The excavation of the site at Moatquarter comprised a Bronze Age house dating to the Middle Bronze Age. It was defined by a double ring of post-holes. The inner ring was concentric with the outer ring but the outer ring was not complete. It enclosed the rear and more than half the sides of the structure. The internal diameter of the structure was 5.8 m and it enclosed an area of 26.1 m2 . The entrance to the house faced south-southeast.
The excavation at Clynoe revealed the western arc of a small ditched enclosure, previously classified as a ringfort (RMP OF046-013). Th e earthwor k ha d bee n truncate d o n the western side by the construction of a 3 rd class road and on the southern and eastern sides by a farm yard and farm access road. No radiocarbon date was obtained for the site as the charcoal was contaminated and no artefacts were recovered.
Archaeological Report - Park 2, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)John Tierney
The excavation of the site at Park comprised a substantial mound of burnt material. The mound measured 32 m by 16 m by 0.5 m in depth. It overlay a trough, a well and two pits. Evidence of trough-side furniture in the form of 17 stake-holes and two post-holes was recorded at the western end of the trough. Two Middle Bronze Age radiocarbondates were returned from a fill of the trough and the well. Small quantities of plant remains and animal bone were recovered from the site.
The excavation of the site at Derrycarney comprised a single pit and four irregular features. The irregular features are likely to have been natural in origin. No artefacts were recovered from the site. No radiocarbon dates were obtained.
The excavation of the site at Loughan comprised a small group of features; four pits, three posts and two hearths. An Early Bronze Age date was returned from one of the features.
No structure was recorded but the group of features were probably domestic in origin, despite the lack of plant remains or artefactual evidence.
The excavation of the site at Greenhills comprised a mound of burnt material. The mound was located on the northern and eastern side of a hollow and overlay nine pits. An Early Bronze Age date was returned from the fill of one of the pits. A flint scraper E3638:7:1 dating to the Late Neolithic / Early Bronze Age was recovered from one of the layers.
The excavation of the site at Killeisk comprised a mixture of Early Bronze Age activity and high and late medieval activity. Two separate groups of pits dated to the Early Bronze Age. A large elliptical enclosure and associated linear features, which formed field enclosures and droveways, dated to the high and late medieval period. A kiln and associated pit and enclosure also dated to the late medieval period. The kiln was located to the south-west of the enclosure. Two fragments of decorated rotary quern stones were recovered from the enclosure and associated linear features. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from the ditch of the enclosure.
The excavation of the site at Clashnevin comprised a burnt mound which overlay a well, a trough and a small group of pits. The well was 7 m in diameter and over 2.5 m in depth.
It was fed by a spring at the base. The trough was located on the western side of the well.
A medieval date was returned from one of the basal fills of the well. The remains of a second burnt mound were located 40 m to the west. It comprised a trough and two pits.
A Middle Bronze Age date was returned from a fill of the trough. A small quantity of plant remains and animal bone was recovered primarily from the fills of the well and a pit at the western end of the site. Three ditches were located to the north of the mound of burnt material. The ditches correspond to a field boundary marked on the 1st ed. OS map sheet TN21.
The excavation at Clynoe revealed the western arc of a small ditched enclosure, previously classified as a ringfort (RMP OF046-013). Th e earthwor k ha d bee n truncate d o n the western side by the construction of a 3 rd class road and on the southern and eastern sides by a farm yard and farm access road. No radiocarbon date was obtained for the site as the charcoal was contaminated and no artefacts were recovered.
Archaeological Report - Park 2, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)John Tierney
The excavation of the site at Park comprised a substantial mound of burnt material. The mound measured 32 m by 16 m by 0.5 m in depth. It overlay a trough, a well and two pits. Evidence of trough-side furniture in the form of 17 stake-holes and two post-holes was recorded at the western end of the trough. Two Middle Bronze Age radiocarbondates were returned from a fill of the trough and the well. Small quantities of plant remains and animal bone were recovered from the site.
The excavation of the site at Derrycarney comprised a single pit and four irregular features. The irregular features are likely to have been natural in origin. No artefacts were recovered from the site. No radiocarbon dates were obtained.
The excavation of the site at Loughan comprised a small group of features; four pits, three posts and two hearths. An Early Bronze Age date was returned from one of the features.
No structure was recorded but the group of features were probably domestic in origin, despite the lack of plant remains or artefactual evidence.
The excavation of the site at Greenhills comprised a mound of burnt material. The mound was located on the northern and eastern side of a hollow and overlay nine pits. An Early Bronze Age date was returned from the fill of one of the pits. A flint scraper E3638:7:1 dating to the Late Neolithic / Early Bronze Age was recovered from one of the layers.
The excavation of the site at Killeisk comprised a mixture of Early Bronze Age activity and high and late medieval activity. Two separate groups of pits dated to the Early Bronze Age. A large elliptical enclosure and associated linear features, which formed field enclosures and droveways, dated to the high and late medieval period. A kiln and associated pit and enclosure also dated to the late medieval period. The kiln was located to the south-west of the enclosure. Two fragments of decorated rotary quern stones were recovered from the enclosure and associated linear features. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from the ditch of the enclosure.
The excavation of the site at Clashnevin comprised a burnt mound which overlay a well, a trough and a small group of pits. The well was 7 m in diameter and over 2.5 m in depth.
It was fed by a spring at the base. The trough was located on the western side of the well.
A medieval date was returned from one of the basal fills of the well. The remains of a second burnt mound were located 40 m to the west. It comprised a trough and two pits.
A Middle Bronze Age date was returned from a fill of the trough. A small quantity of plant remains and animal bone was recovered primarily from the fills of the well and a pit at the western end of the site. Three ditches were located to the north of the mound of burnt material. The ditches correspond to a field boundary marked on the 1st ed. OS map sheet TN21.
The excavation of the site at Ballynacarriga 1 revealed a dry water course. The stream may have been diverted during construction works associated with the nearby Ballynacarriaga House. A flint flake and sherds of 18 th /19 th century pottery were recovered from the sands and gravels of the dry water course. The flint flake dates to the Neolithic period.
The excavation of the site at Clash comprised a truncated Bronze Age house dating to the Late Bronze Age. The structure was defined by a double ring of post-holes, the inner ring was concentric with the outer ring, but neither ring was complete. The internal diameter of the complete structure was 6.2 m. The entrance to the house faced east-northeast and measured 1.2 m in width. A small pit and four stake-holes were located centrally in the structure.
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 site at Ballynacarriga 2 E2413 comprised a D-shaped enclosure on the edge of a limestone reef overlooking the Funshion River. The ditch enclosed the northern and eastern sides of the site. The edge of the reef was located on the western side. No convincing enclosing element was recorded on the south-western side. The entrance was likely to have been in the south-east. Structure 1, rectangular in plan, was located in the centre of the site. Structure 2 was located 5 m to the north-east. A small group of pits, possibly associated with metal-working was located to the immediate north-west of Structure 2. A group of pits, associated with the domestic occupation of the site, were located 10 m south of Structure 2. A dry-stone built souterrain was recorded in the north-western portion of the site. It comprised an entrance, passage and corbelled circular chamber. The entrance faced south-east. Five post-holes were located in the area of the entrance and may have formed a shelter or structure around the entrance.
Lithic stone tools, dating to the second half of the Neolithic were recovered from secondary contexts on site. Three coarse stone tools dating to the early medieval period were recovered from the ditch and the souterrain. A small archaeometallurgy assemblage including slags from both iron smelting and smithing was recovered from the ditch, souterrain and features associated with Structure 2. The ditch was used as a repository for food waste. Over 2000 animal bone fragments, the majority identified as cattle and a small quantity of plant remains, wheat, barley and oats were recovered from the ditch fills. Five early medieval, between 6 th and 9 th century, radiocarbon dates were returned from the ditch, souterrain, Structure 1 and Structure 2.
The excavation of the site at Clashnevin 2 comprised a group of stake-holes, pits, post-holes and layers. The domestic activity was dated to the late Bronze Age / early Iron Age.
The two dates were returned from the fill of a pit and an occupation layer. Evidence of wild food exploitation was found in tandem with evidence for cereal cultivation. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from two of the occupation layers.
There were two separate areas, 1 and 2, excavated at Greenhills 3. Area 1 was located in the western part of the site and comprised three small separate mounds of burnt material.
The mounds overlay six troughs and two pits. A third pit was located east of the central mound. Evidence of lining was recorded in one of the troughs. An Early Bronze Age date was returned from one of the fills of one of the troughs. A flint blade (E3658:1:2) was recovered from the topsoil.
Area 2 was located 30 m east of Area 1. The ground to the immediate west of the mounds of burnt material in Area 2 was low-lying and boggy and criss-crossed with land drains. It must have been the source of water for the troughs in Area 2 in prehistory. The northern mound of burnt material overlay seven trough and three pits. The southern mound of burnt material overlay one trough. Evidence of lining was recorded in five of the troughs. One Early Bronze Age and one Middle Bronze Age date was returned from a hearth and a trough. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from the fills of two of the troughs and two of the layers. Two flaked pieces of chert (E3658:34:1-2) were recovered from one of the layers.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
Also available at http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/
The excavation of the site at Ballinglanna North 1 revealed a range of features dating
to the Late Bronze Age, the early medieval period and the modern period. The site was located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream and most of the activity recorded on site was associated with this water source. The earliest evidence, a single flint blade, from the site dated to the Mesolithic. A small group of stone tools including flint debitage was dated to the Early Bronze Age but none of the features recorded on site could be assigned to the Early Bronze Age. A fulacht fiadh was dated to the Late Bronze Age. The mound overlay a substantial rectangular trough. The trough was connected to a well. A small number of post-holes were located to the south of the trough. The site was suitable as a location for metalworking, specifically iron smithing, in the early medieval period.
A large ditch was excavated parallel and to the west of the Glencorra Stream. A large
quantity of slag was recovered from the fills of the ditch and a small amount from a small group of pits on the eastern edge of the ditch. No certain features of metallurgical origin were recorded at the site. Two large storage pits and an area of domestic occupation are associated with the early medieval phase of activity. Finally the site was occupied in the modern period. A small stone structure, some linear features and a revetment wall on the western side of the Glencorra Stream date to the modern period.
The excavation of the site at Ballynamona was spread over two areas (Area 1 and Area 2). Excavation revealed nine pits, two post-holes and a linear feature in Area 1 and 12 pits and two linear features from Area 2. Some finds of prehistoric pottery indicated Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age activity.
Three separate cuttings were excavated at Derrybane 1. Area 1 measured 20 m by 20 m, Area 2 measured 92 m by 30 m and Area 3 measured 13 m by 15 m. Three large pits were excavated in Area 1. Area 2 was characterised by 22 small and shallow pits, located for the most part in the centre of the site, 12 postholes and three hearths. The entire area was truncated by modern drains and furrows. An Early Bronze Age date, an early medieval and a medieval date were returned from pits and a hearth in Area 2. A corn-drying kiln and associated pit were recorded in Area 3. The figure-of-eight type kiln comprised two oval chambers separated by a flue. There was evidence for three or four phases of use in the kiln. A large oval pit was located adjacent to the kiln. The pit contained large amounts of burnt material, possibly waste from the kiln. The kiln was dated to the medieval period.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
The archaeological excavations at Ballinglanna North 5 comprised two isolated pits. Both pits were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age, the northern pit by a radiocarbon date and the southern pit by the recovery of a flint scraper, (05E1150:2:1), recovered during the testing phase.
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.
The excavation of the site in Area 1 at Greenhills 2 comprised a mound of burnt material.
The mound was located on the eastern side of a shallow boggy hollow. Four troughs, 18 pits, five post-holes and 52 stake-holes were recorded in the area of the mound. The site was truncated by modern ditches and field drains. A flint scraper, four pieces of flint and chert debitage and a quartzite rubbing stone were recovered from the topsoil and the fills of the trough, modern post-hole and ditch. Two Early Bronze Age dates were returned from the fill of a trough and the fill of a pit.
Area 2 was located 60 m to the east of Area 1. The archaeological material in this part of the site comprised ex-situ layers of burnt mound material and two pits. The site was truncated by modern ditches and drains.
The site at Gortnahown was divided into five separate cuttings. Areas 1 and 2 comprised one cutting. Area 3 was located 80 m to the south-west. Area 4 was located 110 m south-west of Area 3 and Area 5 was located 65 m south of Area 4. Areas of activity centred on hearths were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age period. One of the hearth-side groups was associated with flint knapping. Two substantial roundhouses and two ancillary structures, including a workshop were dated to the early medieval period. Evidence for all phases of metalworking including the manufacture of bronze coated iron bells was recorded at the site. The area was enclosed by a ditch in the medieval or post-medieval period.
Evidence for Early Neolithic and Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age occupation was recorded in the form of a number of pits and post-holes in Area 3. Post-medieval pits and ditches were recorded in Area 4. The truncated remains of two possible medieval houses and a number of pits were recorded in Area 5.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 4 revealed deposits of disturbed burnt mound material overlain by re-deposited subsoil. The layers of burnt mound material were ex situ. They may have been removed from their original location during land reclamation works. No radiocarbon date was obtained for this site.
The excavation of the site at Garravally E3589 comprised two post-holes and a pit. No ecofacts or artefacts were recovered and no radiocarbon date was obtained.
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.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 3 revealed prehistoric settlement remains. These were concentrated in the eastern part of the site and they included a hearth and a group of pits and stake-holes dated to the Late Bronze Age. In the western part of the site a small concentration of stake-holes, a pit and two post-holes was found clustered around a hearth. In between the eastern and the western concentrations of archaeological features there was a single isolated hearth dated to the Iron Age. Lithic artefacts dating to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and sherds of Domestic Cordoned Urn were recovered from some of the pits.
Two phases of prehistoric activity were recorded at Culleenwaine. A group of 18 pits was dated to the first half of the Neolithic Period. Lithics, pottery, burnt animal bone and a small quantity of charred seeds were recovered from some of the Neolithic pits. The second phase of activity was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It comprised a burnt mound which was associated with three troughs and at least four small pits. Evidence for lining was recorded in two of the troughs. Two, un-stratified lithics, a flint convex end scraper and a chert retouched blade were associated with the Early Bronze Age phase of activity.
The site was disturbed in the modern period by the excavation of a field boundary. It subsequently went out of use and was back filled. The associated land reclamation works disturbed the extent of the layers of burnt mound material.
The excavation of the site at Kilshanny 3 comprised a burnt mound. The mound overlay a large rectangular trough, two pits and a post-hole. Two Late Bronze Age radiocarbon dates were returned from the fills of the trough and a pit. A small quantity of charred cereals and plant remains were recovered from the burnt mound.
The excavation of Derrybane 2 recorded Bronze Age domestic and funerary activity in the form of a series of cremation pits, three structures and associated post-holes, hearths, pits and stake-holes. Area 1 measured 41 m north-south by 45 m east-west and Area 2 measured 44 m north-south by 318 m east-west. Excavation of the western end of the site revealed four cremation pits and eight pits that appeared to be associated with the funerary activity. A further two pits, a hearth, two post-holes and a linear cut were also excavated in this area. Excavation in the central section of the site revealed three post-built circular structures. The largest building (Structure 1) comprised a ring of eight post-holes and two small slot trenches with an entrance/porch at the south-east and was dated to the Late Bronze Age. The smallest structure was dated to the Early Bronze Age. In the eastern extent of Area 2 18 pits containing cremated human remains were excavated. The rim of an inverted urn (E3591:704:1-19) was recovered from one of the cremation pits. A further 15 pits were interspersed within the group of pits containing cremations. The cremations were dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
The excavation of the site at Kilshanny 2 revealed five pits spread over two fields, labelled A and B. It is likely that these were post-medieval in date. A single radiocarbon date acquired for the site revealed a date for the Middle Bronze Age.
The excavation of the site at Ballynacarriga 1 revealed a dry water course. The stream may have been diverted during construction works associated with the nearby Ballynacarriaga House. A flint flake and sherds of 18 th /19 th century pottery were recovered from the sands and gravels of the dry water course. The flint flake dates to the Neolithic period.
The excavation of the site at Clash comprised a truncated Bronze Age house dating to the Late Bronze Age. The structure was defined by a double ring of post-holes, the inner ring was concentric with the outer ring, but neither ring was complete. The internal diameter of the complete structure was 6.2 m. The entrance to the house faced east-northeast and measured 1.2 m in width. A small pit and four stake-holes were located centrally in the structure.
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 site at Ballynacarriga 2 E2413 comprised a D-shaped enclosure on the edge of a limestone reef overlooking the Funshion River. The ditch enclosed the northern and eastern sides of the site. The edge of the reef was located on the western side. No convincing enclosing element was recorded on the south-western side. The entrance was likely to have been in the south-east. Structure 1, rectangular in plan, was located in the centre of the site. Structure 2 was located 5 m to the north-east. A small group of pits, possibly associated with metal-working was located to the immediate north-west of Structure 2. A group of pits, associated with the domestic occupation of the site, were located 10 m south of Structure 2. A dry-stone built souterrain was recorded in the north-western portion of the site. It comprised an entrance, passage and corbelled circular chamber. The entrance faced south-east. Five post-holes were located in the area of the entrance and may have formed a shelter or structure around the entrance.
Lithic stone tools, dating to the second half of the Neolithic were recovered from secondary contexts on site. Three coarse stone tools dating to the early medieval period were recovered from the ditch and the souterrain. A small archaeometallurgy assemblage including slags from both iron smelting and smithing was recovered from the ditch, souterrain and features associated with Structure 2. The ditch was used as a repository for food waste. Over 2000 animal bone fragments, the majority identified as cattle and a small quantity of plant remains, wheat, barley and oats were recovered from the ditch fills. Five early medieval, between 6 th and 9 th century, radiocarbon dates were returned from the ditch, souterrain, Structure 1 and Structure 2.
The excavation of the site at Clashnevin 2 comprised a group of stake-holes, pits, post-holes and layers. The domestic activity was dated to the late Bronze Age / early Iron Age.
The two dates were returned from the fill of a pit and an occupation layer. Evidence of wild food exploitation was found in tandem with evidence for cereal cultivation. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from two of the occupation layers.
There were two separate areas, 1 and 2, excavated at Greenhills 3. Area 1 was located in the western part of the site and comprised three small separate mounds of burnt material.
The mounds overlay six troughs and two pits. A third pit was located east of the central mound. Evidence of lining was recorded in one of the troughs. An Early Bronze Age date was returned from one of the fills of one of the troughs. A flint blade (E3658:1:2) was recovered from the topsoil.
Area 2 was located 30 m east of Area 1. The ground to the immediate west of the mounds of burnt material in Area 2 was low-lying and boggy and criss-crossed with land drains. It must have been the source of water for the troughs in Area 2 in prehistory. The northern mound of burnt material overlay seven trough and three pits. The southern mound of burnt material overlay one trough. Evidence of lining was recorded in five of the troughs. One Early Bronze Age and one Middle Bronze Age date was returned from a hearth and a trough. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from the fills of two of the troughs and two of the layers. Two flaked pieces of chert (E3658:34:1-2) were recovered from one of the layers.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
Also available at http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/
The excavation of the site at Ballinglanna North 1 revealed a range of features dating
to the Late Bronze Age, the early medieval period and the modern period. The site was located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream and most of the activity recorded on site was associated with this water source. The earliest evidence, a single flint blade, from the site dated to the Mesolithic. A small group of stone tools including flint debitage was dated to the Early Bronze Age but none of the features recorded on site could be assigned to the Early Bronze Age. A fulacht fiadh was dated to the Late Bronze Age. The mound overlay a substantial rectangular trough. The trough was connected to a well. A small number of post-holes were located to the south of the trough. The site was suitable as a location for metalworking, specifically iron smithing, in the early medieval period.
A large ditch was excavated parallel and to the west of the Glencorra Stream. A large
quantity of slag was recovered from the fills of the ditch and a small amount from a small group of pits on the eastern edge of the ditch. No certain features of metallurgical origin were recorded at the site. Two large storage pits and an area of domestic occupation are associated with the early medieval phase of activity. Finally the site was occupied in the modern period. A small stone structure, some linear features and a revetment wall on the western side of the Glencorra Stream date to the modern period.
The excavation of the site at Ballynamona was spread over two areas (Area 1 and Area 2). Excavation revealed nine pits, two post-holes and a linear feature in Area 1 and 12 pits and two linear features from Area 2. Some finds of prehistoric pottery indicated Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age activity.
Three separate cuttings were excavated at Derrybane 1. Area 1 measured 20 m by 20 m, Area 2 measured 92 m by 30 m and Area 3 measured 13 m by 15 m. Three large pits were excavated in Area 1. Area 2 was characterised by 22 small and shallow pits, located for the most part in the centre of the site, 12 postholes and three hearths. The entire area was truncated by modern drains and furrows. An Early Bronze Age date, an early medieval and a medieval date were returned from pits and a hearth in Area 2. A corn-drying kiln and associated pit were recorded in Area 3. The figure-of-eight type kiln comprised two oval chambers separated by a flue. There was evidence for three or four phases of use in the kiln. A large oval pit was located adjacent to the kiln. The pit contained large amounts of burnt material, possibly waste from the kiln. The kiln was dated to the medieval period.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
The archaeological excavations at Ballinglanna North 5 comprised two isolated pits. Both pits were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age, the northern pit by a radiocarbon date and the southern pit by the recovery of a flint scraper, (05E1150:2:1), recovered during the testing phase.
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.
The excavation of the site in Area 1 at Greenhills 2 comprised a mound of burnt material.
The mound was located on the eastern side of a shallow boggy hollow. Four troughs, 18 pits, five post-holes and 52 stake-holes were recorded in the area of the mound. The site was truncated by modern ditches and field drains. A flint scraper, four pieces of flint and chert debitage and a quartzite rubbing stone were recovered from the topsoil and the fills of the trough, modern post-hole and ditch. Two Early Bronze Age dates were returned from the fill of a trough and the fill of a pit.
Area 2 was located 60 m to the east of Area 1. The archaeological material in this part of the site comprised ex-situ layers of burnt mound material and two pits. The site was truncated by modern ditches and drains.
The site at Gortnahown was divided into five separate cuttings. Areas 1 and 2 comprised one cutting. Area 3 was located 80 m to the south-west. Area 4 was located 110 m south-west of Area 3 and Area 5 was located 65 m south of Area 4. Areas of activity centred on hearths were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age period. One of the hearth-side groups was associated with flint knapping. Two substantial roundhouses and two ancillary structures, including a workshop were dated to the early medieval period. Evidence for all phases of metalworking including the manufacture of bronze coated iron bells was recorded at the site. The area was enclosed by a ditch in the medieval or post-medieval period.
Evidence for Early Neolithic and Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age occupation was recorded in the form of a number of pits and post-holes in Area 3. Post-medieval pits and ditches were recorded in Area 4. The truncated remains of two possible medieval houses and a number of pits were recorded in Area 5.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 4 revealed deposits of disturbed burnt mound material overlain by re-deposited subsoil. The layers of burnt mound material were ex situ. They may have been removed from their original location during land reclamation works. No radiocarbon date was obtained for this site.
The excavation of the site at Garravally E3589 comprised two post-holes and a pit. No ecofacts or artefacts were recovered and no radiocarbon date was obtained.
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.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 3 revealed prehistoric settlement remains. These were concentrated in the eastern part of the site and they included a hearth and a group of pits and stake-holes dated to the Late Bronze Age. In the western part of the site a small concentration of stake-holes, a pit and two post-holes was found clustered around a hearth. In between the eastern and the western concentrations of archaeological features there was a single isolated hearth dated to the Iron Age. Lithic artefacts dating to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and sherds of Domestic Cordoned Urn were recovered from some of the pits.
Two phases of prehistoric activity were recorded at Culleenwaine. A group of 18 pits was dated to the first half of the Neolithic Period. Lithics, pottery, burnt animal bone and a small quantity of charred seeds were recovered from some of the Neolithic pits. The second phase of activity was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It comprised a burnt mound which was associated with three troughs and at least four small pits. Evidence for lining was recorded in two of the troughs. Two, un-stratified lithics, a flint convex end scraper and a chert retouched blade were associated with the Early Bronze Age phase of activity.
The site was disturbed in the modern period by the excavation of a field boundary. It subsequently went out of use and was back filled. The associated land reclamation works disturbed the extent of the layers of burnt mound material.
The excavation of the site at Kilshanny 3 comprised a burnt mound. The mound overlay a large rectangular trough, two pits and a post-hole. Two Late Bronze Age radiocarbon dates were returned from the fills of the trough and a pit. A small quantity of charred cereals and plant remains were recovered from the burnt mound.
The excavation of Derrybane 2 recorded Bronze Age domestic and funerary activity in the form of a series of cremation pits, three structures and associated post-holes, hearths, pits and stake-holes. Area 1 measured 41 m north-south by 45 m east-west and Area 2 measured 44 m north-south by 318 m east-west. Excavation of the western end of the site revealed four cremation pits and eight pits that appeared to be associated with the funerary activity. A further two pits, a hearth, two post-holes and a linear cut were also excavated in this area. Excavation in the central section of the site revealed three post-built circular structures. The largest building (Structure 1) comprised a ring of eight post-holes and two small slot trenches with an entrance/porch at the south-east and was dated to the Late Bronze Age. The smallest structure was dated to the Early Bronze Age. In the eastern extent of Area 2 18 pits containing cremated human remains were excavated. The rim of an inverted urn (E3591:704:1-19) was recovered from one of the cremation pits. A further 15 pits were interspersed within the group of pits containing cremations. The cremations were dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
The excavation of the site at Kilshanny 2 revealed five pits spread over two fields, labelled A and B. It is likely that these were post-medieval in date. A single radiocarbon date acquired for the site revealed a date for the Middle Bronze Age.
The excavation of the site at Caherdrinny 1 comprised the remains of a deposit of heat-shattered stone and charcoal, interpreted as the remains of a truncated burnt mound/fulacht fiadh. No radiocarbon date was obtained for this site.
The excavated remains at Drumroe comprised a Bronze Age house, a group of pits and a number of field boundaries. The area of excavation measured 35 m north-south by 110 m east-west. The Bronze Age house was located at the eastern end of the site. The house measured 7 m in diameter. It was defined by two incomplete rings of post-holes and slot trenches, the inner ring was concentric with the outer. No trace of the rear of the structure survived. The porch measured c. 1 m in width by 1.7 m in length and faced directly east. A widely dispersed group of sixteen pits and field boundaries were recorded in the western portion of the site. The boundaries were of relict field systems. At least three phases of ditches were recorded and a broad typology of ditches can be associated with the three phases.
The excavation of the site at Kilshanny 1 revealed the remains of Bronze Age habitation that included a round house, a possible associated structure and an enclosing component.
The remains of a post-medieval field system were also excavated. Radiocarbon dates from the site were very diverse and the range of results included Early Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age, Iron Age and medieval dates.
The excavation of the site at Kilshanny 3 comprised a burnt mound. The mound overlay a large rectangular trough, two pits and a post-hole. Two Late Bronze Age radiocarbon dates were returned from the fills of the trough and a pit. A small quantity of charred cereals and plant remains were recovered from the burnt mound.
The site comprised a cluster of ten pits and post-holes and a series of plough furrows. There was also a small feature containing charcoal located 5 m south of the main cluster of features. Caherdrinny 2 appears to be the remains of a funerary pyre. There is no evidence that the cremated remains were buried at the site. The site does not suggest more than a single episode of burning. The absence of in situ scorching of the subsoil suggests either that the pyre was built on the topsoil or that it was raised above ground, with the posts smouldering down to their base, leaving no evidence of in situ burning. A radiocarbon date suggested that activity at the site dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
The site at Gortore 2 was discovered during Phase 2 geophysical testing when a possible ditched enclosure was identified. The excavated site comprised as series of ditches, linear features and furrows that were probably post-medieval in date.
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
The excavation of the site at Ballinglanna North 2 E2415 was divided into three areas of excavation. No archaeology was recorded in Area 1. The archaeological features at Area 2 comprised four hearths, a pit, three post-holes, and a stake-hole. The archaeological features excavated at Area 3 included 16 pits and a post-hole. Modern field boundaries were recorded within the area of excavation. A small assemblage of flint artefacts dating to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age period was recorded at the site. An early medieval radiocarbon date was returned from one of the pits in Area 3.
The excavation of the site at Glenatlucky revealed a cremation pit, four post-holes, a hearth, three pits, one stake-hole and four linear features. The cremation pit contained the remains of a young adult of indeterminate gender and fragments of an encrusted urn, indicating a burial date in the Early Bronze Age. Charcoal from the cremation pit returned a post-medieval or modern radiocarbon date, evidently an anomalous result. Charcoal from another pit indicated an Early Bronze Age date. This is more generally representative of the activity at the site than the modern radiocarbon date from the cremation pit. Only a portion of the cremated body and the funerary pottery were found, suggesting secondary re-deposition of the original burial.
The excavation of the site at Kildrum revealed a fulacht fiadh with five troughs with numerous fills of burnt mound material. The actual burnt mound survived only as shallow layers truncated by a deep field boundary. Two of the troughs were large in size and showed evidence of lining as stake-holes were recorded in the base of the troughs. Early Bronze Age dates were returned from charcoal from two of the fills of the troughs. The site was truncated by a field boundary, several land drains and a modern forest plantation.
No water source is evident in the immediate surrounds of the site but running water was recorded in the base of the field boundary. Analysis of charcoal from the site suggests that almost equal amounts of hazel, oak, and alder charcoal were used in the fires at the site.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 1 comprised two separate areas of excavation.
A group of over 30 pits, post-holes and stake-holes were excavated in Area 1. An Early Bronze Age and an Iron Age date were returned from pits in Area 1. At Area 2 there were 26 cut features, these included six slot trenches, five pits, eight stake-holes and four post-holes, which represented the truncated remains of a Bronze Age house. A saddle quern, a small quantity of charred animal bone and a token deposit of the cremated remains of a juvenile were recovered from the Bronze Age house.
Similar to Archaeological Report - Moatquarter, Co. Tipperary (Ireland) (12)
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
The BPRAE Project is a community genealogy project designed to strengthen links between the diaspora communities generated by the Peter Robinson Assisted Emigrations of 1823 & 1825. Eleven ships took over 2000 people from Munster and set them up in 7 townships in Ontario, Canada.
This is a pilot project - results will be published to thememorytrail.com throughout March 2016 - the survey lays foundations to pool data in a central location & to deal with PR families on both side of the Atlantic.
Human remains were recorded during archaeological monitoring of a watermains trench in the middle of the road at the junction between the Athenry Road and the Dublin Road Housing Estate The works were associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply Scheme in early 2012. The remains of 48 individuals were recorded and excavated along with a section of the boundary wall and internal ditch of Tuam Union Workhouse. The burials were originally located within the bounds of Tuam Poor Law Union Workhouse which had opened to admissions in 1846. Eighteen grave pits were identified, with each containing between two and four burials. The individuals buried within these grave pits were paupers.
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.
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.
Adare Castle Co. Limerick is located on the northern bank of the Maigue River c.150m east of the bridge. A bridge is marked in this location on the Down Survey map (c. 1656). The land in the vicinity of the castle is lowlying. The ruined Franciscan Friary is located 400m to the east and the Augustinian Friary 350m to the southwest.
The modern town of Adare is located c. 600m to the south of the castle, set back from the southern bank of the river. Recent archaeological work by Sarah McCutcheon (Limerick County Council) has demonstrated that the town (LI021-032) may have existed in its current location, in proximity to the Trinitarian Abbey, as early as the 13th/14th centuries (McCutcheon pers. comm.).
The castle was strategically constructed on the east bank of the Maigue River to protect the river’s first fordable crossing point some eight miles inland from where it issues into the Shannon Estuary. A fourteen arch bridge was later built by Gerald, the fifth Earl of Kildare, between 1390 and 1410 (Lewis 1837, 8-9). During repairs to the foundations of the bridge arches in the early decades of the nineteenth century a large post or pile of an earlier wooden bridge was revealed (Dunraven, 1865, 104).
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordJohn Tierney
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity, in the form of a well and boundary wall, associated with the demolished buildings on Peter Street was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the central southern part of the site. The area of excavation measured 11.5m north-south by 12m east-west.
All the pits in the excavation trench were medieval in date and are likely to have served as rubbish dumps. The artefactual material and the faunal remains recovered from the various fills would support this hypothesis. There was no evidence that they were used for industrial practises, though waste material from industrial activity was mixed with domestic refuse. They were located in the area of the medieval house burgage plots. No evidence of medieval structures was recorded. It is likely to exist under the foundations of the existing upstanding structures on South Main Street.
The pottery assemblage from the site was examined by the ceramic specialist Clare McCutcheon. The majority of the pottery consisted of local and Irish wares, comprising of Lenister Cooking ware, Wexford-type coarse ware, ware, fine ware and cooking ware. The English wares consisted of Minety-type, Ham Green and Redcliffe wares. The Wexford-type wares indicate local pottery production, although no medieval pottery kilns have as yet been located in Wexford. The French wares particularly the Saintonge ware, from the southwest of France, jugs, represented the wealthier tastes.
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...John Tierney
The site was excavated under licence no. 04E0712. It was divided into ten areas of excavation: Areas 1-6, Area 6W, Area 7, Area 10 and Area 12.The earliest evidence for human activity was an Early Neolithic radiocarbon date obtained from the fill of a ditch in Area 6. However, there is no evidence for associated Early Neolithic activity. Most of the archaeological features excavated at Ballynattin were Bronze Age. Bronze Age pits were found in Area 6W, there was a spread of Bronze Age material in Area 3 and three partial Bronze Age structures were found in Areas 6 and 7. These were truncated and approximately only one third of each structure survived for excavation. A furnace excavated in Area 2 may also be Bronze Age in date; it has no associated radiocarbon dates but a saddle quern and flints were found within the furnace fill. The remaining features excavated at the site were primarily post-medieval, including a hearth excavated in Area 4, drains and ditches (Areas 1, 4 and 5) and a 19th century cobbled surface (Area 5).
The site consisted of a sub-circular enclosure with a diameter of approximately 36 m; it was initially identified as a crop mark on an aerial photograph, with no trace at ground level. Three sides of the enclosure were formed by two ditches (recorded as the ‘east ditch’ and the ‘west ditch’). The fourth side was characterised by large pits/postholes and slot trenches which probably continued the line of the enclosure, despite the absence of a ditch. The enclosure surrounded a Bronze Age settlement site, with a sub-circular post and stake-built structure excavated near the centre of the enclosed area and an ancillary structure to the west. This report details the results of excavation at the site and the descriptions are broken down into context complexes: the enclosure, the internal structure, the ancillary building, other internal features and external features.
The greatest proportion of archaeological features encountered at Shandon relate to Medieval activity. While nothing dateable was recovered from the sub-rectangular enclosure ditch itself, the discovery of 12th/13th century pottery from features inside and immediately outside the enclosure provides a strong case that the ditch is contemporaneous.
It must be considered a possibility that the enclosure at Shandon is a Medieval moated site. The latter have been defined as “all rectangular enclosures bounded by banks and moats of Medieval date, whether they enclosed a major house or simply a garden or cattle pen” (Barry 1987, 84). While there was no definite evidence of a bank at Shandon, there is a suggestion that one may have existed. Moated sites date to the 13th and 14th century (ibid., 85) and the local pottery found at Shandon overlaps with this date range.
It must also be considered that the Shandon enclosure relates to Hiberno-Norse activity. Prior to the present work, the motif piece was the sole indicator of such activity. However, this find is now further substantiated by the discovery of an 11th century Hiberno-Norse coin (Plate 12). Because of preservation by redesign and avoidance, a large proportion of archaeological features at Shandon were not excavated and consequently it is quite possible that further diagnostic Hiberno-Norse material survives on the site. However, one coin and a trial piece do not a Hiberno-Norse settlement make and it is plausible that the coin was deposited in Anglo-Norman times long after its original period of manufacture and use.
Eachtra archaeological projects undertook excavation of Stratham’s garage in January and February of 2005 under licence 99E0757, an extension to a pre-existing licence. In total some eighty pits were excavated with a small number of linear features and post-medieval wall foundations, drains and a cobbled surface also present. There was no evidence for a medieval structure in this area of the site and many of the pits were filled with refuse. The excavated area was interpreted as the partial remains of four medieval burgage plots. Recent excavations of the area immediately north and adjacent to this site will hopefully provide material comparable to the results from the Stratham’s Garage site.
The buildings to the rear of 26 Patrick St. were demolished. The area of the extension to the rear to the hotel measured 20m by 13m. The area of excavation was bounded by a stone wall to the south, by a building site to the north and west and by the Georgian building, 26 Patrick St., due for refurbishment to the east.
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity associated with the demolished extension to 26 Patrick St. was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the western side of the site. Post-medieval construction, associated with the red brick foundations of the extension to the rear of the Georgian building which fronts onto Patrick St., had truncated medieval activity at the eastern end. The destroyed earlier medieval activity is evidenced by the occurrence of both medieval and post-medieval pottery in the same strata.
Most of the archaeological features recorded during this excavation were pits, 26 in total, two walls and a well were also excavated.
Most of the contexts were dated according to the artefacts retrieved from their fills. Therefore, pits with exclusively or almost exclusively medieval pottery were classified as medieval, whereas pits with medieval and post-medieval finds were classified as post-medieval. However, as most of the excavated features were backfilled, it is possible that some of the cut features that contained deposits, with inclusions of post-medieval artefacts, were actually open and in use in the medieval period.
The remains uncovered can be divided into medieval, post-medieval and modern. The pits were in general sub-circular and oval in plan, and, with the exception of pit C.98, were on average 2.06 m in length by 1.36 m in width by 0.61 m in depth. The fills of the pits were a mix of dark grey brown silty clay with occasional inclusions of animal bone and pottery. A total of 26 pits, two walls and a well were recorded.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
Normal labor is also termed spontaneous labor, defined as the natural physiological process through which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal at term (37 to 42 weeks
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Executive Directors Chat Leveraging AI for Diversity, Equity, and InclusionTechSoup
Let’s explore the intersection of technology and equity in the final session of our DEI series. Discover how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be used to support and enhance your nonprofit's DEI initiatives. Participants will gain insights into practical AI applications and get tips for leveraging technology to advance their DEI goals.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
1. Eachtra Journal
Issue 11 [ISSN 2009-2237]
Archaeological Excavation Report
E3910 - Moatquarter, Co. Tipperary
Bronze Age House
2.
3. EACHTRA
Archaeological Projects
Archaeological Excavation Report
Moatquarter
Co. Tipperary
Bronze Age House
Date: July 2011
Client: Laois County Council and National Roads Authority
Project: N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1)
E No: E3910
Excavation Director: John Tierney
Written by: Jacinta Kiely and John Tierney
4.
5. Archaeological Excavation Report
Moatquarter
Co. Tipperary
Excavation Director
John Tierney
Written By
Jacinta Kiely and John Tierney
EACHTRA
Archaeological Projects
CORK GALWAY
The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway
tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: info@eachtra.ie tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: galway@eachtra.ie
7. Table of Contents
Summary���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������iii
Acknowledgements�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� iv
1 Scope of the project �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
2 Route location��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
3 Receiving environment ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
4 Archaeological and historical background ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
5 Site location and Topography ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
6 Excavation methodology ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 7
7 Excavation results ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 10
8 Discussion ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22
9 References �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24
Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 26
Appendix 2 Stratigraphic Matrix ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27
Appendix 3 Groups and Subgroups ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������29
Appendix 4 Plant remains ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41
Appendix 5 Lithic Artefacts Report ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47
�
i
8. List of Figures
Figure 1: Portion of map of Ireland showing the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh
(Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1)� ����������������������������������������������������������� 2
Figure 2: Discovery series Ordnance survey map showing the route of the N7 Castletown to
Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1) and the location
of all excavation sites� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5
Figure 3: Portion of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map OF47 showing the location of
Moatquarter� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 8
Figure 4: Location and extent of Moatquarter E3910 on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh� ���������������� 11
Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of Moatquarter E3910� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
Figure 6: Post-excavation plan of the Bronze Age house at Moatquarter� �������������������������������������������� 14
Figure 7: Interpretative plan of the Bronze Age house� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17
Figure 8: Section of slot trench C�43, post-holes C�24, C�29 and C�17 and pit C�20� ���������������������������� 18
List of Plates
Plate 1: Aerial view of Moatquarter� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Plate 2: View of moat (RMP TI016-003) from Moatquarter site� ��������������������������������������������������������������10
Plate 3: View of Bronze Age structure from north-west� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
Plate 4: View of Bronze Age structure with locational detail of wall line, entrance and
hearth from east� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Plate 5: Quartzite rubbing stone E3910:1:2� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
Plate 6: Quartzite rubbing stone E3910:1:3�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
Plate 7: View of chert flake E3910:1:4� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������21
List of Tables
Table 1 Dimensions of outer wall of Bronze Age structure ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
Table 2 Dimensions of inner wall of Bronze Age structure ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Table 3 Dimensions of pits in interior �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Table 4 Possible internal divisions or screens within the structure ������������������������������������������������������� 19
Table 5 Dimensions of pits ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
Table 6 Radiocarbon dates ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
Table 7 Radiocarbon dates for Bronze Age structures on the route of the N7� ���������������������������������23
ii
9. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Summary
The excavation of the site at Moatquarter comprised a Bronze Age house dating to the
Middle Bronze Age. It was defined by a double ring of post-holes. The inner ring was
concentric with the outer ring but the outer ring was not complete. It enclosed the rear
and more than half the sides of the structure. The internal diameter of the structure was
5.8 m and it enclosed an area of 26.1 m2. The entrance to the house faced south-southeast.
Road project name N7 Castletown to Nenagh
Site name Moatquarter
E no. E3910
Site director John Tierney
Townland Moatquarter
Parish Rathnaveoge
County Tipperary
Barony Ikerrin
OS Map Sheet No. TN16
National Grid Reference 206009 / 182426
Elevation 172 m O.D.
iii
10. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
Acknowledgements
The project was commissioned by Laois County Council and was funded by the Na-
tional Roads Authority under the National Development Plan (2000-2006). The project
archaeologist was Niall Roycroft. Kildare County Council supervised the archaeological
contract with RE staff of Pat Dowling and Colum Fagan. Kildare County Council Sen-
ior Executive Engineer was Joseph Kelly and Kildare County Council Senior Engineer
was John Coppinger. The senior archaeologist was John Tierney and the post-excavation
manager was Jacinta Kiely. Illustrations and GIS are by Maurizio Toscano, photographs
by John Sunderland and Eagle Photography and aerial photography by StudioLab. Spe-
cialist analysis was carried out by Mary Dillon, Penny Johnston, Farina Sternke and the
14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast.
iv
11. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
1 Scope of the project
Eachtra Archaeological Projects were commissioned by Laois County Council and the
National Roads Authority to undertake archaeological works along 17.1 km (Contact
1) of the 35km N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) national road
scheme (EIS approved in November 2005). The scheme runs from the eastern junction
of the present N7 Nenagh Bypass, North Tipperary a tie in to the M7/M8 Portlaoise-
Castletown scheme to the south of Borris-in-Ossory in County Laois. The scheme is ap-
proximately 191 hectares. Contract 1 comprises the western half of the scheme and runs
from Clashnevin to Castleroan passing along the Tipperary North and Offaly county
border regions. The Ministers Direction Number is A38.
It was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000-
2006. The total archaeological cost was administered by the National Roads Authority
through Laois County Council as part of the Authority’s commitment to protecting our
cultural heritage. The purpose of the archaeological services project was to conduct ar-
chaeological site investigations within the lands made available for the scheme and to
assess the nature and extent of any new potential archaeological sites uncovered.
Phase 1 of the project (archaeological testing of the route) was carried out in 2007
under licence E3371, E3372 and E3375-8 issued by Department of the Environment Heri-
tage and Local Government (DoEHLG) in consultation with the National Museum of
Ireland. The principal aim of this phase of the project was to test for any previously un-
known sites by a programme of centreline and offset testing and to test sites of archaeo-
logical potential identified in the EIS.
Phase 2 of the project (resolution) involved the resolution of all archaeological sites
identified within the proposed road corridor prior to commencement of the construction
of the road. This phase of the project was carried out from June 2007 to February 2008
and excavations were conducted under the management of a Senior Archaeologist. A total
of 27 sites were excavated during this phase of works under separate licences issued by
DoEHLG.
A post-excavation assessment and strategy document was prepared in Phase 3 of the
project to present a management strategy for dealing with post-excavation work aris-
ing from archaeological works along the route of the new N7 Castletown to Nenagh. It
included a proposal for post-excavation and archiving work and a budget for the works.
2 Route location
The route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh road is located in Counties North Tipperary
and Offaly (OF) (Figure 1). The project (Contract 1) involves the construction of c. 17.5
km of the N7 from Clashnevin east of Nenagh to Castleroan south-east of Dunkerrin. It
passes through the townlands of Clashnevin, Derrybane, Newtown, Lissanisky, Killeisk,
Garavally, Derrycarney, Garrynafanna, Gortnadrumman, Kilgorteen, Falleen, Knock-
ane, Clash, Park, Rosdremid (OF), Clynoe (OF), Cullenwaine, Moneygall, Greenhills,
1
12. 182550 198900 215250
2
193300
193300
!
(
Nenagh
iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237
Derg (Lough)
182950
182950
172600
172600
0 5 10
182550 198900
Kilometres
215250
±
Figure 1: Portion of map of Ireland showing the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1)�
archaeological excavation report
13. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Drumbaun, Busherstown (OF), Drumroe (OF), Moatquarter, Loughan (OF) and Cas-
tleroan (OF). The townlands are located in the parishes of Ballymackey, Cullenwaine,
Castletownely, Rathnaveoge, Finglas and Dunkerrin and the baronies of Upper Ormond,
Ikerrin and Clonisk,
The route begins at the eastern end of the Nenagh bypass at Clashnevin c. 5 km east
of Nenagh and continues eastward on the northern side of the existing N7 in Co. Tip-
perary. It crosses a number of third class roads to the north of Toomyvara and 0.7 km
east of Clash crossroads crosses the Ollatrim River. It extends into County Offaly directly
east of Park. From here it crosses the R490 0.6 km north of Moneygall. It extends back
in County Tipperary and through the demesne of Greenhills before crossing the existing
N7 at the junction of Greenhills and Drumbaun townlands. It crosses back into County
Offaly and climbs east into Busherstown and Drumroe. It crosses the Keeloge Stream
into Moatquarter in County Tipperary and extends northeast back into County Offaly
through the townlands of Loughan and Castleroan 1.4 km southwest of Dunkerrin.
3 Receiving environment
North Tipperary is bounded on the west by the River Shannon and Lough Derg with
the Silvermines, to the south, and small hills extending towards Devilsbit and Borrisnoe
Mountains to the east. The mountains are composed largely of Silurian strata and Old
Red Sandstone. Copper, silver and lead deposits have been mined in the Silvermines. The
geology of the lowlands consists of Carboniferous limestone covered by glacial drift in
addition to tracts of raised bog.
The western portion of the study area is drained by the Ollatrim River which flows
westwards into the River Ballintotty which in turns drains into the River Nenagh. The
eastern portion is drained by the Keeloge Stream and other small water sources. These rise
in the foothills of the Silvermine Mountains and flow north. The Keeloge drains into the
Little Brosna River c. 1 km south of Shinrone, Co Offaly. The Brosna turns north and
drains into the Shannon south of Banagher.
The largest population centre in the area is Nenagh. The smaller population centres,
are Toomyvara, Moneygall and Dunkerrin.
The soils on the route are characterised by 80% grey brown podzolics, 10% gleys, 5%
brown earths and 5% basin peat. They are derived from glacial till of predominantly Car-
boniferous limestone composition. These soils occur in Tipperary and Offaly and have a
wide use range being suitable for both tillage and pasture (Gardiner and Radford 1980,
97-99). Land use along the route was a mix of grassland devoted to intensive dairying and
cattle-rearing and tillage.
3
14. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
4 Archaeological and historical background
Archaeological sites of numerous periods were discovered along the route of the new road
(Figure 2). The periods are referred to as follows: Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC), Neo-
lithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC), Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 600 BC), and Iron Age (c. 500 BC
to AD 500), early medieval period (c. AD 500 to 1100), medieval period (c. AD 1100 to
1650), post-medieval period (c. AD 1650 to the present).
Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC)
The earliest known human settlement in Ireland dates from the Mesolithic period (c.
8000 BC - 4000 BC). The majority of the evidence (flint scatters) for Mesolithic occupa-
tion has come from the river valleys. No evidence for the Mesolithic was recorded on the
route.
Neolithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC)
The Neolithic Period is characterised by the introduction of agriculture and the begin-
nings of the clearance of the woodlands. The population increased and became more
sedentary in nature. The most important Neolithic site in the vicinity was at Tullahedy
recorded on the route of the Nenagh by-pass. It was a specialist chert arrow manufactur-
ing site.
No evidence for a Neolithic site was recorded on the route but stone tools dating to
the Neolithic were recorded at Busherstown E3661, Clash E3660, Cullenwaine E3741
and Greenhills 2 and 3 E3637 and E3658. Stone tools dating to the late Neolithic/Early
Bronze Age were recorded at Busherstown E3661, Castleroan E3909, Cullenwaine E3741,
Derrybane 1 E3585, Drumroe E3773, Greenhills 1 E3638 and Moatquarter E3910. Neo-
lithic pottery was recorded at Cullenwaine E3741 and Drumbaun E3912.
Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 600BC)
The Bronze Age is characterised by the introduction of metallurgy and an increase in
settlement and burial sites. Copper ores were mined and copper, bronze and gold items
manufactured. The range of burial site types includes cist graves, pit and urn burials,
cremation cemeteries, barrows, ring-ditches and wedge tombs. Stone circles and stand-
ing stones also date to the Bronze Age. Both enclosed and unenclosed settlement sites
are known. The most prolific Bronze Age site type is the fulacht fiadh. These monuments
survive as low mounds of charcoal rich black silt, packed with heat-shattered stones, and
generally situated close to a water source. Fulachta fiadh are generally classified as ‘cook-
ing places’, whereby stones were heated in a hearth and subsequently placed in a trough
of water, the water continued to boil with the addition of hot stones and wrapped food
was cooked within the hot water. The trough eventually filled with small stones, ash and
charcoal that were removed, forming the basis of the familiar mound.
4
15. 190400 196200 202000 207800
186400
186400
Moatquarter-e3910
Castleroan 1
E 3909
Moatquarter 1 Busherstown 1
E 3661
Loughan 1
E 4000
Greenhills 3
E 3658
Moneygall 2
Culleenwaine 1
E 3635
E 3741 Moatquarter 1
Clynoe 2 E 3910
E 3774
181800
181800
Park 1 Drumroe 1
Garravally Kilgorteen 1 E 3659 E 3773
E 3589 E 3739
Drumbaun 2
Derrybane 2 E 3912
E 3591 Greenhills 1 Greenhills 2
E 3638 E 3637
Clashnevin 2
E 3590 Clash 1 Park 2
E 3660 E 3772
Derrycarney 1
E 3740
Clashnevin 1 Derrybane 1 Killeisk 1
E 3586 E 3585 E 3587
177200
177200
0 3 6
Kilometres ±
190400 196200 202000 207800
Figure 2: Discovery series Ordnance survey map showing the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1) and the location of
5
http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
all excavation sites�
16. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
Two new fulachta fiadh or burnt mounds were recorded at Clashnevin 1 E3586, Cull-
enwaine E3741 and six at three separate locations in Greenhills, E3638, E3637 and E3658.
Evidence of nine roundhouses or partial round structures were recorded; two at Cas-
tleroan E3909, Derrybane 2 E3591 and Drumbaun 2 E3912 and one at Clash E3660,
Drumroe E3773 and Moatquarter E3910.
Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500)
Upto recently there was little evidence of a significant Iron Age presence in Munster.
Settlement sites are few and far between as well as being difficult to identify (Woodman,
2000) while the material culture of this period is limited. Linear earthworks, believed
to have marked tribal boundaries, and hillforts are two of the most visible monuments
of the period. Ten percent of sites excavated on NRA road schemes in recent years have
produced Iron Age dates. The dates have led to the identification of 30 new Iron Age sites
in Munster from road schemes in counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary (McLaughlin
2008, 51). These include a ditched enclosure in Ballywilliam and a wooden trackway in
Annaholty Bog excavated on the route of the N7 Nenagh-Limerick (Taylor 2008, 54).
Three Iron Age dates were returned from pits in Castleroan E3909 and Drumroe
E3773 on the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1).
Early medieval period (c. AD 400 to 1100)
The early medieval period is characterised by the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. The
characteristic monument type of the period is the ringfort. Ringforts are the most nu-
merous archaeological monument found in Ireland, with estimates of between 30,000
and 50,000 illustrated on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey 6” maps of the 1840’s
(Barry 1987). As a result of continued research, the construction of these monuments has
a narrow date range during the early medieval period between the 7th and 9th centuries
AD. Although there are some very elaborate examples of ringforts, they often take the
form of a simple earth or stone enclosure functioning as settlements for all classes of secu-
lar society (Stout 1997).
North Tipperary is rich in early ecclesiastical sites and the remains of these religious
centres are at the core of some of the towns and villages. Roscrea, for example, was chosen
by St Cronan as a location for his monastery in the seventh century as it was located at
the crossroads on the Slighe Dála, an important roadway in early medieval times (NIAH
2006, 4-8).
Early medieval activity was recorded at five sites on the route of the N7 Castletown to
Nenagh (Contract 1). A series of corn-drying kilns were recorded at Busherstown E3661.
A denuded ringfort (OF046-013) was excavated at Clynoe 2 E3774. An area of iron-
working and associated pits was recorded at Drumbaun E3912. Iron working activity,
corn-drying kilns and settlement activity was recorded at Park 1 E3659. A group of pits
and associated ditch were recorded at Drumroe E3773.
6
17. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
High and later medieval periods (c. AD 1100 to 1650)
This period is characterized by the arrival of the Anglo-Normans and the building of tow-
er houses. The Anglo-Normans obtained charters in the thirteenth century for the towns
of Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles and Templemore and established markets. Nenagh grew
rapidly in the aftermath of the granting of the lands of Munster to Theobald fitzWalter in
1185 (ibid. 8). Moated sites represent the remains of isolated, semi-defended homesteads
in rural areas. They were build mainly in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth cen-
turies in counties, such as Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, mid-Cork and Limerick, that
were colonised by English settlers (O’Conor 1998, 58). The Archaeological Inventory for
North Tipperary lists 39 moated sites (2002, 298).
A medieval enclosure and associated field systems were recorded at Killeisk E3587. A
newly recorded moated site was excavated at Busherstown E3661. A series of ditches and
settlement activity was recorded at Park 1 E3659.
Post-medieval period (c. 1650 to the present).
The post-medieval period is characterised by mills, limekilns, workhouses, country hous-
es and associated demesnes, vernacular buildings and field systems (Figure 3). A small
demesne associated with a county house was recorded at Greenhills.
5 Site location and Topography
The site at Moatquarter was located c. 400 m to the north and upslope of the Keeloge
Stream and 200 m to the northeast of the motte. The townland name most likely refers to
the location of a conspicuous medieval motte (RMP TI016-003) located to the south-west
of the site (Plate 1). The Keeloge Stream forms part of the townland boundary between
Moatquarter and Drumroe and the county bounds of Tipperary and Offaly.
6 Excavation methodology
The site was mechanically stripped of topsoil under strict archaeological supervision.
Stripping was done with a tracked machine with a flat toothless bucket. Topsoil stripping
commenced in the areas of identified archaeology and continued radially outward until
the limit of the road take was reached or until the limit of the archaeological remains was
fully defined. A grid was set up in the excavation area(s) and all archaeological features
were sufficiently cleaned, recorded and excavated so as to enable an accurate and mean-
ingful record of the site to be preserved. The excavation, environmental sampling, site
photographs, site drawings, find care and retrieval, on-site recording and site archive was
as per the Procedures for Archaeological works as attached to the licence method state-
ments for excavation licences.
7
18. 204713 205713
8
Castleroan
LOUGHAN
ea m
Loughan
S tr
182716
182716
e
lo g
K ee
CASTLEROAN
iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237
Moatquarter
BUSHERSTOWN
182066
182066
MOATQUARTER
Busherstown
Drumbaun 2
DRUMROE
0 300 600
DRUMBAUN Drumroe
¥ Meters
204713 205713
Figure 3: Portion of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map OF47 showing the location of Moatquarter�
archaeological excavation report
20. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
Plate 2: View of moat (RMP TI016-003) from Moatquarter site�
The site was excavated from 28 January 2008 to the 8 February 2008. Only areas
within the LMA (lands made available) were resolved. Two separate cuttings, Area 1 and
Area 2, were excavated. Area 1 was located 62 m south of Area 2. The full extent of Area
1 measured 4600 m sq and Area 2 measured 3700 m sq (Figure 4, Plate 2).
The full record of excavated contexts is recorded in the context register and the strati-
graphic matrix (Appendix 1). Detailed stratigraphic descriptions are found in the groups
and sub-groups text (Appendix 2). The context register maybe viewed in the EAPOD
(Eachtra Archaeological Projects office database) in the accompanying CD.
7 Excavation results
A Bronze Age structure and two groups of pits were excavated within the area of excava-
tion. (Figure 5, plate 3). The structure was located near the southern extent of the area of
excavation. Four pits (C.3, C.5, C.8 and C.185) were located c. 45 m north of the structure
and four pits (C.502, C.503, C.506 and C.508) were located c. 150 m north of the struc-
ture. A field boundary C.11 was located to the south-east of the Bronze Age structure.
Bronze Age House
A house was identified in the southern section of the site. It was defined by a double ring
of post-holes (Figure 6). The inner ring was concentric with the outer ring but the outer
ring was not complete. It enclosed the rear and over half the sides of the structure. The
internal diameter of the structure was 5.8 m and it enclosed an area of 26.1 m2. The en-
trance to the house faced south-southeast.
Four post-holes C.44, C.54, C.81and C.180 constituted the outer northern line of the
structure. The interval between the post-holes was irregular, they were spaced over 3 m
apart. Three of the post-holes C.44, C.53 and C.180 were similar in size and composition.
10
21. 205719 206089 206459
15
70
0
LOUGHAN
15
60
0
Moatquarter-e3910
CASTLEROAN
182753
182753
M O AT Q U A R T E R 15
50
0
154
00
182523
182523
153
00
152
00
LISDUFF
151
00
Ke
182293
182293
elo
g eS
t
re
am
Moatquarter 1 (E3910)
150
00
0 100 200
Metres ±
205719 206089 206459
Figure 4: Location and extent of Moatquarter E3910 on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh�
11
http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
22. ±
12
503 ±
508 506
Pits
Area 2
Area 2
iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237
502
0 25 m
O
)
172 m O.D.
5 3
185
±
Pits
Area 1 North
8
Area 1
Field boundary
11
0 25 m 0 100 m
Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of Moatquarter E3910�
archaeological excavation report
59
23. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Plate 3: View of Bronze Age structure from north-west�
The fourth posthole C.81 was the remains of a driven post, it was smaller that the other
three.
Context Dimensions (m) (l x w x d)
44 0.82 x 0.64 x 0.28
54 0.87 x 0.62 x 0.08
81 0.16 x 0.4 x 0.12
180 0.77 x 0.57 x 0.16
Table 1 Dimensions of outer wall of Bronze Age structure
Ten postholes (C.17, C.19, C.24, C.26, C.29, C.36, C.41, C.56, C. 65, C.187) and two
slot trenches (C.43 and C.46) constituted the inner circuit of the house. The entrance was
probably to the south-east between post-holes C.187 and C.29. It measured 1.8 in width.
Both of the entrance post-holes were flanked by a second post (C.24 and C.36). Middle
Bronze Age dates of cal BC 1429-1315 (UB-15096) and cal BC 1432-1316 (UB-15095)
were returned from the post-hole C.24 and C.17 respectively.
A single post-hole C.15 was located within the interior between posts C.19 and C.59.
It may have formed part of a wall alignment with four stake-holes (C.86, C.93, C.100 and
C.139).
13
25. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Plate 4: View of Bronze Age structure with locational detail of wall line, entrance and hearth from east�
Context Number Dimensions (m) (I x w x d)
17 0.58 x 0.36 x 0.33
19 0.57 x 0.53 x 0.34
24 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.25
26 0.5 x 0.47 x 0.35
29 0.46 x 0.32 x 0.31
59 0.57 x 0.5 x 0.2
36 0.73 x 0.34 x 0.23
41 0.8 x 0.75 x 0.25
43 1.2 x 0.7 x 0.31
46 2.7 x 0.57 x 0.07
48 (within slot C.46) 0.37 x 0.24 x 0.25
50 (within slot C.46) 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.28
52 (within slot C.46) 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.12
56 0.65 x 0.6 x 0.21
65 0.25 x 0.25 x 0.05
187 0.48 x 0.39 x 0.25
Table 2 Dimensions of inner wall of Bronze Age structure
Internal features
Three pits C.20, C.39 and C.176 were located in the interior of the structure. Two large
pits (C.20 and C.39) were located adjacent to one another at the rear. The third C.176 was
located between the hearth and the entrance. The hearth was located almost centrally be-
tween the three pits. Pits 20 and 39 may be bed settings, located in the northwest corner
of the structure, opposite the south facing entrance.
15
26. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
Context Dimensions (m) (l x w x d)
20 1.51 x 0.8 x 0.41
39 1.3 x 0.8 x 0.39
176 1.1 x 0.5 x 0.18
Table 3 Dimensions of pits in interior
A Middle Bronze Age date of cal BC 1495-1321 (UB-15094) was returned from pit
C.20.
A total of 54 stake-holes were recorded within the interior of the structure (Figure
7, plate 4). In general all of them had a similar fill, a soft gray brown sandy silt with oc-
casional flecks of charcoal. They varied in sizes from 0.03-0.13 m in length to 0.03-0.12
m in width and 0.03-0.26 m in depth. The largest stake-holes measured over 0.09 m in
diameter. They formed two distinctive patterns: 13 (C.57, C.64, C.69, C.71, C.86, C.93,
C.97, C.100, C.105, C.107, C.126, C.132, C.139, C.142, C.154 and C.178) were located
inside and parallel and on the line of the inner wall of the structure and three (C.107,
C.142 and C.154) formed the possible base of tripod around the hearth C.186.
The base of a hearth C.186 was recorded towards the rear of the structure. The
scorched area of subsoil measured 0.44m by 0.35m. The base of the hearth was truncated
by three small stake-holes (C.161, C. 165 and C. 175). Two stake-holes (C.117 and C.159)
were located on the edge of the hearth and three other stake-holes (C.107, C.142 and
C.154) may have formed a tripod around the hearth. The side of the tripod measured c.
0.9 m. Three more stake-holes (C.146, C.156 and C.182) could have been associated with
hearth-side furniture.
A total of 24 of the stake-holes could have been associated with the inner wall of the
structure. Two (C.178 and C.57) were located on the south-eastern side of the entrance
on either side of post C.187. Eleven (C.168, C.166, C.130, C.62, C.97, C.83, C.71, C.69,
C.111, C.119, C.64) were located on the south-western circuit between post-holes C.24
and C.41. Three (C.105, C.126 and C.132) were located on the southern side of pit C.20.
Four (C.139, C.100, C.93 and C.86) were located on the north-eastern circuit on either
side of post-hole C.15. One stake-hole C.95 was located to the north of post-holes C.26
and C.59. Three stake-holes (C.92, C.90 and C.102) were located to the west of post-hole
C.17.
A total of 20 other stake-holes were recorded in the interior in the vicinity, and for the
most part to the east, of the hearth C.86 and the pit C.176. They may have formed an
internal division or screens associated with the hearth and/or the pit C.176. They could
have formed at least four different screens. Three of the screens were parallel to one an-
other on the eastern side of the hearth and pit and the fourth could have been located on
the western side.
An alternative to the screen hypothesis is that screens 1 and 2 are functionally related
to one another and the hearth. The stakeholes in these groups are clearly paired and may
represent the remains of a domestic food processing activity, originating in the hearth and
perhaps processing different grades of material in stake-supported troughs or pots eg. fat,
16
27. 206021 206026
±
Area 1 South
Moatquarter-e3910
Structure
182427
182427
Hearth
182424
182424
0 2.5 m
206021 206026
Figure 7: Interpretative plan of the Bronze Age house�
17
http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
28. N7CN N7CN N7CN
18
Moatquater 1 Area 1 Moatquater 1 Area 1 Moatquater 1 Area 1
Southeast facing section of C.43 Southwest facing section of C.24 East facing section of C.29
# C.30 # # #
C.42 # #
C.1 # # # #
C.23
# # C.34
# #
# # #
C.125
C.29
C.24
C.43
iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237
N7CN N7CN
Moatquater 1 Area 1 Moatquater 1 Area 1
Southeast facing section of C.20 ????? facing section of C.17
#
# # # #
C.16
C.21
C.17
C.27
C.20
0 500 mm
Figure 8: Section of slot trench C�43, post-holes C�24, C�29 and C�17 and pit C�20�
archaeological excavation report
29. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
blood and offal products. The curving stakehole arrangement mirrors the roundhouse
walls.
Screen Associated stake-holes Length
1 C.128, C.113, C.87 and C.103 2.7
2 C.152, C.115, C.136, C.162, C.124, C.122 and C.110 2.9
3 C.140, C.170, C.172, C.148 and C.150 1.2
4 C.134, C.144, C.77 and C.60 1.6
Table 4 Possible internal divisions or screens within the structure
Pits
Eight pits were located to the north of the structure. Four pits (C.3, C.5, C.8 and C.185)
were located c. 45 m north of the structure. They were located between 8-13 m apart. Four
other pits (C.502, C.503, C.506 and C.508) were located c. 150 m north of the structure.
The pits were c. 30 m apart.
Context Dimensions (m) (l x w x d)
3 1.05 x 0.93 x 0.3
5 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.22
8 1.84 x 1.7 x 0.28
185 1.1 x 0.75 x 0.15
502 1.19 x 0.76 x 0.13
503 2.1 x 0.7 x 0.05
506 0.45 x 0.35 x 0.11
508 0.38 x 0.25 x 0.2
Table 5 Dimensions of pits
No radiocarbon dates were obtained from any of the pits. No artefacts were retrieved
from the pits. It is difficult to know if the pits were contemporary with the Bronze Age
structure.
Plant remains
The plant remains were examined by Penny Johnston (Appendix 4). A total of 30 samples
were scanned and plant remains were present in just seven of the samples. Hazelnut shell
fragments were found in four of the samples C.17, C.26, C.43, C.52, barley was recovered
from C.20 and C.29 and wheat from C.26/C.59 associated with the house.
These included the samples from the post-hole C.17 (C.16, S.7), from the slot trench
C.20 (C.21 S.9), from the pits C.26/59 (C.25 S.11) and C.29 (C.30 S.14), from the post-
hole C.52 (C.53 S.20) and the slot trench C.43 (C.125 S.58). These are probably representa-
tive of the occupation layer which probably covered the floor during its use.
19
32. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
8 Discussion
Evidence of at least two phases of activity was recorded at Moatquarter.
The main phase of activity at the site dated to the Middle Bronze Age. The remains
of a complete structure was located in the southern section of the site. It was defined by
a double ring of post-holes but the outer ring was incomplete. The internal diameter of
the structure was 5.8 m and it enclosed an area of 26.1 m2. The entrance to the house
faced south-southeast. Two probably bed settings were identified opposite the entrance
and a curving, food processing work area has been hypothesized based on the relationship
between a hearth and tripod and a series of paired stakeholes which run away from the
hearth, curving on the same alignment as the structural support timbers. Curving work
spaces not being surprising in a circular house.
There are three main hypotheses for the construction of the house. Firstly, an internal
ring of posts supported the roof and immediately outside this a wattle wall was built (the
remains of the wattle wall is evident on both sides of the doorway but cannot be traced for
the northern half of the structure). Directly outside the wattle wall further roof support
was offered by external support posts. The relationship between the external and internal
posts may give clues as to the location of the wall top cross beams.
The second hypothesis is that a clay wall was built outside and against the wattle
screen and that this wall ran along the line of the larger, outer postholes.
The third hypothesis is that a narrow 0.50 m wide clay wall was built along the line
defined by the wattle screens (the screens being a spinal element to the wall) ie. between
the inner and outer post-holes,
A recent survey of Bronze Age houses in southern Ireland lists a total of 41 Bronze
Age sites where 81 individual structures have been recorded (Doody 2007, 86–7). Howev-
er, surveys are quickly out of date at the moment, since development-led archaeology has
resulted in an explosion of Bronze Age archaeology (Bruck 2009a, xvi). The excavation
of ten Bronze Age houses on the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh will further in-
crease this number. Radiocarbon dates have been obtained for eight of the ten structures
on the N7 from the townlands of Clash, Castleroan, Derrybane, Drumbaun, Drumroe
and Moatquarter,
Site Name Structure Calibrated BC 2-sigma dates Period
Clash Structure 1 1111-920 and 895-800 MBA-LBA
Castleroan Structure A 1249-1016 MBA
Castleroan Structure B 1011-914 LBA
Derrybane Structure 1 741-406 and 833-797 LBA
Derrybane Structure 2 794-550 LBA
Derrybane Structure 3 1929-1773 EBA
Drumbaun Structure A 1436-1316 MBA
Drumbaun Structure B 1520-1442 MBA
Drumroe Structure 1 895-815 LBA
Moatquarter Structure 1 1495-1321, 1432-1316 and 1429-1315 MBA
Table 7 Radiocarbon dates for Bronze Age structures on the route of the N7�
22
33. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
There is a diversity in house size, internal pattern and construction materials. In Brit-
ain there appears to be a number of regionally distinct house styles (Doody 2007, 97)
but there is no established evidence for regional variation amongst Irish examples as yet.
However, the discovery of axial symmetry in several houses excavated in Tipperary and
North Cork has been noted (Tierney and Johnston 2009, 105). A similar phenomenon
has also been identified in Britain (Guilbert 1982, 68– 9; Brück 1999).
Three of the round post-built structures, one in Derrybane and two in Drumbaun,
excavated on the N7 were constructed along the principle of axial symmetry. This means
that the house was arranged on an axis between the entrance and a post-hole directly
opposite it, two post-holes flank the entrance and the remaining post-holes have a corre-
sponding partner at either side of the axis. The distance between the post-holes on either
side of the axis is roughly the same (Tierney and Johnston ibid). Three other incomplete
structures, may have originally been constructed along the same principles.
The plant remains recovered at Moatquarter are comparable to other domestic sites,
for example Chancellorsland, Curraghatoor and Ballyvellish, in Co. Tipperary. At all of
these sites barley was the most common Bronze Age crop type and at many retrieval was
sporadic and poor.
23
34. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
9 References
Bruck, J. (2009a) Overview of findings, pp. xvi – xviii in McQuade, M., Molloy, B. and
Moriarty, C. In the Shadow of the Galtees. Archaeological excavations along the route
of the N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown Road Scheme. Dublin, National Roads Authority.
Doody, M. (2007) Excavations at Curraghatoor, Co. Tipperary, University College Cork.
Farrelly, J., and O’Brien, C. (2002) Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary Vol. 1 -
North Tipperary, The Stationery Office Dublin.
Gardiner, M.J. and Radford,T. (1980) Soil Assocaitions of Ireland and Their Land Use
Potential. Dublin, An Foras Talúntais.
Guilbery, G. (1982) ‘Post-ring symmetry in roundhouses at Moel y Gaer and some other
sites in prehistoric Britain’, in P J Drury (ed), Structural Recognition: approaches to
the interpretation of excavated remains of buildings, 67 – 86. British Archaeological
Reports 110.
McLaughlin, M. and Conran, S. (2008) ‘The emerging Iron Age of South Munster’ in
Seanda, Issue 3, 51-53. Dublin.
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (2006) An Introduction to the Architectural
Heritage of North Tipperary. Government of Ireland.
O’Conor, K.D. (1998) The Archaeology of Medieval Rural Settlement in Ireland,
Discovery Programme Monographs No 3, Discovery Programme/Royal Irish
Academy Dublin.
Reimer, P.J., Baillie, M.G.L., Bard, E., Bayliss, A., Beck, J.W., Bertrand, C., Blackwell,
P.G., Buck, C.E., Burr, G., Cutler, K.B., Damon, P.E., Edwards, R.L., Fairbanks,
R.G., Friedrich, M., Guilderson, T.P., Hughen, K.A., Kromer, B., McCormac,
F.G., Manning, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Reimer, R.W., Remmele, S., Southon, J.R.,
Stuiver, M., Talamo, S., Taylor, F.W., van der Plicht, J. and Weyhenmeyer, C.E.
(2004) ‘IntCal04 Terrestrial Radiocarbon Age Calibration, 0–26 Cal Kyr BP’,
Radiocarbon 46, 1029-1058.
Stuiver, M., and Reimer, P.J. (1993) ‘Extended (super 14) C data base and revised
CALIB 3.0 (super 14) C age calibration program’, Radiocarbon 35, 215-230.
Stout, M. (1997) The Irish Ringfort. Dublin, Four Courts Press.
24
35. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Taylor, K. (2008) ‘At home and on the road: two Iron Age sites in County Tipperary’ in
Seanda, Issue 3, 54-55. Dublin.
Woodman, P.C. (2000) ‘Hammers and Shoeboxes: New Agendas for Prehistory’., pp. 1
-10 in Desmond, A., Johnson, G., McCarthy, M., Sheehan, J. and Shee Twohig,
E. New Agendas in Irish Prehistory. Papers in commemoration of Liz Anderson. Bray,
Wordwell.
25
36. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index
Please see attached CD.
26
39. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Appendix 3 Groups and Subgroups
Group Description Subgroup No. Description Context No.
No.
1 Natural Topsoil C.1
Deposits Subsoil C.2
2 Ditch 2 Ditch C.11, C.10
3 Pits and 3a 4 pits C.3, C.5, C.8, C.185
spread
3b 1 charcoal C.12
spread
4 Roundhouse 4a Outer line of 4 postholes C.44, C.54, C. 81 and C.180
postholes
4b Inner circuit of 15 postholes, 2 C.15, C.17, C.19, C.24, C.26, C.29, C.36,
structure slot trenches C.41, C.44, C.48, C.50, C.52, C.56, C. 65,
C.187, C.43 and C.46
4c Internal features 3 pits C.20, C.39, C.176
4d Hearth 1 Hearth C.186
5 Stakeholes 5a Stakeholes associ- 24 stakeholes C.57, C.64, C.69, C.71, C.86, C.93,
ated with the inner C.97, C.100, C.105, C.126, C.132,
line of house C.139, C.178, C.90, C.92, C.95, C.102,
C.166, C.168, C.130, C.62, C.83, C.111
and C.119
5b Stakeholes associ- 11 stakeholes C.107, C.142, C.154, C.117, C.146,
ated with the hearth C.156, C.159, C.161, C.165, C.175 and
C.182
5c Stakeholes associ- 20 stakeholes C.60, C.77, C.87, C.103, C.110, C.113,
ated with the interior C.115, C.122, C.124, C.128, C.134,
of the house C.136, C.140, C.144, C.148, C.150,
C.152, C.162, C.170 and C.172
6 Pits 4 Pits in the Area 2 4 pits C.502, C.503, C.506 and C.508
Group 1 Natural Deposits
This group describes the natural geological deposits identified across the area of excavation.
Topsoil C.1
The topsoil was covering the archaeological features on the site. It was dark grey brown
silt.
Subsoil C.2
The subsoil was yellow silty clay with frequent stone inclusions. This is the natural subsoil
which occurs under the features and is found across the site.
Group 2 Ditch
Ditch C.11 filled with C. 10
A modern ditch located north-east of the house was aligned north-east to south-west.
The ditch measured c.22.6m in length (within the area of excavation), 1.6 -2.0m in width
and maximum 1.1m in depth. The break of slope at the top was gradual. The sides were
concave and moderate. The break of slope at the base was gradual. The base was flat in
29
40. iSSue 11: eachtra Journal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaeological excavation report
profile. The fill was mid red brown soft clayey silt with moderate inclusion of fine pebbles
and small stones. An iron peg was recovered from the fill.
Group 3 Pits and spread
Four isolated pits and a charcoal spread in the northern part of Area 1
Context Dimensions (m) (I x w x d) Type
3 1.05x0.93x0.3 Pit
5 1.57x1.57x0.22 Pit
8 1.87x1.7x0.28 Pit
185 1.1x0.75x0.15 Pit
12 0.5x0.45x0.04 Spread
Table of dimensions
Subgroup 3a Pits
Pits C. 3, C.5, C.8, C.185
Pit C.3 filled with C.4, C.7
The pit was oval in plan with rounded corners. The break of slope at the top was sharp.
The sides were steep and smooth. The base was oval in plan and concave in profile. The
break of slop at the base was sharp. The pit contained two fills. The upper fill C.4 was
brown grey firm silt clay, with occasional pebbles, small stones and charcoal flacks. The
basal fill C.7 was grey black soft silt clay with occasional pebbles and moderate amount
of charcoal flecks.
Pit C.5 filled with C.6
The pit was sub-circular in plan with rounded corners. It had gradual break of slope top
and base. The sides were gentle and irregular at east, gentle and smooth elsewhere. The
base was sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. The fill was dark brown black firm silty
clay, with frequent medium stones and charcoal flecks.
Pit C.8 filled with C.9
The pit was circular in plan with rounded corners. The break of slope top and base was
sharp at east, gradual elsewhere. The sides were steep and concave at east, moderate and
convex elsewhere. The base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was mid
brown loose silty sand with moderate fine pebbles and occasional small pieces of charcoal.
Pit C.185 filled with C.184
The pit was oval in plan. The break of slope at the top was gradual. The sides were gentle
and concave. The break of slope at the base was imperceptible. The base was oval in plan
and concave in profile. The fill was mid yellow soft sandy silt with fine pebbles, medium
stones and occasional large stones. The fill contained frequent flecks and small pieces of
charcoal.
30
41. Moatquarter-e3910 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3910-moatquarter-co-tipperary/
Interpretation
Four isolated pits at the northern end of the site, c. 30 m to the north of the house. No
artefacts were recovered from the pits, their date or function is unknown. It is not certain
if these pits are contemporary with the house.
Subgroup 3b Spread
Spread C.12
A small charcoal reach spread situated c. 10 m to the east from pit C.3. It was black soft
clayey silt with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal.
Group 4 House
This group describes the features related to the construction of a house and the associated
features within the structure.
Subgroup 4a Outer line of postholes
Four postholes C.44, C.54, C.81and C.180 constituted the outer line of structure.
Context Dimensions (m) (l x w x d) Type
44 0.82x0.64x0.28 Posthole
54 0.87x0.62x0.08 Posthole
81 0.16x0.4x0.12 Posthole
180 0.77x0.57x0.16 Posthole
Table of dimensions
Posthole C.44 filled with C.45.
The posthole was oval in plan. The break of slope at the top and at the base was gradual.
The sides were moderate and concave. The base was oval in plan and concave in profile.
The fill was mid brown loose silty sand with pebbles and occasional small pieces of char-
coal. The posthole was located within the eastern end of slot trench C.46.
Posthole C.180 filled with C.181
The posthole was oval in plan. It had gradual break of slope at the top and at the base.
The sides were steep and concave at east, moderate and concave elsewhere. The base was
oval in plan and concave in profile. The fill was mid yellow brown soft sandy silt with
occasional pebbles and flecks of charcoal.
Posthole C.54 filled with C.55
The posthole was oval in plan with rounded corners. The break of slope top was sharp.
The sides were gentle and concave. The break of slope base was imperceptible. The base
was oval in plan and concave in profile. The fill was light brown grey very soft sandy silt
with occasional pebbles and flecks of charcoal.
31