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.
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 excavations at Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary uncovered three areas of pits. The pits in two areas (Areas 2 and 3) were isolated and did not contain notable artefacts or environmental evidence. However, at Area 1 there were several pit clusters and artefacts and radiocarbon dates indicated occupation (probably intermittent rather than permanent) during the Early Neolithic.
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.
This document is the table of contents for the American Standard Version of the Holy Bible from 1901. It lists all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments broken down by chapter. The Old Testament section lists each book of Genesis broken down into its 50 chapters, followed by the other books of the Old Testament in order. The New Testament section similarly lists each book and its chapters.
Excavations at Castleroan 1 E3909 revealed a prehistoric settlement site, in the form of two Bronze Age houses and an associated group of post-holes, pits and stake-holes.
Structure A was defined by two rings of posts, pits and slot trenches, the inner ring was concentric with the outer. It dated to the Middle Bronze Age. The internal diameter of the house was 7 m and it enclosed an internal area of 32 m 2. The external diameter was 9.5m and it enclosed an area of 65 m 2. The entrance faced east and measured 2 m. Structure B was located 6 m to the south of Structure A and was dated to the Late Bronze Age.
The structure was defined by two incomplete rings of posts. The inner ring comprised six posts and two substantial slot trenches formed the entrance. The entrance was 1.5 m in width and faced north-east. The outer ring was concentric with the inner and was also incomplete. It was defined by a ring of nine posts. The diameter of the house was estimated at 7 m. The interior of the structure enclosed an area of 30 m 2 and the entire structure enclosed an area of 40 m 2.
A small lithic assemblage recorded at the site was dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker period) and three sherds of Beaker pottery were recorded. Two Iron Age dates were returned from a pit within Structure A and from a pit located to the north-east of Structure A.
The excavation of the site at Moneygall 2 comprised a single pit of unknown date. The site is located in Moneygall townland, Cullenwaine parish, Offaly county. Jacinta Kiely directed the excavation and authored the excavation report. The pit was excavated and no datable artifacts or features were uncovered, so the date of the feature remains unknown.
Evidence of at least four phases of activity, dating to the Early Mesolithic, Middle Neolithic, Middle Bronze Age and medieval periods was recorded at the site at Drumbaun.
The Early Mesolithic phase was indicated by the recovery of a single flint blade. A small group of pits associated with a hearth was dated to the Neolithic Period. Flint knapping had taken place at the hearth-side. Two Middle Bronze Age structures situated side by side were located at the south-eastern edge of the site. At least three groups of pits, located in the central area of the site were dated to the medieval period. One of the groups of pits was associated with iron-smithing. A series of late/post medieval field boundaries enclosed the area of the excavation and extended beyond it.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 6, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
The site at Ballinglanna North 6 was divided into two areas. An early Mesolithic flint blade (E3972:1:1) was recovered from the topsoil. Area 1 comprised a burnt mound/fulacht fiadh that extended beyond the limit of the excavation to the west. The mound overlay a trough that had been re-cut. An Early Bronze Age date was returned for the mound. Area 2 was located 65 m to the north of Area 1. A pit was located on the northern edge of the area of excavation and extended beyond the baulk. A flint blade (E3972:21:2), dating to the first half of the Neolithic and a fragment of a quern stone (E3972:21:1) were recovered from the fill of the pit. Two hearths and associated stake-holes and two pits dating to the early modern period were also excavated in Area 2. An early modern date was returned for one of the hearths. The entire area of excavation was truncated by land drains, furrows and field ditches.
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 excavations at Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary uncovered three areas of pits. The pits in two areas (Areas 2 and 3) were isolated and did not contain notable artefacts or environmental evidence. However, at Area 1 there were several pit clusters and artefacts and radiocarbon dates indicated occupation (probably intermittent rather than permanent) during the Early Neolithic.
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.
This document is the table of contents for the American Standard Version of the Holy Bible from 1901. It lists all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments broken down by chapter. The Old Testament section lists each book of Genesis broken down into its 50 chapters, followed by the other books of the Old Testament in order. The New Testament section similarly lists each book and its chapters.
Excavations at Castleroan 1 E3909 revealed a prehistoric settlement site, in the form of two Bronze Age houses and an associated group of post-holes, pits and stake-holes.
Structure A was defined by two rings of posts, pits and slot trenches, the inner ring was concentric with the outer. It dated to the Middle Bronze Age. The internal diameter of the house was 7 m and it enclosed an internal area of 32 m 2. The external diameter was 9.5m and it enclosed an area of 65 m 2. The entrance faced east and measured 2 m. Structure B was located 6 m to the south of Structure A and was dated to the Late Bronze Age.
The structure was defined by two incomplete rings of posts. The inner ring comprised six posts and two substantial slot trenches formed the entrance. The entrance was 1.5 m in width and faced north-east. The outer ring was concentric with the inner and was also incomplete. It was defined by a ring of nine posts. The diameter of the house was estimated at 7 m. The interior of the structure enclosed an area of 30 m 2 and the entire structure enclosed an area of 40 m 2.
A small lithic assemblage recorded at the site was dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker period) and three sherds of Beaker pottery were recorded. Two Iron Age dates were returned from a pit within Structure A and from a pit located to the north-east of Structure A.
The excavation of the site at Moneygall 2 comprised a single pit of unknown date. The site is located in Moneygall townland, Cullenwaine parish, Offaly county. Jacinta Kiely directed the excavation and authored the excavation report. The pit was excavated and no datable artifacts or features were uncovered, so the date of the feature remains unknown.
Evidence of at least four phases of activity, dating to the Early Mesolithic, Middle Neolithic, Middle Bronze Age and medieval periods was recorded at the site at Drumbaun.
The Early Mesolithic phase was indicated by the recovery of a single flint blade. A small group of pits associated with a hearth was dated to the Neolithic Period. Flint knapping had taken place at the hearth-side. Two Middle Bronze Age structures situated side by side were located at the south-eastern edge of the site. At least three groups of pits, located in the central area of the site were dated to the medieval period. One of the groups of pits was associated with iron-smithing. A series of late/post medieval field boundaries enclosed the area of the excavation and extended beyond it.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 6, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
The site at Ballinglanna North 6 was divided into two areas. An early Mesolithic flint blade (E3972:1:1) was recovered from the topsoil. Area 1 comprised a burnt mound/fulacht fiadh that extended beyond the limit of the excavation to the west. The mound overlay a trough that had been re-cut. An Early Bronze Age date was returned for the mound. Area 2 was located 65 m to the north of Area 1. A pit was located on the northern edge of the area of excavation and extended beyond the baulk. A flint blade (E3972:21:2), dating to the first half of the Neolithic and a fragment of a quern stone (E3972:21:1) were recovered from the fill of the pit. Two hearths and associated stake-holes and two pits dating to the early modern period were also excavated in Area 2. An early modern date was returned for one of the hearths. The entire area of excavation was truncated by land drains, furrows and field ditches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Until monitoring of top-soil stripping commenced in 2003 only one archaeological monument was recorded on the site of the current development, Enclosure LI005:037. Following monitoring and subsequent excavation this area now includes records of at least three Late Bronze Age unenclosed flat cremation cemeteries, a ring-ditch in close proximity to one of the smaller cemeteries and the remains of four Fulachta Fiadh.
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.
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.
A group of over a hundred pits, postholes and stakeholes were located on the hilltop at Stagpark. The features dated from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age which would suggest that the hilltop was occupied over a long period of time. Four pits containing burnt fills were recorded in Area A and Area C. The pits were similar in terms of morphology, size and date. The two sets of pits were located within 1m of each other and c. 40m apart. Almost identical Early Bronze Age dates were returned for two of the pits. The pits may have functioned as cremation pits, although minute traces of burnt bone was recorded in only one of the fills. They may also have been utilised for a domestic purpose. One of the two large pits (C.1001) in Area B was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It is difficult to interpret the function of these pits as they are exceptionally large. Stakeholes recorded on the upper sides of pit C.1001, these may have formed a frame or covering for the pit.
The recovery of two sherds of Late Bronze Age coarse ware from a pit, in the vicinity of the hearth-pit C.22, in the northwest section of Area A, would indicate that this area was utilised during the Late Bronze Age. A cluster of three pits and eight stakeholes were located to the southeast of the hearth.
Four of the stakeholes in particular could have formed a shelter around the hearth open to the west.
Although no dating evidence was obtained from the features in the vicinity of the large pits C.66 and C.90 it is possible that they are associated with the Late Bronze Age activity surrounding the hearth C.22.
A Middle Iron Age date was returned from the later re-cut of the large pit C.110. An L-shaped alignment, consisting of three pits, 13 stakeholes and three postholes, extended to the north and east of the pit. The alignment measured c. 6m north-south by 13m east-west. It could be associated with the Middle Iron Age pit C.110, the Early Bronze Age cremation pits or the Late Bronze Age features.
A number of fulachta fiadh were recorded downslope to the north and south of the site. Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while four other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 1 (04E1119) was 600m to the south, Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 200m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 1.5km to the north. The fulachta fiadh are located on heavier clay subsoil. Radiocarbon dates obtained from some of the burnt mounds would suggest that these sites were utilized during the Early Bronze Age.
The site, possibly located on the margins of prehistoric settlement, forms an interesting contrast to a Middle Bronze Age settlement site excavated at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072). The remains of at least three circular houses were excavated at Mitchelstown 1. The site was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River. The opposing site on the southern bank of the Gradoge River was subsequently occupied by the Anglo Normans in the thirteenth century. The material evidence recorded on site was scant. No associated pits and stakeholes were associated with the structures. It is possible that these features were located outside the route corridor.
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 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 document reports on an archaeological excavation at Kiltotan Collinstown 13, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two main areas of archaeological remains. Area A contained a large pit filled with burnt clay and charcoal dating to the Bronze Age, as well as some post-medieval ditches. Area B contained one irregular disturbed pit also containing burnt material that may be related to remains found further south beyond the road works area. The excavation helps add to the understanding of archaeological remains in the surrounding landscape, which contains evidence of activity dating from the Mesolithic through to the post-medieval period.
This report comprises the Final Report of excavations undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects along the line of the proposed Castledermot Sewerage Scheme in 2004. Kildare County Council proposed to upgrade the sewerage system in Castledermot village running from the Lerr River to the south along Abbey St. and Main St. to Skenagun to the north. The present town contains extensive archaeological remains, both upstanding and subsurface, of the earlier Medieval town (KD040-002). Therefore in 2002, an archaeological assessment of the proposed line of the sewerage trench was carried out (Byrne 2000). This was followed by a programme of test excavations (Lynch 2002). The results of this work led to a decision to archaeologically resolve the line of the proposed pipe trench in advance of commencement of construction works. Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated the line of the proposed trench between June and December 2004 under excavation licence number 04E0750. While the excavated trench was narrow, it offered a lengthy cross-section of the Medieval and Post-Medieval town. The excavation revealed a number of facets of the town during these periods including the Medieval town walls and a cemetery. Following archaeological resolution of the trench, it was backfilled to be opened at a future date for the insertion of the sewerage pipes.
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 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.
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.
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 at Scartbarry has been identified as a Late Bronze Age burnt mound where hot stone technology was used but there is no definite evidence from this site to indicate the specific purpose of heating stones and water in the area; the 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 site is just one of many similar monuments that have been discovered in the general area in recent years and it contributes to the widespread evidence for use of hot stones and water in the area in prehistory.
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.
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 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 Report - 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co.Kerry (Ireland)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Until monitoring of top-soil stripping commenced in 2003 only one archaeological monument was recorded on the site of the current development, Enclosure LI005:037. Following monitoring and subsequent excavation this area now includes records of at least three Late Bronze Age unenclosed flat cremation cemeteries, a ring-ditch in close proximity to one of the smaller cemeteries and the remains of four Fulachta Fiadh.
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.
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.
A group of over a hundred pits, postholes and stakeholes were located on the hilltop at Stagpark. The features dated from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age which would suggest that the hilltop was occupied over a long period of time. Four pits containing burnt fills were recorded in Area A and Area C. The pits were similar in terms of morphology, size and date. The two sets of pits were located within 1m of each other and c. 40m apart. Almost identical Early Bronze Age dates were returned for two of the pits. The pits may have functioned as cremation pits, although minute traces of burnt bone was recorded in only one of the fills. They may also have been utilised for a domestic purpose. One of the two large pits (C.1001) in Area B was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It is difficult to interpret the function of these pits as they are exceptionally large. Stakeholes recorded on the upper sides of pit C.1001, these may have formed a frame or covering for the pit.
The recovery of two sherds of Late Bronze Age coarse ware from a pit, in the vicinity of the hearth-pit C.22, in the northwest section of Area A, would indicate that this area was utilised during the Late Bronze Age. A cluster of three pits and eight stakeholes were located to the southeast of the hearth.
Four of the stakeholes in particular could have formed a shelter around the hearth open to the west.
Although no dating evidence was obtained from the features in the vicinity of the large pits C.66 and C.90 it is possible that they are associated with the Late Bronze Age activity surrounding the hearth C.22.
A Middle Iron Age date was returned from the later re-cut of the large pit C.110. An L-shaped alignment, consisting of three pits, 13 stakeholes and three postholes, extended to the north and east of the pit. The alignment measured c. 6m north-south by 13m east-west. It could be associated with the Middle Iron Age pit C.110, the Early Bronze Age cremation pits or the Late Bronze Age features.
A number of fulachta fiadh were recorded downslope to the north and south of the site. Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while four other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 1 (04E1119) was 600m to the south, Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 200m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 1.5km to the north. The fulachta fiadh are located on heavier clay subsoil. Radiocarbon dates obtained from some of the burnt mounds would suggest that these sites were utilized during the Early Bronze Age.
The site, possibly located on the margins of prehistoric settlement, forms an interesting contrast to a Middle Bronze Age settlement site excavated at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072). The remains of at least three circular houses were excavated at Mitchelstown 1. The site was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River. The opposing site on the southern bank of the Gradoge River was subsequently occupied by the Anglo Normans in the thirteenth century. The material evidence recorded on site was scant. No associated pits and stakeholes were associated with the structures. It is possible that these features were located outside the route corridor.
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 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 document reports on an archaeological excavation at Kiltotan Collinstown 13, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two main areas of archaeological remains. Area A contained a large pit filled with burnt clay and charcoal dating to the Bronze Age, as well as some post-medieval ditches. Area B contained one irregular disturbed pit also containing burnt material that may be related to remains found further south beyond the road works area. The excavation helps add to the understanding of archaeological remains in the surrounding landscape, which contains evidence of activity dating from the Mesolithic through to the post-medieval period.
This report comprises the Final Report of excavations undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects along the line of the proposed Castledermot Sewerage Scheme in 2004. Kildare County Council proposed to upgrade the sewerage system in Castledermot village running from the Lerr River to the south along Abbey St. and Main St. to Skenagun to the north. The present town contains extensive archaeological remains, both upstanding and subsurface, of the earlier Medieval town (KD040-002). Therefore in 2002, an archaeological assessment of the proposed line of the sewerage trench was carried out (Byrne 2000). This was followed by a programme of test excavations (Lynch 2002). The results of this work led to a decision to archaeologically resolve the line of the proposed pipe trench in advance of commencement of construction works. Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated the line of the proposed trench between June and December 2004 under excavation licence number 04E0750. While the excavated trench was narrow, it offered a lengthy cross-section of the Medieval and Post-Medieval town. The excavation revealed a number of facets of the town during these periods including the Medieval town walls and a cemetery. Following archaeological resolution of the trench, it was backfilled to be opened at a future date for the insertion of the sewerage pipes.
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 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.
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.
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 at Scartbarry has been identified as a Late Bronze Age burnt mound where hot stone technology was used but there is no definite evidence from this site to indicate the specific purpose of heating stones and water in the area; the 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 site is just one of many similar monuments that have been discovered in the general area in recent years and it contributes to the widespread evidence for use of hot stones and water in the area in prehistory.
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.
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.
Similar to Archaeological Report - 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co.Kerry (Ireland) (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 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.
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.
In May 2005, Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated a fulacht fiadh and an isolated pit in Skehacreggaun td., Mungret. The fulacht fiadh dates to the Middle Bronze Age, within the usual date range for these monument types. The isolated pit is likely to date to the Bronze Age and it contained the only artefact recovered through these archaeological works. The scraper suggests craft and subsistence since prehistoric times.
Archaeological excavation of the site at Busherstown revealed a complex multi-period site with six phases of activity. In broad outline they confirmed the use of the area from the Early Neolithic period to the present time. The first period of activity was prehistoric in date and comprised a small assemblage of lithics and a circular structure (Structure A) dated on typological grounds to the Bronze Age. The second phase was dated to the early medieval period, when the area was used for cereal processing, as evidenced by the discovery of at least 17 cereal-drying kilns and a further seven possible kilns. The majority of the kilns were located in a line that extended for a distance of 80 m in a NW-SE direction. The firing chambers of the kiln were for the most part located at the NE. A small number of the kilns were partially enclosed (Structures D and E). The third phase of activity was defined by an enclosure (ditches C.68 and 447) which was probably contemporary with the cereal processing. The continuous use of the area of the enclosure in the medieval period was confirmed when certain areas of the site were enclosed through the construction of deep, wide ditches (ditches C.54 and C.63). The ditches (ditches C.227 and C.78) were re-cut in the later medieval period to function as an annexe to a moated site. A substantial ditch, 5.5 m wide by 1.7 m deep, defined the moated site. Only the southern corner of the moated site was located within the road corridor. However, the entire outline can be clearly seen in aerial photographs of the adjoining field to the north-east. Two structures (C and D) were contemporary with the moated site. The post-medieval period was represented by a large number of furrows crossing the site and material which had been dumped into the top fills of the ditches. The site was levelled in the recent past.
Authors: Ewelina Chrobak, Jacinta Kiely and Tori McMorran
Geophysical Survey: Land Adjacent to Archaeological Sites - County Offaly & C...John Tierney
This document provides details of archaeological geophysical surveys conducted at 5 sites - Busherstown 1, Drumbaun 2, Drumroe 1, Killeisk 1, and Park 1 - located along the route of a new road scheme in Counties Offaly and Tipperary, Ireland. Magnetic gradiometer and susceptibility surveys were used to investigate the archaeological remains found during previous excavations. The surveys identified potential archaeological features extending beyond the excavation areas, including ditches, enclosures, and field boundaries, adding to the understanding of activity at these sites. The results provide valuable information to planners but require verification through archaeological excavation.
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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.
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Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
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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
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
In Odoo, making a field required can be done through both Python code and XML views. When you set the required attribute to True in Python code, it makes the field required across all views where it's used. Conversely, when you set the required attribute in XML views, it makes the field required only in the context of that particular view.
1. Eachtra Journal
Issue 7 [ISSN 2009-2237]
Archaeological Excavation Report
02E0055 - Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Five fulachta fiadh, a ring ditch with cremation burial, two Medieval iron
working areas and a prehistoric site with evidence of copper working
2. Final Archaeological Excavation Report,
Ballydowny,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
Fulachta fiadh, ring ditch, iron/copper working
areas
August 2010
Client: Sundays Well Properties,
Park Road,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
Planning Register No.: 00/1592
Licence No.: 02E0055
Licensee: Jacinta Kiely
Cork
The Forge,
Written by: Jacinta Kiely and Niamh O’Callaghan Innishannon, Co. Cork.
Tel.: 021 470 16 16
Layout by: Anluan Dunne Fax: 021 470 16 28
E-mail: info@eachtra.ie
Web Site: www.eachtra.ie
3. 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry ISSUE 7: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237.
Table of Contents
Table of Figures ..............................................................................................................iii
List of Plates ................................................................................................................... iv
Acknowledgements..........................................................................................................v
Introduction ...................................................................................................................vi
Excavation..................................................................................................................1
Trench.1..............................................................................................................1
Trench.2..............................................................................................................1
Fulachta.Fiadh.....................................................................................................2
Trench.3..............................................................................................................3
Trench.4..............................................................................................................3
Trench.5..............................................................................................................4
Trench.6..............................................................................................................5
Trench.7..............................................................................................................5
Trench.8..............................................................................................................6
Trench.9..............................................................................................................6
Conclusion.................................................................................................................8
Bibliography..............................................................................................................9
Appendix.1:..Context.Descriptions.......................................................................44
Appendix.2:..Plant.Remains.................................................................................... 58
.
Appendix.3:..Lithics..................................................................................................60
Appendix.4:..Human.Remains.................................................................................. 63
.
Appendix.5:..Metallurgy. ........................................................................................ 68
.
Appendix.6:..Matrices.............................................................................................. 82
Appendix.7:..Radiocarbon.Dates............................................................................ 87
Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/02e0055-ballydowny-co-kerry/ iii
6. 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry ISSUE 7: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237.
Acknowledgements
Eachtra Archaeological Projects would like to gratefully acknowledge all the archaeologists who worked on the
excavation and post-excavation at Ballydowny; Abi Brewer, David Fitzgerald, Tony Galvin, Sian Keith, Fiacc
Murphy, Julianna O’Donoghue, Susie Parr and Abi Walsh. Secondly we would like to acknowledge with thanks
the work of the specialists, Abi Brewer, Dr. Sarah Milliken, Linda Fibiger and Neil Fairburn. Thanks to Niamh
O’Broin for the illustrations of the lithics and to Anluan Dunne for compiling the report. Finally to Sunday’s Well
Properties, Killarney, who funded the excavation and post-excavation work at Ballydowny. Special thanks to Mr.
Risteard O’Lionaird for his help and co-operation with on-site works and for the duration of the project.
Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/02e0055-ballydowny-co-kerry/ vi
7. 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry ISSUE 7: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237.
Introduction
Sundays Well Properties Ltd. were granted planning permission from Kerry County Council to construct 118
houses at Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry, register number 00/1592, (Figs. 1 - 3). Condition 15 in the grant of
permission stated that ‘The developer shall engage the services of a qualified archaeologist to monitor all ground dis-
turbance aspects of the proposed development at the time of construction…’. Eachtra Archaeological Projects initially
sought a license to monitor all groundworks and later extended this license to allow rescue excavations in advance
of development, license number 02E0055.
The development site was a green field site, used for pasture for horses belonging to the Equestrian Centre, lo-
cated in the western suburbs of Killarney town, to the north of the N72 linking Killarney to Killorglin. Killarney
National Park is located to the south of the site. Ballydowny is bordered to the north by Groin townland and the
development site holds panoramic views of Tomies Mountain and the Magillycuddy Reeks to the south-west.
Nine areas were excavated within the proposed development site (Fig. 4). This included the excavation of five
fulacht fiadh together with their associated hearths and troughs, a ring ditch with a cremation burial and the re-
mains of two Medieval iron working areas and a prehistoric site with evidence of copper working. The radiocarbon
results show occupation in these areas from the Neolithic period, through the Bronze Age, Iron Age and up to
the Early Medieval period. The excavation of these new sites highlights the concentration of archaeological monu-
ments, particularly fulacht fiadh, in this area north of Lough Leane.
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Excavation
Trench 1
An area, measuring 8m north-south by 9m east-west was excavated to determine the nature and extent of a hearth
uncovered during monitoring works (Fig. 5). Trench 1 was located 100m east of Trench 2 and metallurgical resi-
dues were recovered from both trenches, both trenches were also located on the northern periphery of the develop-
ment site.
The hearth (26) was oval in plan and bowl-shaped in profile. It measured 0.49m by 0.15m by 0.15m in depth. It
contained six fills (10, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24). The linear feature (27) located to the south-west of the hearth was linear
in plan with rounded corners (Plates 1 and 2). It measured 3.2m by 0.9m by 0.29. It contained six fills (12, 13, 15,
16, 19, 25). The fills were a mix of burnt clay silts with inclusions of charcoal and slag and yellow clays, possibly re-
deposited natural. Only one of the fills (15) was recorded in both the hearth and the linear. Slag, tuyere fragments
and a fleck of copper were recovered from two of the fills (10 & 17). Slag was recovered from the northern end of
the linear (16 & 19).
A scorched pit (11) was located 4m north-east of the hearth, it had been truncated by the machines on site. There
were three fills recorded within the cut (3, 8 & 9), slag and charcoal was recovered from one (8). It is possible that
this was a second hearth. The charred plant remains from the pit are interesting. Five grains of oat and several weed
seeds including redshank, knotgrass, and sheep sorrel were recovered. Two fills (16 & 17) in the linear and hearth,
also contained redshank seeds. This mix of cereal grain and arable weeds maybe a by-product of cereal processing,
which became charred when it was used as tinder or fuel for the hearth. The oat grains maybe an indicator of a
medieval use for the hearth (Brewer, Appendix 2).
Two stakeholes (5 & 7) were located c. 5m east of the hearth, in the northeast quadrant, they were oval and circular
in plan, respectively and were both filled with sandy silt and flecks of charcoal. The close spatial proximity and the
similarity between the fills suggest that the stakeholes are probably related. There is however no apparent associa-
tion between these and the other features in the trench.
Discussion
All of the iron slag was examined by Neil Fairburn (Appendix 5). It was all slag derived from the secondary met-
alworking process of iron-smithing.
There are three stages involved in the manufacture of an iron object from iron ore; the smelting of the ore in a
furnace; the primary smithing of the iron bloom into a billet, and finally; secondary smithing, the shaping of the
billet into an object.
The hearth (26) was utilised to reheat the iron bloom into a billet which was then hammered to abstract any re-
maining slag. Surviving hearths from secondary metalworking areas are not common (Crew 2002, 93). Initially
it was thought that the linear feature (27) was a flue associated with the smithing hearth, however, it has been
argued that the linear is too long to have functioned as a flue. The linear may have predated the hearth and filled
with debris during smithing when the hearth was operational. It is possible that the truncated pit (11) was another
smithing hearth. The base of the pit was scorched and the fills included charcoal and slag.
The slag is the same as that recorded in Trench 2. Both trench 1 & 2 were located in close proximity to one another,
close to the northern perimeter of the site, it is possible that further features are located in the area to the north
of the development site. A calibrated radiocarbon date from the Medieval period ranging from AD 1270 to 1390
was achieved from one of the fills of the shaft furnace (28) in Trench 2. The iron working recorded in Trench 1 is
also likely to be medieval in date.
Trench 2
A 5m square area was excavated to determine the nature and extent of an iron working furnace uncovered dur-
ing monitoring works. Trench 2 was located 100m west of Trench 1. The main focus of attention was a very large
piece of slag situated within a pit (Plate 3). The slag (02E0055:28:19)) measured 0.56m x 0.24m x 0.14m, it was
the base of a shaft furnace. The furnace pit (28) had five fills (29, 30, 31, 34 & 48). It measured 0.65 by 1.17m by
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0.18m (Plate 4). A calibrated radiocarbon date from the Early Medieval period ranging from AD 1270 to 1390
was achieved from one of the fills (29). The fills were a mix of clay silts with evidence of burning. Fragments of slag
were recovered from four (29, 30, 34 & 48) of the fills. Two fragments of straw were found in one of the fills (34).
These may have been the remains of straw used as tinder to light a fire (Brewer Appendix 2). Two stakeholes (44
& 46) were located on the eastern side of the furnace pit. They may have been part of a clay superstructure. Slag
was recovered from both the stakeholes.
A linear cut (47) was situated directly north-east of the furnace pit. It measured 2.72m by 0.7m by 0.2m and was
orientated north-northwest by south-southeast (Fig. 6). There were two fills recorded, (41 and 42) both of which
had fragments of burnt clay, however, no slag was recovered.
The furnace pit and the linear (28 & 47) cut the north-eastern end of a ditch feature (40). The ditch was U-shaped
in profile and measured 5.8m by 1.4m by 0.44m and was orientated south-west by north-east. Two sections were
excavated through the ditch. It had one fill (39) and no slag was recovered.
An isolated stakehole (33) was recorded 2m south of the furnace, it measured 0.2m by 0.22m by 0.16m it was
similar in plan and size to two stakeholes (5 & 7) recorded 5m east of the furnace (26) in Trench 1 (Fig. 6).
Discussion
The pit (28) and the large piece of slag (28:19) excavated in trench 2 were the base of a shaft furnace for smelting
iron ore. All of the remainder of the slag recovered from the trench was iron-smithing slag (Fairburn Appendix
5). Shaft furnaces are thought to be up to 1.5m high by 0.3m in diameter and built with clay. They were loaded
from the top with alternative layers of iron ore and charcoal. Molten slag would have been drawn off at the base to
consolidate. The final product is known as iron bloom. The stakeholes (44 & 46) located to the east of the furnace
may have functioned as part of the shaft furnace. The primary smithing of the iron bloom may have taken place
in the hearths (26 & 11) recorded in trench 1.
A series of metallurgical pits were excavated in Scrahane (96E153), a townland located to the east of Lough Leane
and Ross Island and located c. 2 km southeast of Ballydowny (Tierney). The pits have tentatively been dated to
the Medieval Period, on the basis of visual identification of plate slag by Dr. W. O’Brien recovered from many of
the pits. A pit and linear feature excavated in Trench 15 at Scrahane forms an interesting parallel for the features
excavated in Trench 2 at Ballydowny. The pit at Scrahane measured 1.8m by 0.9m by 0.13m. The base and sides
of the pit were scorched. It cut a linear feature (68) at an acute angle. The linear measured 6m x 1-1.4m x 0.16m.
No slag, or other artefacts, was recovered from the fills of the hearth or linear. The similarity in terms of size and
plan between the pits and linear features is striking.
Fulachta Fiadh
Five fulachta fiadh were excavated in the area of the development site in trenches 3, 4 6 and 7. They were all clus-
tered in the eastern portion of the site. There is no trace of a stream visible in the area but local residents confirmed
that the area often becomes waterlogged.
Each site was identifiable by the remains of a truncated burnt mound composed of silts or sandy silts with 50-60%
heat shattered stones. The lower layers tended to include a greater amount of charcoal. At least one trough designed
to hold water, was recorded under each of the burnt remains. The water trough (123) in Trench 4 was the only one
that was not cut through the compact natural yellow clay. The sides were loose and stoney, the base cut the clay
subsoil. An arc of stake-holes recorded in the eastern section of the trough may have held a lining in place, this
would have alleviated seepage from the sides through the gravel subsoil. The troughs in trenches 3 & 4 were oval
in plan with sloping sides and flat bases. They were cut through the clay sub-soil and so would have held water
without a lining. In addition to the troughs pits were also recorded in trenches 4 & 6, while the troughs in trenches
6 & 7 were rectangular in plan and stone lined.
Hearths were recorded in three of the fulachta fiadh. They all differed in plan from each other. The hearth in trench
3 was set on the ground in the shadow of a boulder. The hearth in trench 6 was also set on the ground but the sides
were “banked”. The hearth in trench 7 had an elaborate stone lining. Charcoal-rich silt fills were recorded in all of
the hearths.
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Trench 3
The remains of the fulacht fiadh in trench 3 measured c. 11m north-south by 3.4m east-west (Fig. 7). It was located
20m northeast of a fulacht fiadh in trench 4 and c. 50m north of fulachta fiadh in trenches 6 & 7.
There were a number of features cut into the surface of the burnt remains. Four (52, 56, 63 & 110) were linear in
plan and were possibly agricultural features. The fifth feature (57) was a pit that shared a common modern fill with
linear (56). Stakeholes (50 & 59) and pit (54) cut the subsoil and were not covered by the burnt material.
The remains of the mound were composed of two layers (65 & 61). The upper layer (65) was not burnt and was
composed of dark brown sandy silt that included 70% heat shattered sandstone. The lower layer (61) was a black,
charcoal rich, compact sandy silt that included c. 50% heat shattered sandstone (Plate 5). A calibrated radiocarbon
date, ranging from the Early to the Middle Bronze Age, was achieved from the lower layer, it spanned a period
from 1892 – 1540 BC.
The remains of the mound had spread to cover a hearth and trough (70 & 71). The oval shaped water trough (71)
was situated directly south-east of the hearth. It measured 1.95 by 1.42 by 0.62m. The sides were vertical, the base
was flat and it was cut through the natural sub-soil, a yellow heavy clay that seemed capable of containing water
(Plate 6). A layer of intense black, charcoal rich silt (66) overlay the hearth. The hearth itself consisted of a layer of
scorched, orange/red silty clay, and was probably used for heating the stones that were transferred into the trough.
The hearth was located in the southern shadow of a large boulder, which also showed evidence of inense heat on
the southern face. Four stake-holes (59, 67, 68, 69) were located 2m west of the hearth, which may have formed a
screen or wind-break for the hearth from the prevailing westerly winds (Figs. 8 & 9)
Trench 4
The remains of two possible fulachta fiadh were recorded 3m apart in Trench 4. The area was prone to flooding
as surface water drained in to the area, it was only when a levee was constructed on the perimeter that the trench
dried out.
Northern.Fulacht Fiadh
The remains of the fulacht mound in the northern part of the trench were irregular in plan and covered an area 5m
by 5m in extent (Fig. 10). The mound was composed of two layers (104, 125). The upper layer was a dark brown
silt (104) that included 50% heat shattered sandstones. The lower layer was a black silt (125) that included charcoal
and 50% heat-shattered sandstones.
The burnt mound material covered two troughs. Trough A (128) was sub-circular in plan with a diameter of c.1.7m
and a depth of 1.02m. The sides were steep, the base was flat and it was cut into the natural compact yellow clay,
suitable for containing water (Plate 7). Burnt animal bone was recorded in the fill (104). Trough B (127) was situ-
ated 2m south of trough A. It was kidney-shaped in plan with steeply sloping sides and a rounded base (Plate 8).
It was filled with the mound material (104 & 125) and a patch of grey silt (126).
One small stake-hole (129) was recorded under the remains of the mound (Figs. 11 & 12).
Southern.Fulacht Fiadh
The remains of a second fulacht fiadh were located c. 3m to the south. It was irregular in plan and measured 4m
north-south by 5m east-west (Fig. 13). The single layer (80) recorded was a black charcoal rich silt and included
heat-shattered sandstones. It overlay a pit and a trough (99 & 123). The pit (99) was oval in plan with uneven sides
and a rounded uneven base. It was filled with mound material and a dark grey/black sandy silt (80 & 97).
The trough (123) was sub-oval in plan, it measured 2.6m by 1.6m by 0.5m in extent, with irregular sides and a
relatively flat base (Plate 9). The base of the trough was filled with the mound material (80), two sandy fills (96 &
98) were recorded above it. The sides of the trough were loose and stony while the base was of clay. Nine stake-holes
were found in an arc at the eastern end (130 – 138). In general these stake-holes were circular in plan, filled with
loose sandy silt and they were all cut through the base of the trough (Fig. 14).
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Trench 5
A strip of ground at the front of the Equestrian Centre, bordering the Killarney/Fossa road, measuring c. 12m
north-south by 150m east-west was stripped of topsoil to accommodate the altered entrance to the development site
and the Equestrian Centre. Trench 5 was located at the western end of this area, immediately east of the original
entrance, c. 200m west of the remainder of the trenches.
Four burnt layers were recorded (81, 113, 114 & 124) in the trench (Fig. 15a). The largest of these (81) was a black
loosely compacted silty clay, c. 1.4m by 1.6m in extent. It included fragments of charcoal, slag, burnt bone together
with six flint endscrapers, five flakes and debitage. A calibrated radiocarbon date, set in the Early Bronze Age, was
achieved, it ranged from 2030 – 1870BC. It overlay an area of scorched subsoil (124) to the south-east. The two
smaller deposits (113 & 114) were located c.1 – 1.5m to the west.
A concentration of 35 stakeholes (76, 66, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 100, 101, 102, 103,
105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121& 122) were recorded in the trench (plate 10).
The stakeholes are similar in morphology, circular in plan, with steep sides and a rounded base.
Ten of the stake-holes (86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95) underlay and were filled with the black layer (81). Slag
and two end scrapers were recovered from one stakehole (86) and flint debitage from another (89). Nine stakeholes
(76, 77, 112, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120) a posthole (78) and pit (75) cut the scorched subsoil (124). Two stake-
holes (76 & 77) cut the pit. These may have been used as supports.
Sixteen of the stakeholes (82, 83, 84, 85, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 121 and 122) were
located on the north and north-eastern side of the two burnt layers (81 & 124). Flint debitage was recovered from
one of the stakeholes (102) and a flint scraper from another (105) (Milliken, Appendix 3)
The burnt bone recovered from the area was too small to be identified (Fibiger, Appendix 4).
The stakeholes could have formed a number of possible screens or wind breaks (Fig. 15b).
Screen 1 was orientated c. 0.9m north-northwest by south-southeast formed by four stake-holes, (93, 92, 89 &
95).
Screen 2 was orientated c. 2m north-northeast by south-southwest formed by seven stake-holes, (86, 87, 88, 90,
91, 94 & 84).
Screen 3 was orientated c. 1.2m north-northeast by south-southwest formed by four stake-holes (93, 82, 100
& 85)
Screen 4 was orientated c. 2.2m north-west by south and formed by seven stakeholes (119, 118, 117, 116, 115,
94 & 93) with two possible replacement stakes (112 & 120).
Screen 5 was orientated west by north-east and was formed by five stakeholes (107, 105, 109, 121 & 117).
Discussion
The archaeological features dating to the Early Bronze Age recorded in Trench 5 are located c. 200m west of the
remainder of the trenches. Copper slag was recovered from the burnt layer (81) and some of the associated stake-
holes, however no evidence of smelting was recorded in the area of the excavation. The slag was examined by Neil
Fairburn (Appendix 5).
The earliest evidence for human habitation in the Killarney area comes from the copper mines at Ross Island, dat-
ing to 2400-2000 BC. The mines are on the eastern shore of Lough Leane, c. 1km south of the development site.
The copper mineral is found in the limestone rock. It was extracted by use of a combination of fire settings and
stone hammers. The mines and an associated work camp were excavated by Dr. W. O’Brien (1996). The founda-
tions of several post-built huts, hundreds of sherds of Beaker pottery, animal bone, flint pebbles and arrowhead
were recorded in association with spreads of limestone crushed by stone hammers and anvil stones. Pit features
with associated copper ore and fuel ash sediments were excavated. These may represent the remains of on-site
smelting of copper. A few fragments of slag were recorded, which testifies to the process of smelting.
Evidence for later Bronze Age copper mining is also recorded at Mount Gabriel, Co. Cork. Evidence for Bronze
Age casting and finishing of objects has been found at Lough Gur, Co. Limerick where crucibles and moulds were
discovered and in the Iron Age at Tara, where crucibles and moulds were also found (Crew 2002).
The flint scrapers recovered from the burnt layer 81 and stakeholes (86, 105) are similar to scrapers found at the
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passage tomb at Ballycarty, Co. Kerry (Milliken, Appendix 3 and Fig. 16).
Trench 6
A fourth fulacht fiadh was located c. 30m south of Trench 4. The remains of the mound measured 12m by 5m
(Plate 11) and was composed of five layers (139, 140, 141, 150 & 151). All were sandy silts and included c. 50%
heat-shattered sandstone and charcoal. A trough and a hearth (145 & 163) underlay the material.
The water trough (145) was orientated northeast/southwest and situated c.0.80m southeast of the hearth (163). It
was cut through the natural clay sub-soil and was filled with two layers (139 & 150). Six large heat altered stones
were set in re-deposited clay (152) in the area between the hearth and trough (plate 12). It is possible that these
stones had been used as part of the operational fulacht fiadh, however, they were not used to their full potential.
These stones were left at the site before they were fully utilised, a feature which was not replicated in any of the
other fulacht fiadh in Ballydowny (02E0055).
The hearth (163) was sub-circular in plan and measured 1.6m by 1.4m by 0.15m deep. The sides of the hearth had
been “banked” i.e. pushed upwards from the outside to keep the fire contained (Plate 13). The south-western side,
closest to the trough, was open to allow the movement of stone from fire to trough easily perhaps (Fig. 17). The
hearth had two fills, the upper (146) was a silt, rich in charcoal. It overlay two stakehole (156 & 159) located on
the south-western corner and the base of the hearth respectively. A layer of burnt sand (155) formed the base of the
hearth. The sand may have accumulated from eroded sandstone or from the result of heat on the sub-soil.
Three pits (144, 153 & 158) were excavated in the vicinity of the hearth and trough. The smallest pit (158) was
located closest to the hearth and trough and was the only one filled with mound material (139) (Fig. 18).
A chert axe was found c. 1.2m west of the remains of the fulacht mound on the surface of the sub-soil.
Trench 7
Trench 7 was excavated in the south-eastern corner of the development site, 20m east of Trench 6. The remains of
the mound were the smallest of the four recorded at Ballydowny while the trough and the hearth were the most
elaborate.
A modern pit (148) cut the surface of the burnt mound material, fragments of red brick and sherds of modern glass
and pottery were recovered from the fill. The remains of the fulacht mound were composed of one layer (149) of
black silt with c. 60% heat shattered sandstones. It measured 5.8m north/south by 2.2m east/west and 0.22m deep.
A layer of fine sterile silt (160) underlay the eastern side of the mound. The silt layer measured 3.6m by 3.1m by
0.54m in depth. It is thought to have accumulated as a result of repeated flooding as the depth is considerable.
The trough (174) was rectangular in plan, 2.5m by 1.8m and 0.55m deep, the sides were steep, the base was flat and
it had five fills (149, 160, 164, 165 & 166). Stones (169) lined the south-eastern and the north-western sides of the
trough. They varied in size from 1m by 0.50m to 0.17m by 0.15m and were set in brown, stony silt.
A stone lined hearth was located c. 0.3m east and upslope of the trough. It was filled with charcoal-rich silt (167).
The full extent of the stone lining (172) was revealed when this silt was removed. A calibrated radiocarbon date
from the Middle Bronze Age, ranging from 1490 – 1200 BC, was obtained from charcoal. A number of sandstones
and one limestone were used to line the outer limit of the hearth. They were set on edge into dark yellow/brown
sandy silt. The stones varied in size from 0.24 by 0.20 by 09m to 0.07 x 0.45 x 0.20m and were all shattered from
intense heat (Plate 14). Some of the larger stones may have been placed in shallow sockets to keep them in place.
The scorched remains at the base of the hearth (171) was composed of burnt compact sand. The sand may have ac-
cumulated from eroded sandstone or from the result of prolonged heat on the sub-soil. Similar material (155) was
recorded at the base of the hearth in Trench 6.
The hearth was sub-circular in plan and open on the southwest side, to allow easy access to the trough (Plate 15
and Figs. 19 & 20). No stones lined the hearth on this side or on the alternative north-eastern side of the trough.
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Discussion
The fulachta fiadh excavated in Ballydowny are fairly typical examples of recently excavated fulachta fiadh in Kerry.
Remains of mounds of various sizes composed of layers of burnt stone and charcoal define the sites. The truncated
remains of the burnt mounds varied in size, the largest in trenches 3 & 6 measured 11m by 4.4m and 12m by 5m
respectively. The smallest in trenches 4 & 7 which measured 5m by 5m and 5.8m by 2.8m respectively. A trough
designed to hold and heat water was associated with each mound. Two troughs were associated with the northern
mound in trench 4.
The unusual features were the hearths recorded in trenches 3, 6 & 7. Twelve other fulachta fiadh were excavated in
Kerry, by Eachtra Archaeological Projects, in the past few years, four of these in Groin and Coolgarriv (Dennehy
& Kiely), townlands north of Ballydowny. Hearths were not recorded at any of the sites. The hearth in trench 3 was
located on the ground in the shadow of a large boulder. The hearths in trenches 6 & 7 were located upslope from
rectangular troughs and both the troughs and hearths were open on the western and eastern sides respectively to
allow easy access between them.
The fulachta fiadh have been dated to the Middle Bronze Age. The dates are comparable to a date obtained from
a fulacht fiadh excavated in Tomies, Killarney and also to dates obtained from fulachta fiadh sites in Ireland in
general.
Trench 8
An isolated pit was recorded in Trench 8 (Plate 16), c.15m northeast of the fulacht fiadh in Trench 6. The pit (168)
was kidney shaped in plan, orientated northwest/southeast and measured 2.64m by 1.04m by 0.7m (the north-
western half was c. 0.3m shallower). Two fills (161 & 162) were recorded within the pit, the upper fill (161) was
c.0.10m deep, and was recorded on the south-eastern side, the lower fill was more substantial. No artefacts were
recovered. The proximity of the pit to a group of fulachta fiadh may be an indication of its purpose.
Trench 9
Trench 9 was located c. 40m west of trenches 4 and 6 and measured 25m by 15m. A variety of stakeholes, a hearth
and slot trench were located at the eastern end of the trench while a ring-ditch, with a cremation pit was located
at the western end. No stratigraphic relationships could be determined between any of the features as all cut the
subsoil, many of the features were truncated probably by agricultural activity.
The eastern side of trench 9 proved to be an enigmatic area, a possible slot trench, eleven stake-holes, four large
stake-holes, a hearth and a shallow pit were excavated. The slot trench (183) was orientated east north-east/south
south-west and was c.10m long with a gap in the middle of c.1m. The slot trench measured 0.3-0.5m wide by 0.08m
deep. The western half was excavated in full while only a sample section was excavated from the eastern half. The
stake-holes, (176, 184, 185, 186, 191, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198 & 199) were generally composed of mid-dark brown
silty clay with flecks of charcoal and occasional small stones. In form they were generally circular with steep sides
and a rounded base, with the exception of (185, 186, 176) which had pointed bases. Stake-holes 185 and 197 had
an average diameter of 0.13m and depth of 0.235m while the remainder had an average diameter of 0.07m and
depth of 0.9m. Four larger stake-holes (190, 188, 180 & 178) were also excavated. Their average dimensions were
0.26m by 0.22m by 0.21m and they varied in form and fill. The majority of the stake-holes are clustered in the area
of the gap in the slot trench. Two of them (186 & 195) are located west of the termination of the slot trench.
The hearth (181) measured 0.4m north-south by 0.6m east-west by 0.08m in depth, it was located 8m east of the
ring-ditch.
A large pit (193) was recorded in the extreme south-eastern corner of trench 9. It was rectangular in plan. There
were no other features associated with the pit and it’s function is unknown (Fig. 22).
A flint hollow scraper was found under the topsoil in this area. It is made from Antrim flint and of possible Neo-
lithic date/ Early Bronze Age date (Milligen Appendix 3). The hollow scraper is a precious object, recovered from
an area where flint artefacts, made from Antrim flint are scarce.
A ring-ditch, with a cremation burial, was revealed at the western side of trench 9 (Plate 17), it has possibly been
truncated. Its external dimensions are 5.5m by 4m by 0.4m – 0.5m wide by 0.16m-0.2m deep. The sides of the
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ditch sloped gradually to a rounded base. There is a break in the ditch on the south-western arc, where the ditch
was very shallow. This maybe due to truncation or the ditch may never have been dug as deep in this area. The
entrance is 3.5m wide and faces north-east. There are no internal features associated with the ditch.
Five fills (202, 203, 204, 205, 209) were recorded. An isolated shallow deposit (204) was recorded on the western
side of the ditch overlying the main fill. The main fill of the ring-ditch (203) was a sandy silt and included re-depos-
ited natural, charcoal flecks and a small amount of burnt bone close to the southern terminal. Its removal revealed
the extent of the burnt deposits at the terminals of the ring ditch. Two deposits were associated with the northern
terminal. The upper fill (205) was a black, charcoal rich silt, similar to that recorded on the southern terminal but
it didn’t contain any cremated bone (Plate 18).The lower layer was a mid-brown sandy silt with occasional flecks
of charcoal (209).
The southern terminal of the ring-ditch contained a cremation burial (Plates 19 & 20 and Fig.23). A deposit (202)
underlay the main fill of the ditch, it included frequent amounts of burnt bone, flecks of charcoal and small stones.
It extended for c. 2m at the southern terminal and was up to 0.13m deep. A notable feature of the fill was the evi-
dence for intense heat on the outer side. There was an orange/red hue in the charcoal rich fill indicating that is was
probably hot when it was put in the ditch or that the burning took place in the ditch itself. No evidence of burning
was recorded in the cremation pit. The fill (206) was a black/brown loose silt, 50% was cremated bone and 20%
charcoal. The pit was rectangular in plan with steep sides and the base was inclined north-eastwards. It measured
0.25m by 0.16m by 0.19m deep (Figs. 24 & 25). A calibrated radiocarbon date was achieved from a sealed context
in the cremation pit, it ranged from 400 – 170 BC, setting it firmly in the Iron Age.
Linda Fibiger, Osteoarchaeologist, examined the cremated bone (Appendix 4). The remains were those of one adult
individual (25+ years). The sex of the individual could not be identified. Although the total weight of bone was
small most anatomical regions were represented. The presence of small bones such as tooth roots and phalanges
would suggest that the collection of bone from the pyre was thorough. There was no sequence of placing different
anatomical elements of the cremation burial in the pit: the fills that contained cremated bone were sampled in
0.02m stages to allow for the possibility of anatomical deposition.
The fills of the ring-ditch (202, 205, 206) produced charred plant stems, tubers and roots. Tubers of the grass Arre-
henatherum elatius were found from a cremation at Rollright, Oxfordshire (Greig 1991, 304). They were interpret-
ed as having come from plants ripped up and burnt on the funeral pyre. Although the remains from Ballydowny
could not be identified to species it is possible that a similar activity was carried out there (Brewer Appendix 3).
The emphasis would seem to have been placed firmly on the terminals of the ring- ditch. The terminals contained
burnt deposits, with evidence for charred plant stems, tubers and roots, the southern terminal containing the cre-
mation pit.
Discussion
The slot trench (183) may have functioned as a slot or footing trench for a screen. The hearth and the ring-ditch are
located on the northern side of the slot. It is possible that the slot formed a barrier to screen the area of the hearth
and the entrance to the ring-ditch.
Ring ditches are ritual burial sites of the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age periods. Cremations and unburnt buri-
als have been found in association with these monuments. Ring ditches are distinguished from barrows and ring
banks by the absence of both mound and bank. They tend also to be smaller in diameter. The ring ditch excavated
at Ballydowny is very similar to a ring-ditch excavated in Ballydribbeen, a townland c. 1km to the east (Dunne).
Both contained a single adult cremation. Prior to the discovery of these two sites evidence for Late Bronze Age/
Early Iron Age activity in the Killarney area had been notably absent.
The ring ditch at Ballydribbeen was c.18.4m in circumference, annular in shape and broken by an entrance at the
south-east. The ditch was between 0.40m-0.60m in width and 0.01-0.16m in depth. It was shallowest at the north-
east. The widening of the ditch at either side emphasized the entrance, 3.2m in width. A cremation pit was cut in
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15. 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry ISSUE 7: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237.
the primary fill of the ditch, c. 1.5m south of the south-easternmost terminal of the ditch.
The cremation pit measured 0.28m by 0.28m and was 0.14m in depth. Cremated bone comprised 40% of the total
volume of the fill, one third of these were cranial fragments. Two of the fragments of bone are carved and may be
the tops of bone pins. Osteoarchaeologist Linda Fibiger examined the cremated bone retrieved from the site. The
cremated remains were those of a single adult male. Charcoal from the fill of the ring ditch has been dated to 2630
+-30 BP.
The emphasis in both the Ballydowny and Ballydribbeen ring-ditches was on the terminals of the ditch. In Bal-
lydribbeen the terminals are wider than the remainder of the ditch, the cremation was located 1.5m from the ter-
minal. At Ballydowny the terminals are marked by burnt deposits and by placing the cremation pit at the terminal.
No other features were associated with either ring-ditch.
A complex of four ring-ditches excavated in Ballydavis, Co. Laois provided an interesting contrast, in terms of arte-
facts, to the ring-ditches excavated in Co. Kerry. The extensive Iron Age complex consisted of four ring-ditches, seven
furnaces and a series of pits and post-holes (95E111 Keeley 1995). The largest ring-ditch (Site 1) measured 16m in
diameter. Its entrance faced due east and measured 3.2m in width. The ditch measured up to 0.91m in depth with a
maximum width of 2m at the terminals. The interior of the monument yielded a central burial deposit, consisting of a
bronze box, cremated human bone and associated artefacts, including a bronze fibula, bronze wire and over 80 beads.
The ditch yielded a significant amount of material, including an iron blade, iron nails, part of a bronze bracelet
and a pin fragment. Evidence of metal-working was found in the form of iron slag and crucible fragments. Site 2
consisted of a smaller ring-ditch which measured 8m in diameter. It lay some 40m to the east of Site 1. It was sealed
under a layer of cobble-like stones. The ditch measured 0.7m in depth and had a maximum width of 1.5m. Its en-
trance faced south-east and measured 1m in width. Finds from the ditch include four fragments of stone bracelets,
part of an iron blade and one fragment of bronze. Animal bones were also found in the ditch. Two smaller ring-
ditches (Sites 3 and 4) were also excavated. Site 3 measured 6m in diameter and lay 26m to the north-east of Site 1.
The ditch, which contained a mixed fill of charcoal and burnt bone, measured 0.5m in depth and had a maximum
width of 1.2m. There was no entrance to the site. Finds from the ditch include four decorated glass beads, three
decorated bone pieces, a possible hilt of bone and a bead spacer of stone. The fourth ring-ditch measured 6m in
diameter. It had a maximum depth of 0.6m and a width of 1m. The entrance faced north-west and was 2.2m in
width. The fill was mixed with a significant amount of charcoal.
Conclusion
An important corpus of sites, a group of fulachta fiadh, a ring-ditch with associated cremation burial and metal
working areas, were excavated at Ballydowny. They are a welcome addition to our knowledge of the prehistory and
history of Kerry, dating from the Bronze Age through to the Medieval Period. The presence of a group of fulachta
fiadh in addition to large numbers of previously and newly recorded fulachta fiadh in townlands in the vicinity of
the site is worth noting as an indicator of Bronze Age activity in the area. The ring-ditch with the cremation of a
single adult is an interesting facet of Iron Age ritual activity. Knowledge of Iron Age sites in the area had been ab-
sent until recently. The evidence for smelting and smithing of iron ore in the Medieval Period is interesting. There
are a number of medieval settlement sites, ringforts and an ecclesiastical site, in the vicinity. As usual results from
the excavation and post-excavation works have raised a number of other topics that need to be addressed e.g. is
there a large Bronze Age settlement site in the vicinity? Where was the source of iron ore utilised on site?
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16. 02E0055 Ballydowny, Killarney, Co. Kerry ISSUE 7: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237.
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