N17 Carrownurlaur Bends Re-Alignment Scheme, Co. Galway Final Report on Archaeological Excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the Town

Project code: CBRC12 Client: Galway County Council Date: February 2013

N17 Carrownurlaur Bends re‐alignment Scheme, Co. Galway

Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Director: Patricia Long Report Author: Louise Baker and Patricia Long Licence No: 12E0323 Report Status: Final

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

CONTENTS Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

1 INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 Planning Background 4 1.2 Excavation programme 4

2 SITE LOCATION AND BACKGROUND 5 2.1 Site location 5 2.2 General background 5 2.3 Recent excavations 6 2.4 Recorded monuments and places 6

3 OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY 8 3.1 Objectives 8 3.2 Methodology 8

4 THE RESULTS 9 4.1 The environmental sample 10

5 DISCUSSION 10 5.1 Phasing and Chronology 11 5.2 Conclusions 11

6 ARCHIVE QUANTITIES 12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 12

REFERENCES 13

1 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

FIGURES

Figure 1 N17 Carrownurlaur Bends Realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Site location, scheme overview and RMP mapping Figure 2 N17 Carrownurlaur Bends Realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Carrownurlaur 1, Site Layout Figure 2a‐c N17 Carrownurlaur Bends Realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Carrownurlaur 1, Site Layout Cuttings A‐C

PLATES

Plate 1 Pre‐excavation view of burnt spread (003) at Carrownurlaur 1, facing west Plate 2 West‐facing section of burnt spread (003) Plate 3 Pre‐excavation view of archaeological wood at Carrownurlaur 1 Cutting A Plate 4 Wood No. 003 in situ Plate 5 Wood No 006 and 007 in situ Plate 6 Wood No. 008 in situ Plate 7 Wood No. 001 and 002 in situ Plate 8 Worked end of Wood No. 001 Plate 9 Wood No. 010 in situ Plate 10 Worked end of Wood No. 013

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Context Register Appendix 2 Soil Sample Register Appendix 3 Wood Register Appendix 4 Drawing Register Appendix 5 Photo Register Appendix 6 Site Matrix Appendix 7 Radiocarbon dates Appendix 8 Analysis of the wood remains

2 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents the results of an archaeological excavation undertaken at Carrownurlaur 1, Co. Galway on 27th August 2012 in accordance with Licence No. 12E0323. These works were undertaken on behalf of Galway County Council. The works were undertaken as part of the Archaeological Services Contract prior to the commencement of construction works associated with the N17 Carrownurlaur Bends Realignment Scheme in north Co. Galway.

Previous work includes Stage (i) Test Excavation and Survey Services which were carried out by Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd on behalf of Galway County Council between 20 and 25 August 2012 under licence number 12E79. Stage (i) testing revealed four areas of archaeological interest– Gortnagunned 1 and 2 and Carrownurlaur 1 and 2 (Long 2012a).

Stage (ii) Pre‐Excavation Services (stripping, cleaning and mapping of all areas of archaeological potential identified during test trenching) were carried out by Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd on behalf of Galway County Council during the same period. Stage (ii) Services confirmed the presence of a burnt spread associated with worked wood at Carrownurlaur 1 and a burnt mound at Gortnagunned 2.

Full archaeological excavation was undertaken at Carrownurlaur 1 under licence 12E0323. A total area of 214 m² was exposed in three cuttings The central area centred on a burnt spread thought to be the remains of a levelled burnt mound and pieces of waterlogged worked wood (Cutting A [134 m²]). Two further cuttings (Cutting B [56 m²] and Cutting C [24 m²]) centred on areas where pieces of waterlogged worked wood were identified. The resulting surfaces were cleaned and all potential features investigated by hand. The burnt spread revealed was fully excavated and the worked wood was recorded in situ prior to removal and packaging in moist conditions. No other features or finds were found to be present.

Full analysis of the worked wood was carried out by an appropriate specialist. Radiocarbon dates were obtained for a fragment of ash charcoal from the burnt spread and from two of the worked wood samples. Worked wood from Cutting B indicated activity at the site in the early medieval period of cal AD 421‐541 (2σ) (SUERC‐44185). A charcoal fragment from a sample taken from the burnt spread yielded a date from transition between the end of the early medieval period and start of the late medieval period of cal AD 1040‐1214 (2σ) (SUERC‐43964). A piece of worked wood from Cutting A yielded a date of cal AD 1029‐1157 (2σ) (SUERC‐44186) which is from a similar period.

3 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

1 INTRODUCTION

This document is submitted as a final report on the results of Stage (iii) Excavation Services on the route of the N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment project. The work was directed by Patricia Long of Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd on behalf of Galway Co. Council under excavation licence number 12E0323 on the 27 August 2012.

Carrownurlaur lies on the existing N17 road between Milltown and Ballindine in Co. Galway. These are small towns situated some 38 km and 45 km north of Galway city and some 14 km and 7 km south of Claremorris, Co. Mayo respectively.

1.1 Planning Background

The proposed development will comprise the re‐alignment of a section of the N17.

Stage (i) Test Excavation and Survey Services were carried out by Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd on behalf of Galway County Council between 20 and 25 August 2012 under licence number 12E79. Stage (i) testing revealed four areas of archaeological interest – Gortnagunned 1 and 2 and Carrownurlaur 1 and 2 (Long 2012a).

In consultation with the National Monuments Service (DAHG), it was agreed that full archaeological excavation should be undertaken in advance of the development of the site.

1.2 Excavation programme

Excavation services were carried out under an archaeological excavation licence (12E0323) by Patricia Long of Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd. The licence was issued by the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland.

Full archaeological excavation was undertaken at Carrownurlaur 1 in August 2012. The burnt spread was fully excavated and no cut features were found to be present. Scattered pieces of worked wood were also recovered from the vicinity of the mound. A preliminary report on the results of the excavation was submitted in September 2012 (Long 2012b).

4 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

2 SITE LOCATION AND BACKGROUND

2.1 Site location

The area bordering the existing road and constituting the footprint of the proposed alignment consists generally of medium‐ to good‐quality farmland divided into rectilinear fields by boundaries of low stone walls and thorn‐bush and briar. The central section of the scheme passes over an area of reclaimed wetland on the edge of a peat basin which extends to the north. The northern section of the scheme rises gradually to the lower hillslopes overlooking the peat basin.

Carrownurlaur 1 was situated in the townland of Carrownurlaur, parish of Liskeevy, barony of Dunmore and located 5.3 km northwest of Milltown at National Grid Reference: 137598/265716 and 49 m OD (Figures 1 and 2). The site was located in an area of dense rushes in a boggy field. The field drops from higher ground at the northwest to a deep peat‐filled basin at the southeast. The site is located mid‐way along this slope. The southeastern field boundary is formed by a stream which also serves as the townland boundary.

The underlying geology in the vicinity of the realignment scheme consists of undifferentiated Limestone (Visean Formation).

2.2 General background

The Mesolithic Period c. 7000‐4000 BC The Mesolithic Period provides us with the earliest evidence for human occupation in Ireland. At this time the island was populated by people dependent on what food they could obtain from hunting wild animals and gathering edible plants and shellfish. They used flint and other hard stones to manufacture their tools and their settlements can often be identified through scatters of these lithic artefacts, usually in locations close to a water source. The greatest concentration of Mesolithic material in Ireland comes from the north‐east of the country, such as the Early Mesolithic occupation site at Mount Sandel, Co. Derry. However, Mesolithic activity is not exclusive to the north, as evidenced by the Midlands site at Louth Boora in Co. Offaly and the burial site within a cave system at Kiluragh in Co. Limerick. Human habitation dating to the Later Mesolithic period (5500–4000 BC) has also be identified at Ferriter’s Cove, Co. Kerry; while artefacts of the period from County Galway include a distally trimmed chert flake from the western shores of Lough Corrib at Oughterard.

The Neolithic Period c. 4000‐2400 BC The Neolithic Period is represented by the arrival of the first farmers in Ireland. Land clearance for cultivation began and the first domestication of animals took place. The introduction of farming allowed for a much more secure source of food and settlement during this period shifted from temporary to permanent. Stone tools were still being used, with flint remaining the raw material of choice. Smaller tools, such as hollow scrapers and later triangular knives, became the most common cutting and scraping tools of the period (Ryan 2001). There is also substantial evidence for monumental burial structures being constructed during this period, such as the 31 Megalithic tombs located in Connemara, Co. Galway.

The Bronze Age c. 2400‐600 BC The Bronze Age was characterised by a considerable expansion of settlement and the introduction of metalworking to Ireland. This technology appears to have made its way to Irish shores through trading and cultural contacts. A large number of bronze objects have been found in County Galway. There is also a large amount of evidence for funerary activity dating to this period in County Galway,

5 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway. including barrows, cists and pit burials. Other monuments of ritual significance are also common, such as stone alignments, standing stones and stone circles (Spellissy 1999).

The Iron Age 600 BC– AD 400 Excavations over the past 20 years have provided a profusion of knowledge into the prehistory of Ireland. According to Laing (2006, 271) there is ‘a general scarcity’ of diagnostic site types and finds attributed to this period. Trying to ‘reconstruct the character of society and settlement’ is therefore more difficult for the Iron Age than for any of the earlier periods in Irish prehistory (Cooney and Grogan 1999, 185). Within county Galway as a whole, there is evidence in the form of quernstones and La Tène‐type artefacts that points to activity within the County during the Iron Age (Becker et al. 2008). Increasingly, investigations associated with infrastructure schemes (particularly linear developments) have produced evidence for Iron Age activities, often in areas where it was not previously known. However, the most recent evaluation of the evidence for Iron Age activity in Ireland (Becker et al. 2008) could only identify five excavated sites within County Galway with confirmed Iron Age dates.

Early medieval period 5th to 12th centuries AD The early medieval period in Ireland classically begins with the putative arrival of Patrick in AD 432 (or more strictly Palladius in AD 431) ending with the arrival of the Anglo‐Normans in AD 1169. The inception of this period is most closely associated with the introduction and spread of Christianity along with the birth of Irish literacy and the earliest historic records. The most common archaeological monument from this period is the ringfort (Cody 2007, 1), the enclosed homesteads or farmsteads associated with early medieval settlement, with approximately 45,000 known throughout the country (Stout 1997, 53). In general terms these enclosed settlement sites can be categorised as a circular space surrounded by one or more earthen banks with accompanying external fosses (Stout 1997, 14). The degree of circularity is variable and oval and D‐shaped enclosures are not unusual. Variants of the site‐type with dry‐stone built ramparts are usually referred to as cashels. Their entrance ways usually comprise a gap in the bank with a causeway over the surrounding fosse (Grogan and Kilfeather 1997). Stout (1997, 17) suggests that the majority of ringforts in Ireland are univallate in form, accounting ‘for over 80% of sites in most areas’ (ibid, 131). The presence of a ringfort in the vicinity of the N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment (Figure 1) indicates activity in the area during this period.

2.3 Recent excavations

A review of the Archaeological Excavations Bulletin revealed that no archaeological investigations have been carried out in Carrownurlaur or adjacent townlands prior to the archaeological works associated with the current section of the proposed realignment.

2.4 Recorded monuments and places

Only one Recorded Monuments is located in the vicinity of the scheme. Ringfort (GA004‐001), in the townland of Carrownurlaur, is located on an east‐facing slope of a hill in undulating grassland approximately 500 m west of the existing N17 road and 411 m from Carrownurlaur 1. The monument is described by Alcock et al (1999) as ‘a poorly preserved sub‐circular rath (E‐W 48m, N‐S 43m) defined by two banks and an intervening fosse. The fosse and outer bank are present from northwest to north; no visible surface trace survives elsewhere. Within the interior is a rectangular depression and two large boulders which appear natural’.

Four further Recorded Monuments lie within 1 km of the realignment route:

6 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

SMR No Class Townland GA004‐031‐‐‐‐ Crannog ILLAUN GA004‐024‐‐‐‐ Enclosure CURRAGHADERRY GA004‐024001‐ Childrenʹs burial ground CURRAGHADERRY GA015A001‐‐‐‐ Enclosure CARROWNURLAUR Table 1 Recorded Monuments within 1 m of the realignment route

The proposed alignment does not impact on either the upstanding elements or the constraints area of any of these Recorded Monuments.

No previously unknown archaeological features were noted along the route of the proposed realignment during the course of an inspection conducted in advance of the CPO Oral Hearing by the archaeological consultants or during a windscreen inspection of the route and review of all available cartographic sources and recent aerial photographs by the Project Archaeologist. Further field inspections carried out during the archaeological test‐trenching by the author identified no features of archaeological potential.

Ground conditions in the vicinity of the realignment may explain why evidence for previous human activity is scarce. Prior to modern agricultural reclamation, the peat areas would have been very wet and difficult to traverse. While archaeological remains may be present sub‐surface the land would not have been suitable for sites which often retain an above ground presence such as megalithic tombs, standing stones, ringforts etc.

Lewis Topographical Dictionary from 1837 was consulted but no information related to the affected townlands (Gortnagunned and Carrownurlaur) was found.

The 1st Edition (1837‐1842) Ordnance Survey 6 inch map (Sheet GA004) shows that the field boundaries along the route of scheme have been significantly altered since the 19th century. The townland boundary between Carrownurlaur and Gortnagunned has remained constant however and is depicted with a large open area of bog occupying Gortnagunned between the boundary and the road which is now the N17. A number of small fields were present to the south of this. On the Carrownurlaur side of the townland boundary were a number of large irregularly laid out fields with small farmsteads indicated as they are located today. The field in which Carrownurlaur 1 is located was part of a large field at this time.

The 2nd Edition (1888‐1913) Ordnance Survey 25 inch map indicated that an extensive drainage program was undertaken since the time the 1st edition map was compiled. The open area to the southeast of the townland boundary had been sub‐divided by a large number of open drains which remain in place today. To the northwest of the townland boundary some drainage was also put in place and the large field were sub‐divided into a number of smaller fields. Many of these small fields have since been merged to form the modern day field pattern. The field containing Carrownurlaur 1 was subdivided into six smaller fields at this time. A large drain had been created on the southwest side which still serves as the field boundary today.

Overall, is seems that the area was being reclaimed for use as farmland since the mid 19th century.

7 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

3 OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Objectives

The objective of the work was the preservation‐by‐record through appropriate rescue excavation of archaeological features or deposits, which have been identified within the boundaries of the proposed development, in advance of the construction programme, so as to mitigate the impact of the development on this archaeological material.

3.2 Methodology

Full archaeological excavation was undertaken at Carrownurlaur 1 on 27 August 2012. The crew for the excavation consisted of 1 director, 1 supervisor and 1 site assistant.

The site had been fully exposed during Stage (ii) investigations using a 360° tracked machine fitted with a 1.8 m wide ditching (toothless) bucket under constant archaeological supervision. A total area of 214 m² was exposed in three cuttings (Figure 2). The central area centred on the mound remains and pieces of worked wood (Cutting A‐134 m²), with two further cuttings (Cutting B‐ 56 m² and Cutting C‐24 m²) centred on pieces of worked wood identified. Following the discovery of the wood at Carrownurlaur it was surveyed and re‐covered in the peat matrix in order to ensure it preservation. The site flooded soon after Stage (ii) was carried out and so the wood did not suffer any loss of moisture.

Water was drained form the site in order that Stage (iii) excavation work could take place.

The resulting surface was cleaned and all potential features investigated by hand. Archaeological contexts were recorded by photograph and on pro forma record sheets. Plans and sections were drawn at a scale of 1:20. Registers are provided in the appendices (Appendices 1‐5). Ordnance Datum levels and feature locations were recorded using Trimble 3000 GPS.

Environmental samples were taken from any deposits suitable for analysis or dating as specified in the contract and as per Rubicon Heritage environmental guidelines.

All pieces of worked wood identified were recorded on a wood register, photographed and recorded in situ, lifted and packaged in moist conditions.

As part of Stage (iv) Post‐Excavation Services the environmental sample and wood samples were analysed by an appropriate specialists and a report on the wood samples was produced (Appendix 8).

8 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

4 THE RESULTS

The archaeological site identified at Carrownurlaur 1 comprised a burnt spread with some scattered worked wood. The natural subsoil (006) was blue grey clay with occasional stones. Overlying the natural was an organic peat rich layer (004) which increased in depth from north to south with the fall of the ground. The peat had a maximum depth of 1.6 m. Overlying the peat was a layer of yellowish‐ grey silt (002) which had a depth of between 0.1 and 0.16 m.

The burnt spread (003) overlay silt layer (002) and was roughly oval in plan and orientated north– south. It measured approximately 3.63 m northeast‐southwest by 1.85 m wide and between 0.05‐0.1 m deep. It consisted of heat‐shattered stone and charcoal staining in a peaty matrix (Figure 2, Plates 1 and 2) and was interpreted as the levelled remains of a small burnt mound. A charcoal fragment from a sample taken from the burnt spread material was identified as ash and returned a radiocarbon date of cal AD 1040‐1214 (2σ) (SUERC‐43964) (Appendix 7).

To the southeast of the spread, within Cutting A, occasional worked wood (Wood No 003‐009) was identified within the peat (Plate 3‐6) along with un‐worked wood and a deposit of small rounded stones and sand (005). The silt layer (002) appeared to have been disturbed by the placement of these timbers and deposits. While there seemed to be a concentration of rounded stones and sand (005) and timbers, this material did not form a coherent trackway. The wood was not laid in a regular pattern and it occurred at slightly different levels in the peat. It seems likely that attempts at consolidating the wet ground surface were made using brushwood and stone material. This may have become necessary during the lifetime of the burnt mound if the silt layer had been disturbed by water action or trampling to expose the peat. The worked wood comprised brushwood and split timber and was identified as willow, alder and ash (Appendix 8) which are all native species. The willow and alder are indicative of a wet habitat, possibly a fen carr area while ash grows on drier soils. Some of the wood exhibited chisel points with partial jam curves on one piece showing a metal blade with a minimum blade width of 3.7 cm had been utilized when working the wood. A radiocarbon date of cal AD 1029‐1157 (2σ) (SUERC‐44186) was returned for Wood no. 005 (Appendix 7).

Worked wood was identified in two other areas; one to the northeast (Cutting C) and one to the southwest (Cutting B) of the burnt mound remains. At both of these locations branchwood with worked ends were found lying horizontally in peat but seemed to be in relative isolation. There was no evidence that the areas of archaeological wood identified were linked or constituted a structure or trackway.

In Cutting B two chisel pointed stakes were identified (Wood no. 001 and 002) (Plates 7 and 8). These were both of alder and one (Wood no. 001) exhibited a partial jam curve which indicated the use of a metal axe with a minimum blade with of 4.2 cm. This piece of wood returned a radiocarbon date of cal AD 421‐541 (2σ) (SUERC‐44185) (Appendix 7).

In Cutting C a total of four pieces of worked wood were identified (Wood no. 010‐013) (Plates 9 and 10). These comprised three pieces of alder and one of ash. The alder all had chisel ends while the ash was unworked brushwood (Appendix 8).

The topsoil at the site (001) was brown sandy loam which was between 0.3 m and 0.5 m deep.

9 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

4.1 The environmental sample

A total one soil sample was retrieved from burnt spread (003) during the investigations at Carrownurlaur 1. This was processed for environmental data and yielded abundant charcoal fragments from the retent and common charcoal fragments from the flot. A fragment of this charcoal was selected for radiocarbon dating and identified as ash charcoal by a specialist. There was no macroplant material present in the sample and so no further assessment or analysis of the sample material by a specialist was required.

5 Discussion

The results of the excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 are discussed here following stratigraphic, environmental and dating analysis.

Consolidation of the area had taken place during the early medieval as is shown by the radiocarbon date of cal AD 421‐541 (2σ) (SUERC‐44185) returned for a worked timber (Wood no. 001) from Cutting B. The worked wood does not form a coherent trackway or platform but does indicate a necessity for access to or through the area. This could have facilitated the exploitation of resources such as wildfowl or allowed the collection of materials such as rushes, bog cotton or other organic materials (Appendix 8). The marks on the worked wood are indicative of the use of a metal axe which is in keeping with the medieval date of these timbers. The lack of any macroplant material or finds from the environmental sample prevents any further conclusions as to the use of the site.

Radiocarbon dates from the burnt spread (003) and further worked timbers indicate use of the area some centuries later. The composition of the burnt spread – heat‐shattered stones and charcoal – is typical of a burnt mound which is normally a by‐product of pyrolithic technology (O’Néill, 2004, 82). Burnt mounds are most commonly one element of the ubiquitous fulachtaí fia where a burnt mound is found in association with a trough/s and often other features. Often sites of this type have a trough dug into the subsoil, which may be timber lined, to contain water to be warmed by the heated stones. There is no evidence at Carrownurlaur 1 for a trough or of scorching to indicate a location for the fire to heat the stones. It is possible that a trough and fire location could be present out‐with the excavation area. A trough may have been of a form that does not leave a trace in the archaeological record such as an above surface trough constructed of animal hide or it is conceivable that the stones were not utilised for heating water and the burnt spread is the result of an alternative process such as scrub clearance or charcoal production.

Burnt mounds are typically of Bronze Age date but charcoal from the example excavated at Carrownurlaur 1 returned a radiocarbon date of cal AD 1040‐1214 (2σ) (SUERC‐43964) which places the site in the medieval period. Although it is possible that this technology may have been utilised into the medieval period in Ireland (O’Néill, 2004, 79), this has been brought into question by recent research (Hawkes, 2011). This is due to the lack of datable artefacts from secure contexts and poor degree of certainty of association of scientifically datable material from the apparently medieval examples of burnt mounds. In the case of Carrownurlaur 1 the burnt spread was fairly level and not very thick which indicates it had been levelled, if the interpretation as the remains of a burnt mound is correct. While the dated material was from a secure context which had a high probability of having a direct functional relationship with the use of pyrolithic technology the levelled nature of the burnt mound material does not preclude possible contamination at some time in the past during the levelling process. It seems unlikely however that the burnt spread had prehistoric origins. It must also be considered that the burnt spread may not be a levelled burnt mound but could be a product of other burning activities. Hawkes (2011, 84‐85) suggests scrub clearance or charcoal production as

10 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway. possible activities. The lack of a trough and fire site the burnt spread at Carrownurlaur 1 means it cannot be classified as a fulacht fia.

A radiocarbon date of cal AD 1029‐1157 (2σ) (SUERC‐44186) was returned from the worked wood (Wood no. 005) in Cutting A adjacent to the burnt spread and reveals that it is likely to have been contemporary with an episode of burning which formed the burnt mound. The worked timbers in conjunction with the stone spread and sand (005) indicate an attempt at consolidation or re‐enforcing the ground in this area. Similar brushwood platforms in association with stretches of trackway were excavated in the Lemanaghan complex of bogs and were in use from the medieval period to modern times (Appendix 8). Although there is little material evidence as to the function of such platforms it is thought they could represent utilisation of more marginal areas due to deterioration in the climate during the medieval period. The occurrence of wood in the area may also represent wood cutting for fuel associated with the creation of the burnt spread.

The lack of any macroplant material or finds from the environmental sample prevents any further conclusions as to the use of the site.

5.1 Phasing and Chronology

At least two phases of use for the area are represented. The initial phase shows consolidation or re‐ enforcing of the surface of the wetland area during the early medieval period. There is no evidence to indicate the purpose for this re‐enforcement although access may have been made easier to allow exploitation of resources in this wetland area. It is possible that there was continual re‐enforcement of this area over a prolonged time during the centuries between the laying down of these timbers and the later worked wood which was positioned towards the end of the early medieval period. The episode of burning which resulted in the burnt spread in Cutting A also occurred towards the end of the early medieval period.

5.2 Conclusion

The burnt spread and worked wood identified at Carrownurlaur 1 are an important addition to the archaeological record of the area and indicate activity which is likely to be contemporary with the use of the nearby ringfort (GA004‐001) and crannog (GA004‐031‐‐‐‐). While the reason for access to this area and the purpose of the creation of the burnt spread remain enigmatic the radiocarbon dates obtained for both the burnt spread and worked wood highlight the value of the use of this dating technique over the use of site morphology alone when assigning a site type. While another morphologically similar site was excavated at Gortnagunned 2 as part of this road scheme, the radiocarbon date returned for this site confirmed it to be of Early Bronze Age date. It is likely that the burnt spread at Carrownurlaur 1 was the result of a process other than those commonly associated with prehistoric burnt mounds.

11 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

6 ARCHIVE QUANTITIES

The site archive is comprised of the following materials:

Item Quantity Context Sheets 7 Plans 1 Wood recording sheets 13 Sections 1 Photographs 27 Registers 4 Notebooks 0

The archive material is contained within one box.

Storage of the archive in a suitable format and location is required in order to provide for any future archaeological research. It is proposed that in addition to the paper archive a digital copy is prepared. The archive is currently stored in the offices of Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd., Unit 2, Europa Enterprise Park, Midleton, Co. Cork. It is proposed that following completion of post‐ excavation the archive will be deposited with the National Monuments Service, Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, or the National Museum of Ireland, or such other repository as may be directed by the Client’s Representative and the Project Archaeologist.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The director would like to thank the following for their contribution to the excavation and post‐ excavation phases of this project:

 Martin Jones, Project Archaeologist, Galway County Council, National Roads Design Office  Tony Collins, Senior Executive Engineer, Galway County Council, National Roads Design Office  Graphics department, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd.  Stephen Hourihan and George Morgan Site Supervisor and Surveyor, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd.

12 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

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Hawkes, A. 2011 ‘Medieval fulachtaí fia in Ireland? An archaeological assessment.’ in Journal of Irish Archaeology Vol. xx, 77‐100.

Laing, L. 2006 The Archaeology of Celtic Britain and Ireland c. AD 400‐1200. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Lewis, S. 1837 Topographical dictionary of Ireland, S. Lewis & Co., London.

Long, P 2012a N17 Carrownurlaur Bends Realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Report on Stage (i) Test Excavation Services and Stage (ii) Pre‐Excavation Services. Unpublished report by Rubicon Heritage Services for Galway County Council.

Long, P 2012a N17 Carrownurlaur Bends re‐alignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Report on Stage (iii) – Excavation. Post‐excavation Assessment (Preliminary) Report for Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway. Unpublished report by Rubicon Heritage Services for Galway County Council.

Ryan, M. (ed.) 2001 The Illustrated Archaeology of Ireland. Dublin.

Spellissy, S. 1999 The History of Galway. Limerick.

Stout, M. 1997 The Irish Ringfort, Four Courts Press, Dublin.

Ó Drisceoil, D.A. 1988 ‘Burnt mounds: cooking or bathing?’ in Antiquity Vol. 62, pp. 671‐80.

13 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

O’Kelly, M.J. 1954 ‘Excavations and experiments in ancient Irish cooking places? in Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquities in Ireland 95.

O’Neill, J. 2000 ‘Just another fulacht fiadh story’, Archaeology Ireland Vol. 14, No. 2, 19.

O’Neill, J. 2004 ‘Lapidibus in igne calefactis coquebatur: The historical burnt mound ‘tradition’’, Journal of Irish Archaeology Vols. xii and xiii, 79‐85.

Waddell, J. 2000 The prehistoric archaeology of Ireland. Wordwell, Wicklow.

Electronic resources

OS 1837‐42 1st Edition 6” Maps (http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/, accessed August 2012)

OS 1888‐1913 2nd Edition 25” Maps (http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/, accessed August 2012)

Record of Monuments and Places (http://webgis.archaeology.ie/NationalMonuments/FlexViewer/, accessed August 2012)

14 SSITEITE

Ballindine

RReproducedeproduced fromfrom 19971997 OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ofof IrelandIreland 1:50,0001:50,000 DiscoveryDiscovery SeriesSeries nono 39,,39,, C OOrdnancerdnance SurveySurvey ofof Ireland,Ireland, GovernmentGovernment ofof Ireland.Ireland. LicenceLicence No.No. ENEN 00081120008112 RReproducedeproduced fromfrom 19301930 OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ofof IrelandIreland 1:10,5601:10,560 mapmap sheets,sheets, GalwayGalway 004004 andand 015a,015a, rescaledrescaled toto 1:20,000,1:20,000, C OOrdnancerdnance SurveySurvey ofof Ireland,Ireland, GovernmentGovernment ofof Ireland.Ireland. LicenceLicence No.No. ENEN 00081120008112

SSchemecheme

CarrownurlaurCarrownurlaur 1 sitesite locationlocation

N RUBICON HERITAGE 0 1 km

Figure 1 - N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment scheme, Co Galway: Site location, scheme overview and RMP mapping. Cutting C

worked wood

003 burnt spread

Cutting A

worked wood

Cutting B

worked wood

Stone Wood

0 10 m

Figure 2 - N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment scheme: Archaeological Services Contract, Carrownurlaur 1, Site layout. Cutting B

Cutting A

w#002 worked wood

w#001 003 burnt spread

w#008

w#007 005 w#006 w#009 Charcoal Figure 2b - Cutting B layout

w#005

worked wood w#003 w#004

Cutting C

w#010

w#011 w#012 worked wood w#013 Stone Wood

0 4 m Figure 2a - Cutting A layout Figure 2c - Cutting C layout Figure 2a-c - N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment scheme: Archaeological Services Contract, Carrownurlaur 1, Site layout, Cuttings A-C. Plate 1 Pre-excavation view of burnt spread (003) at Carrownurlaur 1, facing west.

Plate 2 West-facing section of burnt spread (003) Plate 3 Pre-excavation view of archaeological wood at Carrownurlaur 1 Cutting A

Plate 4 Wood No. 003 in situ Plate 5 Wood No 006 and 007 in situ

Plate 6 Wood No. 008 in situ Plate 7 Wood No. 001 and 002 in situ

Plate 8 Worked end of Wood No. 001 Plate 9 Wood No. 010 in situ

Plate 10 Worked end of Wood No. 013 Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Appendix 1 ‐ Context Register

Context Fill Filled Length Width Depth Site No. Type Description Interpretation no. of: by: (m) (m) (m) (001) Carrownurlaur 1 Horizon N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0.3‐ Brown Sandy Loam Topsoil 0.5 (002) Carrownurlaur 1 Horizon N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.1‐ Yellowish grey silt Natural Silt 0.16 Layer (003) Carrownurlaur 1 Deposit N/A N/A 3.63 1.85 0.05‐ Heat‐shattered stone and Burnt Mound 0.1 charcoal staining in a matrix of blackish‐brown peat. Oval in plan (004) Carrownurlaur 1 Horizon N/A N/A N/A N/A Max Blackish‐brown peat with Natural peat 1.6 high organic content deposit (005) Carrownurlaur 1 Deposit N/A N/A 1.4 0.6 0.15 Deposit of rounded stones Deposit and sandy material mixed intended to re‐ with worked wood in enforce Cutting A ground surface

Appendices

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Appendix 2‐ Soil Sample Register

Sample Context Area No. No. of bags/tubs Description No. No. 001 (003) Carrownurlaur 1 (10 litre bag) Burnt mound deposit including 1 charcoal

Appendix 3‐ Wood register

Wood Context Type of Find Description No No (plank/stake/find)

001 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 002 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 003 (004) Block Block with cut marks 004 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 005 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 006 (004) Plank Possibly worked with charring 007 (004) Chip Wood chip, byproduct of wood working 008 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 009 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 010 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 011 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 012 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position 013 (004) Stake Chisel pointed stake in horizontal position

Appendix 4 – Drawing Register

Drawing Context Area No. Description No. No. 001 N/A Carrownurlaur Plan of worked wood Cutting A in situ 1, Cutting A

Appendices

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Appendix 5‐ Photo Register

Direction Photo No. Description Facing 79 E Pre‐ex of burnt mound (003) 80 W Pre‐ex of burnt mound (003) 81 S Pre‐ex of burnt mound (003) 82 E West‐facing section of burnt mound (003) 83 N Working shot of burnt mound 84 N Mid‐excavation of burnt mound (003) 85 S Post‐excavation of (003) 86 W Post‐excavation of (003) 87 SE Pre‐excavation shot of wood in Cutting B 88 NW Overview of wood in Cutting B 89 N/A Void 90 N/A Overhead shot of worked end of Wood no. 001 91 N/A Overhead shot of worked end of Wood no. 002 92 N/A Overhead shot of worked end of Wood no. 002 93 E Overview of wood in Cutting A 94 SW Overview of wood in Cutting A 95 SW Overview of wood in Cutting A 96 N/A Worked wood no. 003 in situ 97 N/A Worked wood no. 004 in situ 98 N/A Worked wood no. 005 in situ 99 N/A Worked wood no. 006 in situ 100 N/A Worked wood no. 007 in situ 101 N/A Worked wood no. 008 in situ 102 N/A Worked wood no. 009 in situ 103 N/A Worked wood no. 010 in situ 104 N/A Worked wood no. 011 and 012 in situ 105 N/A Worked wood no. 013 in situ 106 N/A Worked wood no. 013 worked end

Appendices

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Appendix 6‐ Site Matrix

001

003

002

005 Wood no 001‐013

004

006

Appendices

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Appendix 7 ‐ Radiocarbon Dates

Relative Relative E‐ δ13C Radiocarbon Calibrated Age Calibrated Age Lab‐code Sample ID Material probability probability Number ‰ age BP Ranges (1 σ) Ranges (2 σ) (%) (%) 12E0323 SUERC‐ Context 003 Charcoal ‐ cal AD 1048‐ 29.5% cal AD 1040‐ 39.9% 896±29 43964 26.1‰ 1086 1110 Sample 001 Ash cal AD 1123‐ 9.8% cal AD 1116‐ 55.5%

1138 1214 cal AD 1151‐ 26.4%

1186 cal AD 1201‐ 2.5%

1206 12E0323 SUERC‐ Context 001 Waterlogged ‐ cal AD 431‐465 26.1% cal AD 421‐541 95.4% 1582±25 44185 wood 30.6‰ Sample Alder 42.1%

Wood#1 cal AD 483‐533 12E0323 SUERC‐ Context 001 Waterlogged 30.9‰ cal AD 1035‐ 13.7% cal AD1029‐ 95.4% 940±26 44186 wood 1051 1157 Sample Alder cal AD 1081‐ 40.1%

Wood#5 1127 cal AD 1135‐ 14.4%

1152

Appendices

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

Appendix 8 – Analysis of the wood remains by Dr Ellen O’Carroll

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Methods

3. Results

4. Discussion

5. Woodworking

6. Conclusions

5. Recommendations

6. References

Figures, Plates and Tables

Table 1: Results from analysis of wood samples

Figure 1: All species identified from the wood samples

Plate 1: Timber 10, chisel pointed end

Plate 2: Timber no. 3, ash split wood with jam curves

Plate 3: Timber no. 1, alder chisel point with facets and jam curves

Appendices

Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway.

AN ANALYSIS OF THE WOOD REMAINS FROM CARROWNURLAUR 1(12E0328), GALWAY

1. INTRODUCTION

Thirteen wood samples were submitted for analysis from excavations at Carrownurlaur, Co, Galway. The archaeological site excavated at Carrownurlaur 1 comprised a small burnt mound with some scattered worked wood. Three areas/cuttings (A, B, C) produced small quantities of wood remains, some of which were worked. To the southeast of the mound, within Cutting A, occasional worked wood (Wood No 003‐009) was identified within the peat as well as un‐worked wood and a deposit of small rounded stones and sand. In Cutting B two chisel pointed stakes were identified (Wood no. 001 and 002) while in Cutting C a total of four pieces of worked wood were identified (Wood no. 010‐013).While there seemed to be a concentration of this material it was not forming a coherent structure. The wood was not laid in a regular pattern and it was occurring at slightly different levels in the peat (Long 2012). Dates returned for activity at the site from Context 1 range from cal AD 421‐541 to cal AD1029‐1157 placing the site in the Early Medieval and High Medieval periods.

The analysis presented here concentrates on species identification, species selection, wood working analysis and the composition of local woodland in the surrounding hinterland of Carrownurlaur 1 during the Medieval Periods. The amount of information obtainable from each sample varied, but some conclusions can be drawn from the analysis of the samples.

2. METHODS

Overall the wood samples were in moderate condition although the majority of them were still covered in peat for preservation purposes and were washed carefully before analysis and recording. The wood assemblage was sampled and partially recorded in August 2012 by the excavation crew. The samples are referenced by their context number and wood number, to facilitate consistency with the preliminary site report (Long 2012 & Table 1).

The process for identifying wood, whether it is charred, dried or waterlogged is carried out by comparing the anatomical structure of wood samples with known comparative material or keys (Schweingruber 1990). Thin slices were taken from the transversal, tangential and longitudinal sections of each piece of wood and sampled using a razor blade. These slices were then mounted on a slide and glycerine was painted onto the wood to aid identification. Each slide was then examined under a high powered stereomicroscope at magnifications of 100‐1000x. By close examination of the microanatomical features of the samples the species were determined. The diagnostic features used for the identification of wood are micro‐structural characteristics such as

Appendices Rubicon Heritage Services: N17 Carrownurlaur Bends realignment Scheme, Co. Galway. Final report on archaeological excavation at Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland of Carrownurlaur, Co. Galway. the vessels and their arrangement, the size and arrangement of rays, vessel pit arrangement and also the type of perforation plates. It is important to note that only in some cases were all the characteristic features described above present in the archaeological samples.

Dimensions of the timber were recorded as well as a record of the point shape and tooling evidence (facets). The nature of the facets, the junctions between them and the angles at which they were cut were also recorded. Tool facets are the individual tool marks left on a piece of wood each time it is struck. On large pieces of wood woodworking can be strongly diagnostic as clear impressions of the tool blade, known as jam‐curves, may be made.

Several aspects of a facet are recorded in order to determine the type of tool used. The width and length of a facet and the facet character i.e. flat, slightly concave or concave can all indicate the nature of the blade (i.e. metal or stone). Facet size also demonstrates the ability of an axe to remove wood chips and so the largest facet on a worked end is normally measured as the best reflection of this. The junctions between each facet are also useful as they reflect the ability of the tool to cut through the fibre of the wood.

The annual tree rings that were present in the sample were counted under the microscope to determine the age of the wood and the possibility of determining a spring or summer cutting.

Definitions of Element Types and Woodworking Terminology

Constructional Elements Brushwood Stems or rods measuring 6 cm or less in diameter.

Roundwood A piece of worked or unworked wood in the round and over 6 cm in diameter.

Vertical Stake/Post Upright brushwood or roundwood driven vertically or at an angle into the ground. Sometimes but not always used for stabilization.

Horizontal Brushwood/roundwood or split timber laid flat on the ground.

Twigs Small shoots or branches measuring less than 1 cm in diameter.

Split timber Wood converted from the round including planks, half splits and split pegs.

Woodworking terminology Chisel point The end of a piece of wood cut to a point on one single face.

Conversion The way in which the primary trunk has been split into smaller elements.

Facet The cut surface produced on a piece of wood by a tool blow. The blow can leave behind a particular signature if the cutting edge of the tool is flawed.

Facet junction The nature of the junctions between each facet was also assessed as to whether they were clean, ragged or stepped

Jam curves A toolmark on wood retaining the impression of the complete width of the blade used.

Signature A signature is an imperfection in a woodcutter’s blade which is transferred onto the timber when the wood is cut. A negative impression or a groove is created where a flange of metal extends beyond the axe blade where as a positive or raised signature is created by a gap in the blade edge.

3. RESULTS

Species identified

Three species were present in the waterlogged wood samples from Carrownurlaur 1, Galway (Table 1 & Figure 1). The most commonly occurring wood type was alder (Alnus glutinosa). One of the split timbers was identified as willow (Salix spp) and several split timbers and brushwood, including a wood chip, were identified as ash (Fraxinus excelsior).

Table 1: Species identified from wood samples excavated at Carrownurlaur 1, Galway

Context Length Width Diameter Context no./Wood Species Age Woodworking Comment (cm) (cm) (cm) information no. Large chisel pointed end with partial jam curve Cutting B, (4.2cm in blade C1:1 74 10.5 Alder 27 Fine for dating wood spread Wth) ‐ straight edged and flat facets (4.3cm x 3cm)

Long chisel point Cutting B, (15cm L), long and Fine for dating. C1:2 39 7.8 Alder 25 wood spread narrow facets (3cm Brushwood x 2.5cm)

Partial jam curves Cutting A, at end, straight C1:3 10 8.5 5 Willow 22 Half split wood spread edged blade (3.7cm ‐ in blade width)

Cutting A, Chisel point‐ no C1:4 31 3.9 Ash 10 Pith off centre wood spread tooling

Cutting A, Flat chisel point ‐ Fine for dating. C1:5 17 2.3 Alder 10 wood spread no tooling evident Broken

Cutting A, Broken in several C1:6 49 5 1.6 Ash 8 Split ‐ no ww wood spread places Cutting A, C1:7 4 2.5 1 Ash 12 wood chip irregular split wood spread Cutting A, Fine for dating. C1:8 28 2 Alder 12 chisel point wood spread Gnarley wood Cutting A, Chisel point‐ no Broken and C1:9 25 3 Ash 19 wood spread tooling degraded Fine for dating. Cutting C, Chisel point‐ no Branched C1:10 23 3.9 Alder 9 wood spread tooling brushwood on top Cutting C, C1:11 18 1.6 Ash 20 unworked Brushwood wood spread

Cutting C, Degraded chisel C1:12 15 2.8 Alder 10 Split wood spread point ‐ no tooling

Cutting C, Small chisel point, C1:13 32.5 4.6 Alder 20 Fine for dating wood spread no direct tooling

7 5 6

3 1 2

0 Alder Ash Willow

Woodworking

Nine of the timbers displayed chisel pointed ends, which is when a timber is cut to a point on one side only. Most of the chisel points were degraded but there were facets and partial jam curves recorded on two pointed timbers (C1:1 & 3). A willow split wood timber also contained some facets and partial jam curves. These are discussed below.

Plate 1: Timber 10, chisel pointed end

Jam curves

Plate 2: Timber no. 3, ash split wood with straight edged blade/jam curves

Jam curve

Plate 3: Timber no. 1, alder chisel point with facets and partial jam curves

4. DISCUSSION

Overview

The wood analysed from the excavations at Carrownurlaur 1 are not naturally occurring timbers. The wood was chopped down on the dryland fringes, placed on the peat and probably represents the remains or a wooden platform (albeit very disturbed) or footholding in the wet marshy peatbog which would have facilitated access and activities associated with the peat bog such as hunting or the gathering of berries and other local foodstuffs. The woodworking evidence recorded was rudimentary and comprised of chisel pointed ends with no secondary woodworking. This in turn indicates little constructional thought or planning went into the manufacture of the wooden remains. Two ash timbers were split. Axe blades had a minimum width of 4.2cm suggestive of a flat metal axe with a straight edged blade.

Wood species and vegetation reconstructions

Seven of the wood samples were identified as alder. Alder is a widespread native tree and occupies wet habitats along streams and river banks. It is an easily worked and split timber and therefore quite commonly manufactured into planks and used in the construction of fulachta fiadh (OCarroll 1996) and wooden platforms (OCarroll 2001). Though it certainly flourishes best where its main roots are just above the water, the alder is also tolerant of stagnant water. The wood of the tree is white when growing, but when it is cut, turns red. It is soft, with short fibres, giving it a homogeneous texture and of moderate density (Beckett 1979). It is a very durable wood and was specially selected for boat‐making and for dug‐out canoes. It is suitable for wood‐turning and is a common timber in barrel‐ and wheel‐making.

Five samples were identified as Fraxinus excelsior (ash). Ash is a native species to Ireland preferring lime rich freely draining soils. It is not a very durable timber in waterlogged conditions but has a strong elastic nature and is easily worked. Ash appears to have colonised the open land after the first farmers removed much of the native woodland. Ash is also abundant in native hedgerows and was quite common in the later historic period.

One of the split timbers was identified as willow (Salix spp.). Willow is a native species to Ireland and can be found in tree or shrub form. According to Web (1977, 160‐2) 13 species of willow are found growing wild in Ireland, of which 8 are certainly native. It is a strong wood in tree form and is commonly used for wooden posts. All willows appear to favour wet conditions.

The alder and willow identified are representative of a wetland, possibly fen carr area for selection of wood. The ash will grow on drier soils and would have been selected from the dryland fringes of Carrownurlaur.

Comparative material

Wooden platforms from the Medieval period and associated with wetland areas are not unique to Carrownulaur in Co. Galway. A series of brushwood platforms and short stretches of trackway were excavated in the Lemanaghan complex of bogs and were in use from the medieval period and the later post‐medieval to modern times (OCarroll and Whitaker, 2009). They were constructed mainly of willow, alder, birch and hazel brushwood rods laid down on the peat bog in a various arrangements. Excavations revealed eleven platform structures located within close proximity to each other. They were constructed by piling bundles and heaps of brushwood interspersed with twigs and sometimes held in place by pegs on the wet raised bogs. The platforms averaged 2 x 3 metres in area and 50cm in depth. Some of the platforms were located underneath and beside small pools. Coleopteran analysis from these platforms was disappointing and the assemblage only reflected that the sites were constructed close to pool areas as demonstrated by the beetle species Enochrus spp (Reilly, 2009). The insect analysis was unable to determine what activity was carried out on the excavated platforms. These platforms may have been ‘short lived’ structures, perhaps in use for one season only. A large number of similar dated platforms have been excavated in Corrhill Bog and Castletown Bog to the north of Lemanaghan Island.

In Shannaragh, Co. Tyrone, a recently excavated medieval dated wooden platform (AD1043–1222; UBA 21658) was analysed with regard woodland resource usage by the author (OCarroll 2013). The platform was constructed of a haphazardly lain wooden structure in a peatland/wetland environment. A variety of wood types were identified from the platform which included alder, ash, willow and blackthorn. The wood types identified are comparable to the results from Carrownulaur. Jam curves and woodworking evidence was also remarkably similar with minimum blade widths of 5cm displaying a straight bladed edge axe.

Comparisons with work carried out in Romney Marsh, Norfolk in England (Rippon 2001, 27) have shown that communities living on the reclaimed marshland in the Medeival periods were under enormous pressure from the deteriorating Medieval climate and as a result they were forced to invest heavily in these marginal lands and eek out a living as best they could. Crops may have failed and food sources which would have been readily available to the Medieval community were now no longer available. The numerous wooden platforms from Lemanaghan in Co, Offaly, Shannaragh in Co. Tyrone and Carrownulaur, Co. Galway may have been constructed to avail of the wildfowl and other animals such as hares or for the collection of rushes, bog cotton or other organic materials from the surrounding peat.

5. WOOD WORKING

The overall evidence for woodworking from this site was moderate and only general comments can be made regarding the tools and technology that prevailed. Nine of the posts identified were worked into chisel points ends. Chisel points are basic wood cutting evidence and associated with the felling of the branch from the main tree trunk. There was no secondary working recorded on the timbers whereby the timbers were shaped into pencil or wedge points. One ash timber was half split and another was irregular split. Facets when recorded were long and narrow and the partial jam curves indicate a minimum axe blade width of 4.2cm which indicates a flat metal axe with a striaght edged blade. Similar blade widths and jam curves were uncovered from Lemnagahan, Co. Offaly and Shannaragh, Co. Tryone which are similar site types dated to the high Medieval periods (OCarroll 2013).

6. CONCLUSIONS

It is clear from the analysis above that the structure revealed at Carrownurlaur 1 represents the remains of foot holdings or a platform structure associated with the wet marshy peatland area of Carrowunulaur. The wood has been dated to the Early and High Medieval periods. Wooden platforms from the high Medieval period are been uncovered more frequently in Irish wetlands and are most likely to represent structures for hunting animals and gathering foodstuff from. Three wood taxa were identified from the assemblage. The willow and alder were selected from the wetter margins of the peat bogs while the ash wood was taken from the dryland fringes.

The woodworking evidence was rudimentary and it is likely that the wood remains never formed part of a complex structure. A wood chip was recorded from the assemblage indicating that wood may have been cut down on the nearby drylands and then fashioned into a requisite size on site and deposited on the wetland area. Evidence from the jam curves show that the metal axe would have been at least 4.5cm in width with a straight edged blade. These axe shapes and measurements compare well to woodworking evidence recorded from various wooden platform sites analysed by the author in Offaly and Tyrone of a similar date and function.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

The wood has been recorded in detail on timber sheets. They have also been planned, photographed, species identified and analysed and carpentry techniques have also been described. It is my specialist opinion that this material has been recorded sufficiently and may be disposed of after wood samples have been selected for dating.

8. REFERENCES

Barry, T. 1987, The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland. University Press, Cambridge.

Beckett, J.K. 1979, Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold and Sons Ltd; Norwich.

Hurley, M. & Scully, O. 1997, Late Viking Age and Medieval Waterford Excavations 1986‐ 1992. Waterford Corporation.

Long, P, 2012 N17 Carrownurlaur Bends re‐alignment Scheme, Co. Galway Report on Stage (iii) – Excavation. Post‐excavation Assessment (Preliminary) Report for Carrownurlaur 1 in the townland ofCarrownurlaur, Co. Galway. Unpublished report for NRA

Mac Coitir, N. 2003. Irish Trees, Myths, Legends and Folklore. The Collins Press, Cork.

McCracken, E. 1947, ‘The Woodlands of Ulster in the early 17th century’, Ulster Journal of Archeaology 10, 16‐25.

Mitchell, F. 1986. Shell guide to reading the Irish landscape. Country House, Dublin.

Moloney at al. 1993. Survey of the raised bogs of Co. Longford. Transactions. Vol 1, Crannog publications.

Nelson E.C. 1993, Trees of Ireland. The Lilliput Press, Dublin.

OCarroll E. 1996, The analysis of two wooden assemblages from Corlea Bog, Co. Longford and King John’s Castle, Co. Limerick. Unpublished M.A. Thesis, University College Cork.

OCarroll, E. & Whitaker, J. 2009. Peatland excavations 1999‐2000, Lemanghan group of bogs, Co. Offaly, Dublin, ADS Ltd.

OCarroll, E. 2011, Analysis of the Wood and Charcoal, A32, Shannaragh, Omagh Co. Tyrone. Unpublished post excavation report, IAC Ltd.

Oʹ Sullivan, A. 1987, ʺWood in Archaeologyʺ, Archaeology Ireland 4 , 69‐73.

Oʹ Sullivan, A. 1994, “The use of Trees and Woodland in early medieval Ireland”, Irish Forestry 51, 80‐94.

Rackham, O. 1976, Trees and Woodlands in the British Landscape. Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London.

Rackham, O. 1980, Ancient Woodland: its history, vegetation and uses in England. Edward Arnold, London.

Rippon, S. 2001, Adaptation to a changing environment: the response of marshland communities to the Late Medieval ‘crises’. Journal of Wetland Archaeology 1. Reilly, E. 2009. Synthesis of insect remains analysis from Lemanaghan, 1996‐2001. In: OʹCarroll, E. & Whitaker, J. (eds.) Peatland excavations 199‐2000. Wicklow: Wordwell.

Schweingruber, F.H. 1990, (3rd edition) Microscopic Wood Anatomy. Birmensdorf: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research.

Webb, D.A. 1977, An Irish Flora. Dundalgan Press Ltd., Dundalk.

Western, C. A. 1970, ʺWood and Charcoal in Archaeologyʺ, Science in Archaeology, 178‐ 187.

Appendices