cut with a sharp break of slope at the top. The sides were
0.33 m in depth steeply sloping to the east and concave elsewhere. The break of slope at
the base of the cut was imperceptible and the base had a tapered point in
profile. Immediately west of stakeholes C.19, 20 and 14.This is the cut of a
stakehole, filled with C.16.
19 0.1 m NW-SE x A circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top everywhere except to
0.08 m x 0.07 m the east where it was imperceptible. The sides were steeply sloping and
depth concave and the break of slope at the base was imperceptible. The base had
a tapered point in profile. This is the cut of a stakehole located on the NW
edge of the basal burnt clay within the hearth, C.37.
20 0.09 m x 0.08 m x A circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top everywhere except to
0.1 m in depth the east where it was imperceptible. The sides were steeply sloping and
concave and the break of slope at the base was imperceptible. The base had
a tapered point in profile. The cut of a stakehole filled with C.9, north of
the hearth feature and stakehole C.15.
21 1.64 m NW-SE x A mid greyish orange, soft silt with moderate coarse pebbles, small stones,
0.76 m x 0.08 m in burnt clay and small flecks of charcoal. The fill of a shallow hearth, under
depth C.5 and was cut by stakehole C.24. It was surrounded to the northwest
and the southeast by a series of stakeholes C.14, 19 and 20.
23 0.1 m N-S x0.1 x A dark orangish black, soft, silty clay that contained frequent coarse peb-
0.09 m depth bles. Bioturbation has caused the infiltration of stones and pebbles. The fill
of a stakehole, cut C.24.
24 0.1 m N-S x 0.09 m A circular cut with an indeterminable eastern edge. The break of slope at
depth the top of the cut was sharp everywhere except to the east. The sides were
vertical and the break of slope at the base was sharp. The cut of a truncated
stakehole filled with C.23. This stakehole was situated in the centre of the
hearth feature C.37, to the south of the stakeholes C.14, 19 and 20 and
posthole C.17. As it was truncated to the east it is likely that this stake was
removed at an angle in an eastern direction.
25 1.7 m in N-S x Light pinkish grey brown, fine, sandy silt that contained moderate
0.4 m x 0.12 m in amounts of pebbles and small stones, occasional charcoal pieces and slag-
depth like material. Fill of a pit cut C.2, is possibly in situ and is representative of
the final phase of use of the pit when it was no longer cleaned out.
26 1.2 m N-S x 0.17 m Dark bluish grey, soft, sandy silt that contained occasional pebbles and
x 0.05 m in depth moderate amounts of charcoal flecks and slag-like material. The in situ fill
of a pit cut C.2. It is possibly representative of the final usage of the pit,
C.2, when it no longer needed to be cleaned out.
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29. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Context No. Dimensions (l x b Description
x d) in metres
27 1.9 m N-S x 0.32 m A light yellowish grey, firm, sandy clay that contained moderate amounts
x 0.15 m in depth of charcoal flecks and slag-like material. This was the basal layer within
the pit C.2 and may have been deposited as a lining. The whitening of the
deposit may be as a result of temperatures generated by the use of the pit.
28 0.1 m diameter x A mid yellowish brown, soft, silty clay that contained moderate amounts of
0.15 m in depth coarse pebbles. The fill of a stakehole, cut C.29.
29 0.1 m diameter x A circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top, vertical sides and im-
0.15 m in depth perceptible break of slope at the base. The base had a blunt tapered point
in profile. The cut of a stakehole filled with C.28, to the southeast of the
hearth feature and to the north of stakeholes C.31 and 33.
30 0.07 m in diameter A mid to dark brown, soft, silty clay that contained moderate amounts of
x 0.09 m in depth angular pebbles. This is the fill of a stakehole, cut C.31.
31 0.07 m in diameter A circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top, vertical sides and
x 0.09 m in depth imperceptible break of slope at the base. The base itself had a blunt tapered
point in profile. The cut of a stakehole, filled with C.30, located to the
southeast of the hearth feature and to the north of stakeholes C.32 and 33.
32 0.1 m in diameter x A dark blackish brown, soft, clayey silt that contained occasional small
0.1 m in depth flecks of charcoal and pebbles. The fill of a stakehole, cut C.33.
33 0.1 m in diameter x An oval cut with one rounded corner to the west. The break of slope at the
0.1 m in depth top of the cut was sharp everywhere except to the NE where it was gradual.
The sides were concave to the SW (slightly undercut), sloping gently to
the east and NE. The cut had a flat base in profile. The cut of a stakehole,
filled with C.32, located to the SE of the hearth feature and to the north of
stakeholes C.31 and 33.
34 5.85 m NE-SW x Mid brown, soft, silty clay containing occasional coarse pebbles and
2.45 m x 0.18 m charcoal flecks. The upper fill of a wide, shallow ditch cut C.94 that was
depth within a continuation of C.95. The two segments of the cuts were num-
bered differently due to the fact that the cut was not detectable over a small
area. Is most likely backfilled topsoil.
35 No dimensions A black, soft, silt that contained occasional coarse pebbles and charcoal
pieces. The soil, however, was charcoal stained throughout. This was a
stakehole charcoal plug, in stakehole cut C.36.
36 No dimensions A circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top everywhere except to
the NE where it was imperceptible. The sides were concave to the SW and
west and imperceptible elsewhere. The break of slope at the base of the
cut was sharp to the SW and west and imperceptible elsewhere. The base
was flat in profile. This cut may have been truncated to the east. This is a
stakehole, filled with C.35 and 38. The stake was placed in the centre of
the hearth and was cut in to C.37, which was the hearth fill. The stakehole
cut was overlain by another layer within the hearth C.21, suggesting that
the stake was inserted during active use of the hearth. It would appear that
this stake was burnt in situ but only the surface was affected by the fire
creating a charcoal plug (C.35) while the underlying layer rotted in situ
(C.38).
37 1.7 m NW-SE x A mid brownish orange, firm, silty clay that contained frequent amounts
0.74 m x 0.06 m of coarse pebbles and small stones. There also moderate amounts of char-
depth coal flecks. The basal layer of the shallow hearth, it was in situ natural that
became burnt and oxidised as a result of fire. It underlay stakehole C.36.
38 No dimensions A mid brown, soft, silty clay that contained occasional coarse pebbles. Fill
of stakehole, cut C.36.
39 1.2 m NE-SW x Mid reddish brown, firm, sandy silt that contained occasional stones and
0.6 m x 0.05 m in pebbles. Natural silting up of a pit, cut C.44.
depth
40 1.36 m NE-SW x Dark brownish black, firm, silty clay with frequent angular fire cracked
0.98 m x 0.2 m in stone with occasional charcoal flecks. A spread of material within C.41, a
depth shallow recut of C.112, may have been cast from this pit for the purpose of
clean out.
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30. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Context No. Dimensions (l x b Description
x d) in metres
41 1.36 m NE-SW x A shallow recut of the larger pit, C.112, filled with C.40.
0.98 m x 0.2 m in
depth
42 2.2 m NE-SW x Mid brown, hard, sandy clay containing frequent pebbles. Naturally ac-
0.92 m x 0.05 m in cumulated fill of ditch cut C.94, under C.32 and over C.60.
depth
44 1.1 x 0.79 m x 0.13 A rectangular cut. The break of slope top was sharp to the west, NE and
m depth SW. The sides varied from vertical to steeply sloping and all were smooth.
The break of slope at the base of the cut was gradual. The base was concave
in profile. Due to the slope of this feature and its proximity to C.2, it is
possible that this cut was originally a cooling pit for material produced
within the pit, C.2. This is the cut of a pit filled with C.39, 58, 62 and 63.
45 0.20 m in diameter A circular cut that had a sharp break of slope at the top, vertical sides
x 0.1 m in depth except to the east where it was steep and a sharp break of slope at the base.
The base itself is concave in profile. Probably associated with C.44. Cut of
stakehole filled with C.47.
46 2.0 m E-W x length Mid brownish grey, firm, silty clay containing moderate amounts of coarse
of box section x pebbles and small stones and moderate amounts of charcoal flecks. Fill of
0.26 m in depth ditch cut C.95. Another segment of this ditch was recorded further SE,
however the morphology of the cut and the nature of the fills differed so
the cut was given a different number (C.94).
47 0.20 m in diameter A mid reddish brown, firm, sandy silt. Fill of stakehole cut C.45.
x 0.1 m in depth
48 0.13 m N-S x 0.08 A mid blackish brown, soft, charcoal stained silty clay that contained oc-
m x 0.14 m in depth casional coarse pebbles. This is the fill of stakehole cut C.49.
49 0.13 m N-S x 0.08 An oval cut in plan with rounded corners to the NE and SW. The break
m x 0.14 m in depth of slope at the top was sharp everywhere except to the east where it was
gradual. The sides were vertical but slightly undercut to the west and con-
cave to the south. The break of slope at the base was imperceptible and the
base had a blunt tapered point in profile. This was the cut of a stakehole,
filled with C.48, located immediately north of C.51 and was also associ-
ated with stakeholes C.53, 55 and 57. This stakehole cut underlay a layer of
hearth fill C.37.
50 0.05 m in diameter A mid brown, soft, silty clay. The fill of stakehole, cut C.51.
x 0.06 m in depth
51 0.05 m in diameter A circular cut with a gradual break of slope at the top, concave sides and
x 0.06 m in depth an imperceptible break of slope at the base. The base had a blunt tapered
point in profile. This cut may have been truncated from above, as it was
very shallow. This was the cut of a stakehole, filled with C.50, located im-
mediately south of C.49 and underlay a layer of hearth fill C.37.
52 0.20 m NW-SE x A mid yellowish brown, firm, silty clay that contained frequent coarse peb-
0.18 m x 0.12 m in bles. It was truncated by C.55. The fill of stakehole cut C.53.
depth
53 0.20 m NW-SE x A circular cut with a gradual break of slope at the top everywhere except
0.18 m x 0.12 m in to the SE where it was imperceptible. The sides were gently sloping and
depth concave everywhere except to the SE where the side was truncated by C.55.
The base was flat in profile. This was the cut of a stakehole filled with
C.52. It was truncated by C.55 that may be packing or a new stakehole
taking up the position of the old.
54 0.12 NE-SW x 0.11 A dark orangish black, soft, charcoal stained clayey silt that contained
m x 0.11 m in depth moderate amounts of coarse angular pebbles and occasional amounts of
small angular stones. This is the fill of stakehole cut C.55.
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31. 00E0473 Ballyvergin, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Context No. Dimensions (l x b Description
x d) in metres
55 0.12 NE-SW x 0.11 An irregular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top everywhere except
m x 0.11 m in depth to the NW. The NW side consisted of part of C.53, which had previously
been removed. The sides were vertical and there was an imperceptible
break of slope at the base. The base itself was a tapered point in profile.
This was the cut of a stakehole, filled with C.54, and truncates C.53. C.55
may have served as packing or a new stakehole taking up the position of
the old C.53. This cut underlay a layer of hearth fill C.37 and was also as-
sociated with C.49 and C.51.
56 0.15 m N-S x 0.8 m A mid orangish brown, firm, silty clay with moderate amounts of coarse
x 0.05 m in depth angular pebbles and small angular and sub-angular stones. This context
may have been truncated to the east as the side was no longer visible. This
is the fill of stakehole, cut C.57.
57 0.15 m N-S x 0.8 m This context was originally circular shaped in plan, however, it had been
x 0.05 m in depth truncated to the east. The break of slope at the top of the cut was sharp to
the west, NW and SW, gradual to the SE and NE and imperceptible to the
east. The sides were vertical to the west, NW, SW, gradual to the SE and
NE. The break of slope at the base of the cut was sharp to the west, NW
and SW, gradual to the SE and NE and imperceptible to the east. The base
was flat in profile. This was the cut of a stakehole, filled with C.56, which
was underneath the final layer of hearth material C.37 and was associated
with C.51, 53, and 55 that also underlay C.37.
58 0.8 m N-S x 0.4 m Mid yellowish grey, firm sandy silt with moderate amounts of pebbles,
x 0.09 m in depth manganese, charcoal flecks and burnt fractured stones and occasional
flecks of white sandy clay and pieces of slag-like material. Fill of pit cut
C.44, an upcast of soil, possibly from the digging of another feature then
deliberately deposited in C.44.
59 2.1 m NE-SW x Mid brown, friable, silty, sandy clay containing frequent coarse pebbles
1.5 m x 0.20 m in and angular, fire shattered stones and lumps of manganese that may be
depth natural. It was disturbed burnt mound material. A spread of fire shattered
stones within the wide, shallow, ditch C.94.
60 1.9 m NE-SW x Black, friable, silty, sandy clay containing occasional pebbles, fire shattered
0.55 m x 0.15 m stone and occasional charcoal flecks. The inclusions of charcoal and fire
depth shattered stone suggests that it was redeposited burnt mound material. It
was located in the centre north of Grid Square 2 extending along the NE
edge of the ditch. Fill of ditch cut C.94.
61 1.5 m NW-SE x 0.6 Mid yellowish brown, firm, sandy clay containing frequent angular fire
m x 0.1 m in depth shattered pebbles and stones. Redeposited burnt mound material mixed
with naturally accumulated soil. Fill of ditch cut C.94.
62 0.72 m NW-SE x Mid pinkish brown firm very fine sandy silt with moderately occurring
0.51 m x 0.07 m burnt coarse angular pebbles, frequently occurring burnt small and me-
depth dium stones, occasional small pieces of manganese and flecks of charcoal.
Fill of pit, cut C.44, under C.58..
63 0.4 m NE-SW x Mottled dark greyish black soil with small and medium, angular and sub-
0.3 m x 0.03 m in angular stones, moderate amounts of a mid brown, sandy silt and charcoal
depth and slag-like material. This is a small spread of fire shattered stone, char-
coal and material associated with the pit to the south C.2. This material
was deposited as a result of industrial activity, into pit cut C.44.
64 None given A mid brown, clayey silt that contained moderate amounts of coarse peb-
bles and occasional angular and sub-angular stones. This is the fill of a
stakehole, cut C.65.
65 None given A sub-circular cut with a sharp break of slope at the top everywhere except
to the NE where the side had been truncated. The sides were concave
except to the NW, which was stepped. The break of slope at the base of the
cut was imperceptible. The base blunt tapered point in profile. This was
the cut of a stakehole located to the west of a series of stakeholes C.49, 51,
53, 55 and 57.
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