N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Road Improvement Scheme Drumgeeny 2 Stage (Iii) Excavation Services

N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Road Improvement Scheme Drumgeeny 2 Stage (iii) excavation services

Stage (iv) post-excavation services

Client: Monaghan County Council

c/o Mr. Oliver Mulligan,

Floor 2, MTECH 2 Building,

Knocknaconny Industrial Estate

Armagh Road,

Co. Monaghan.

Site: Drumgeeny 2

Licence No: 12E208

Archaeologist: Rob O’Hara

Author: Rob O' Hara

Report Date: November 2012

Our Ref: 2012_13

N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Road Improvement Scheme Drumgeeny 2 Stage (iii) excavation services

Stage (iv) post-excavation services

PROJECT NAME N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Road Improvement Scheme

MINISTERIAL DIRECTION NO n/a

EXCAVATION REGISTRATION NO 12E209

TOWNLAND Drumgeeny

SITE Drumgeeny 2

SITE TYPE Fulacht fiadh (disturbed)

ING 267176, 339634

CHAINAGE 3450

HEIGHT OD 70m OD

ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT Archer Heritage Planning Ltd.

EXCAVATION DIRECTOR Rob O’Hara

REPORT AUTHOR Rob O’Hara

REPORT STATUS Final

DATE OF ISSUE November 2012 Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ...... I SUMMARY ...... III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... IV 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...... 1 2. SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 1 2.1 SITE LOCATION ...... 1 2.2 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 1 2.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 2 3. RESULTS ...... 4 3.1 DRUMGEENY 2...... 4 4. ARTEFACT CATALOGUE ...... 6 5. SPECIALIST ANALYSES ...... 6 6. DISCUSSION ...... 6 7. INVENTORY ...... 8 8. DISSEMINATION ...... 9 9. REFERENCES ...... 10 9.1 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 10 9.2 UNPUBLISHED REPORTS ...... 11 9.3 WEB REFERENCES ...... 11 10. GLOSSARY ...... 12 11. APPENDICES ...... 13 11.1 LIST OF FEATURES ...... 13 11.2 LIST OF DRAWINGS ...... 13 11.3 LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS ...... 13 11.4 LIST OF SAMPLES ...... 13 11.5 LIST OF ARTEFACTS ...... 13 11.6 LIST OF SITE RECORDS ...... 14 11.7 CHARCOAL IDENTIFICATION (E LLEN OC ARROLL ) ...... 15 11.8 RADIOCARBON DATING ...... 27 RADIOCARBON DATING CERTIFICATE ...... 27 12. NRA DATABASE ...... 29 13. EXCAVATIONS SUMMARY ...... 30

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List of Tables

Table 1: Sites identified along the N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Table 2: Previous Bronze Age excavations around Monaghan Town (from www.excavations.ie ) Table 3: Stratigraphical information from Drumgeeny 2 1

List of Figures Figure 1 Site location Figure 2 Detailed site location Figure 3 Record of Monuments and Places Figure 4 Excavation details Figure 5 Sections

List of Plates Plate 1: F12, F17 & F3 from east Plate 2: F7, F9 & F14 from west Plate 3: F13/16 & F15/F17 south facing section Plate 4: Oak plank (F16), in-situ Plate 5: F8 & F9, east facing section Plate 6: F4 & F5 east facing section

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SUMMARY

This report has been prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council. It outlines the final results of Stage (iii) and Stage (iv) archaeological services at Drumgeeny 2 in advance of the N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme, Co. Monaghan. Excavation of the scheme was undertaken in July 2012 by Rob O’Hara of Archer Heritage Planning Ltd under licence (12E208) from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland (NMI).

Stage (i) & (ii) services (O’Hara 2012a) had previously identified a disturbed fulacht fiadh in Drumgeeny townland (Drumgeeny 2) at ITM 667113, 839638 (77m OD). As a result of excavation and post- excavation analysis, the site has been confirmed as a Middle Bronze Age fulacht fiadh comprising 8 separate features, mainly filled with burnt mound material. Although the burnt mound appears to have been ploughed away, there were four remaining isolated deposits of burnt mound material. The largest of the burnt spreads was adjacent to and west of a pair of pits that probably functioned as troughs, and one of which (F13) appeared to be plank lined. The remaining features, comprised three linear features. The site has been radiocarbon dated to the Middle Bronze Age period (SUERC 42841; 3372 ± 30 BP; 1746–1538 cal. BC (2-sigma)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

These works were undertaken by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd on behalf of Monaghan County Council and the National Roads Authority. The excavations were carried out under licence to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. The author recognises the contribution or involvement of the following individuals and companies in the successful conclusion of this project.

Monaghan County Council (Road Design Office) Mr Oliver Mulligan Ms Roisin Nic an Iarla

National Roads Authority (Archaeology) Mr Niall Roycroft

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Mr Ciaran McGuinness Mr Aidan O’Connell

Joe Watterson Plant Hire Mr Joe Watterson

Landowners Mr James Gillander

Specialist Analysis Ms. Ellen O' Carroll (Charcoal Identification) Professor Gordon Cook (Radiocarbon dating - SUERC)

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Proposed Development

Monaghan County Council proposes to improve a section of national road (N2) between Emyvale and Monaghan. The works will occur between the townlands of Cloghnart and Tirnaneill. The current scheme follows a previous improvement to the route between Tirnaneill and Derrygrew Tds in 2010–11.

2. SITE DESCRIPTION

2.1 Site location

A disturbed fulacht fiadh was identified in the townland of Drumgeeny (ING 267176, 339634; 70m OD Donagh Parish, Trough Barony) during pre-construction archaeological testing along the proposed route of an improvement to the existing N2 National Road, between Cloghhnart and Tirnaneil Tds, Co. Monaghan (OS sheet 6 (ING) 267768, 337061 and 267367, 340646, between 60–90 OD; see O’Hara 2012a).

2.2 Receiving environment

The local landscape is characterised by low drumlins and interspersed with areas of marsh. Land cover is predominantly pasture. The underlying geology comprises dark shale and fine-grained limestone of the Bundoran Shale Formation.

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2.3 Archaeological background

There are no sites listed in the record of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland within the Lands Made Available for the scheme. There are no recorded monuments in Drumgeeny Td. There are few published references to this particular part of Monaghan. Archaeologically, this part of north Monaghan was occupied since early prehistory. A total of 33 trenches were excavated (3436 linear metres) were excavated along the proposed scheme (see O’Hara 2012a). Six Bronze Age sites (disturbed fulachta fiadh or associated features) were recorded over the length of the scheme (see Table 1). Further Bronze Age sites were identified on the N2 Monaghan Bypass (see Table 2 below). A Bronze Age cist burial was also identified in Emyvale prior to building work. The burial was accompanied by a ceramic vessel which was subsequently discarded 1.

Site Licence Townland ING Type Period Dist urbed Drumcaw 1 12E220 Drumcaw 267267, 338853 Early Bronze Age Fulacht fiadh Disturbed Drumgeeny 1 12E209 Drumgeeny 267176, 339634 Early Bronze Age Fulacht fiadh Disturbed Drumgeeny 2 12E208 Drumgeeny 267242, 340204 Middle Bronze Age Fulacht fiadh Dis turbed Probable Bronze Enagh 1 12E068 Enagh 267589, 337442 Fulacht fiadh Age Pit containing Tirnaneill 1 12E068 Tirnaneill 267414, 337695 Early Medieval burnt stone Disturbed Tirnaneill 2 12E068 Tirnaneill 267450, 337617 Middle Bronze Age Fulacht fiadh Table 1: Sites identified along the N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme

Excavation No. ING Ref Townland Ex. Bulletin Ref. Author 04E1159 268388 334712 Tullyhirm 2004:1374 Fintan Walsh Bronze Age spread of charcoal -rich silt and heat -shattered stone sealing a pit, and two l arge field - clearance pits filled with charcoal-flecked silty peat. The spread measured 5m x 2m x 0.25m deep. A sample of charcoal from the site was dated to 2060 cal. BC - 1740 cal. BC 2 Excavation No. ING Ref Townland Ex. Bulletin Ref. Author 04E1160 26 8775 334034 Annahagh 2004:1362 Fintan Walsh Bronze Age mound measured 17.5m x 10m x 0.4m deep. Flint debitage was recovered from a trough. Charcoal dated from the site returned dates of 2310 cal. BC - 2030 cal. BC and 2290 cal. BC - 2020 cal. BC 3

1 MO006-030; ASI Record Details; www.archaeology.ie Posted 17 July 2007) 2 Information from NRA Archaeological database ( http://archaeology.nra.ie/Home/ViewResult/f39bd1e7-2503- 452a-96a5-ff7791bd4a88 ; accessed 19.11.12) 3 Information from NRA Archaeological Database, ( http://archaeology.nra.ie/Home/ViewResult/8ac70c51-39e4- 4e7b-b8fc-ea6b3b9daaa1 ; accessed 19.11.12)

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Exc avation No. ING Ref Townland Ex. Bulletin Ref. Author 04E1161 268867 334061 Annahagh 2004:1361 Fintan Walsh Bronze Age burnt mound, defined by two spreads of charcoal -rich silt and heat -shattered stone sealing two pits (troughs). Spreads measured 9m x 7.5m x 0.15m deep, and 9.25m x 3.25m x 0.17m deep. Flint blade recovered. Charcoal recovered from the site returned a date of 1690 cal. BC - 1490 cal. BC 4 Excavation No. ING Ref Townland Ex. Bulletin Ref. Author 04E0115 284196, 305224 Cloghvally Upper 20 04:1364 Fintan Walsh Bronze Age burnt mound, defined by a 5m x 5m spread charcoal -rich silt and heat -shattered stone. There was no associated troughCharcoal recovered from the site returned a date of 1830 cal. BC - 1600 cal. BC 5 Excavation No. ING Ref Townland Ex. Bulletin Ref. Author 03E0888 284266 305232 Monanny 2003:1503 Fintan Walsh Site excavated in advance of N2 Carrickmacross bypass. Four areas were excavated across the site, three of which contained important early Neolithic remains. The fourth area consisted of a burnt mound. The burnt mound measured c. 15m east-west by c. 5m and was a maximum of c. 0.5m deep. A subrectangular-shaped trough, which measured c. 3m by 1.2m and c. 0.5m deep, was uncovered under c. 0.5m of the burnt-mound material and had a large timber plank at the base 6. Excavation No. ING Ref Townland Ex. Bulletin Ref. Author 03E1254 284170 305192 Monanny 2003:1504 Fintan Walsh Site excavated in advance of N2 Carrickmacross bypass. The site consisted of mound of black charcoal - rich clay with frequent heat-fractured stones, measuring 15m north-south by 7.5m and was 0.3m deep. The burnt mound sealed a number of cut features, the most significant of which were two troughs. The smaller trough was 1.4m north-south by 1.23m by 0.51m deep and had a platform of fourteen timbers at the base with eight irregularly spaced, vertically placed, small wooden stakes to the east. The second larger trough was 1.74m north-south by 1.55m. and lined at the base with a flat stone. The burnt-mound material also sealed two areas of in situ burning, possible hearths 7. Table 2: Previous Bronze Age excavations around Monaghan Town (from www.excavations.ie )

4 Information from NRA Archaeological Database, http://archaeology.nra.ie/Home/ViewResult/04f6d9d7-3a9a- 4d28-8b56-7a5f816a0969 ; accessed 19.11.12) 5 Information from NRA Archaeological Database, http://archaeology.nra.ie/Home/ViewResult/dfc8ad96-bc1c- 4a8a-b3a7-2e2f36017246 ; accessed 19.11.12) 6 http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Monaghan&id=10331 (accessed 19.11.12) 7 http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Monaghan&id=10332 (accessed 19.11.12)

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3. RESULTS

3.1 Drumgeeny 2

A small collection of truncated archaeological features were excavated in Drumgeeny Td at ING 267242, 340204 (70m OD). The site was initially interpreted as a prehistoric (Bronze Age) disturbed fulacht fiadh (O’Hara 2012a). As a result of excavation and post-excavation analysis, the site has been confirmed as a Middle Bronze Age fulacht fiadh (see Figures 4, 5; Plates 1–6). The site was contained within a 15m x 5m area and survived as a group of 8 separate features, mainly filled with burnt mound material. Although the burnt mound appears to have been ploughed away, there were four remaining isolated deposits of burnt mound material (F3, F11, F12 & F14). These ranged in size from 3.5m x 2.5m x 0.05m deep (F12) to 0.6m x 0.8m x 0.08m. The largest of the burnt spreads (F12) was adjacent to and west of a pair of pits (F13 & F15) that probably functioned as troughs, and one of which (F13) appeared to be plank lined. The remaining features, comprised three linear features (F4, F6 & F18).

3.1.1 Deposits

• F12 was a localised spread of burnt mound material, 3.5m N/S by 2m E/W by 0.05m deep and located west of the pits/troughs F13 & F15. • F3 was a small localised deposit of burnt mound material at the northwest of the site. 1m N/S by 0.8m E/W by 0.08m deep • F11 was a small localised deposit of burnt mound material located towards the centre of the site. 0.6m N/S by 0.8m E/W by 0.08m deep • F14 was an irregular-shaped deposit of burnt mound material located at the southwest of the site. 3m N/S by 0.5-1.2m N/S by 0.1m deep

3.1.2 Pits • F13 was a pit 1.9m NE/SW by 0.8-1.15m NW/SE by 0.7m in maximum depth, filled with burnt mound material (F16) and cut by a pit (F15). This is most likely the remains of a fulacht fiadh trough. The remains of a wooden plank were recovered from this feature. • F15 was a pit with dimensions of 2m NE/SW by 1.15m NW/SE by 0.6m deep. It was filled with a brownish grey silty clay with light charcoal flecking and cut the trough F13. • F8 was a small sub-circular pit with dimensions of 0.6m N/S by 0.5m E/W by 0.2m deep. It was filled with burnt mound material (F9).

3.1.2 Linear Features

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• F6 was a small localised linear cut 2.5m by 0.4m by 0.2m deep & filled with burnt mound material (F7) • F4 was a field boundary or drainage ditch 1.1m wide and extending NE-SW across the site. • F18 was a drain.

Strat Strat Dimensions F# Description Interpretation Samples above below (LxBxD) Loose, dark brown clay with moderate small pebbles to large cobbles 1 3 n/a n/a approximately 0.44m deep. Topsoil - Mechanically removed prior to excavation. Compact light brown sandy, stony 2 n/a 3 n/a Subsoil - clay. Small localised deposit of burnt 1m N/S by 0.8m mound material at the northwest of 3 2 1 E/W by 0.08m the site. Disturbed spread of heat- Burnt spread deep shattered rock in a charcoal-rich clay matrix. Linear cut extending NE -SW across Field the site. A sharp break of slope at the 4 12 5 boundary/ - top of the cut leading to straight, 8m NE/SW by drain diagonal sides and a flat base 1.1m x 0.3m Moderately compacted, light greyish 5 4 1 brown silty clay with frequent small Fill of 4 - angular stones at base. Small localised irregular linear cut 6 2 7 probably created during disturbance Linear cut - 2.5m by 0.4m by of burnt mound. 0.2m deep Heat-shattered rock in a charcoal-rich 7 6 1 Fill of 6 clay matrix. Small sub -circular pit. A sharp break of slope at the top of the cut led to 8 2 9 Pit - 0.6m N/S by 0.5m irregular sides and a slightly rounded E/W by 0.2m deep base. Heat-shattered rock in a charcoal-rich 9 8 1 clay matrix. A small localised deposit of burnt 1m N/S by 0.8m 10 2 1 mound material located towards the Burnt spread E/W by 0.1m deep centre of the site. 0.6m N/S by 0.8m A small localised deposit of burnt 11 2 1 E/W by 0.08m mound material located towards the Burnt spread deep centre of the site. 3.5m N/S by 2m localised spread of burnt mound 12 16 1 E/W by 0.05m material. Adjacent to pits F13 & F15. Burnt spread deep Partially overlay F16/F13 1.9m NE/SW by The surviving remains of a fulacht 0.8-1.15m NW/SE fiadh trough (cut by F15). A sharp 13 2 16 Trough - by 0.7m in break of slope at the top of the cut led maximum depth to 1 remaining vertical side and a flat

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base.

3m E/W by Disturbed spread of heat-shattered 14 2 1 0.5-1.2m N/S by Burnt spread rock in a charcoal-rich clay matrix. 0.1m deep 2m NE/SW by Pit with gradual break of slope at top 15 16 17 1.15m NW/SE by of cut leading to diagonal sides and a Pit/ Trough - 0.6m deep flat base 1.9m NE/SW by Heat-shattered rock in a charcoal-rich 0.8-1.15m NW/SE Fill of trough 16 13 15 clay matrix. The remains of a wooden by 0.7m in (13) plank were recovered from this fill. maximum depth 2m NE/SW by Moderately compacted grey silty clay Fill of pit/ 17 15 20 1.15m NW/SE by with light charcoal flecking trough 15 0.6m deep

18 2, 18 19 Linear drain, unexcavated Drain 8m NE/SW by 0.3m wide 19 18 1 Soft mid brown silty clay Fill of drain

Sterile grey brown silty clay recorded 16, 13.5m N/S x 2.5m 20 1 at east of site and overlying F13 & Layer - 17 E/W by 0.3m deep F15. Table 3: Stratigraphical information from Drumgeeny 2

4. ARTEFACT CATALOGUE

No archaeological artefacts were recorded from the site.

5. SPECIALIST ANALYSES

Bulk environmental samples were taken from three deposits (F7, F16 & F17) for specialist analysis including dating and environmental reconstruction. These samples were floated by Archer Heritage Planning through a 2mm sieve with the recovered material (both flot and retent) submitted for analysis. Only charcoal (oak, ash, hazel and alder) was recovered (Ellen O' Carroll; see Appendix 11.7). Radiocarbon dates were determined by SUERC (see Appendix 11.8).

6. DISCUSSION

The site was located on low-lying ground between a series of low drumlins north of Monaghan Town. The site was adjacent to a small stream that had been formalised into a series of drainage ditches running parallel to the existing N2. The site was situated close to relatively good quality land, on the lower slopes of the surrounding drumlins. This may have determined the choice of site, however it is difficult to provide an in depth discussion of settlement distribution as there are currently no known contemporary sites in the area.

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This was one of 5 disturbed fulachta fiadh (plural) discovered along the proposed scheme (see Table 2 above; O’Hara 2012a). Two fulachta fiadh were identified in this townland (the second being a Middle Bronze Age site 500m to the north; see O’Hara 2012c). These are a distinct type of prehistoric monument that originated in the Final Neolithic (c. 2900–2450 BC) and reached their pinnacle in the middle (1600–1100 BC) to late (1100–800 BC) Bronze Age. There are a number of sites which have provided medieval dates (Sheehan 1990, 35; Dennehy 2008; O’Brien 2005, 297; Grogan et al. 2007, 101; Walsh 1990, 47-48), although the validity of a number of these dates has been questioned in recent studies (Hawkes 2012). While the use of heated stone to boil water may have survived into later prehistory and the historic period, they did attain the same importance as fulachta fiadh in the Bronze Age period. Typically, these sites survive as horseshoe-shaped or kidney-shaped mounds consisting of fire-cracked stone and charcoal-enriched soils built up around a sunken trough, and are generally located near or adjacent to a water supply, such as a stream or spring, or in wet marshy areas. They are the most common form of monument in the country, and have been frequently identified and excavated ahead of infrastructure or agriculture-related projects in recent years. They are also referred to as burnt mounds (where no trough is recorded).

The name fulacht fiadh (singular) is probably a nineteenth or early twentieth century standardisation of a selection of variant spellings taken from early Irish literature (see O’Drisceoil 1990, 158), but in particular Geoffrey Keating’s seventeenth century Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, which attributed these sites to the legendary Fianna, the roving band of warriors and hunters associated with Fionn Mac Cumhaill (ibid). There are different spelling variations of the name ( fulact fiadh ; fulacht fia and fulacht fiadh ). There are currently 10 fulachta fiadh and 1 burnt mound recorded in the Record of Monuments and Places in Co. Monaghan. Between 1970 and 2008, the online excavation bulletin recorded approximately 6 excavations at sites described as either fulacht fia (2) or burnt mound (4; see Table 3 above) in the county. Analysis of charcoal from Drumgeeny 2 and surrounding sites (see Appendix 11.7) suggests that hazel was the dominant taxon from the at least the Bronze Age and most likely grew in abundance during all periods in the vicinity of the site. Alder, willow and oak were also identified. Willow and alder prefer thrive in wetland environments, and if these specimens reflect local woodland, then it is indicative of the sites chosen for fulachta fiadh. Oak was also identified in the trough (F13) and a linear trench (F6) and may related to structural features within them (e.g. wood lining within the trough).

The site at Drumgeeny 2 was radiocarbon dated to the Middle Bronze Age period (SUERC 42841; 3372 ± 30 BP; 1746–1538 cal. BC (2-sigma); see Appendix 11.8), which is comfortably within the expected

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date range for such sites (Baillie 1990, 165-169; Brindley & Lanting 1990, 55-58, fig. 25; Brindley et al 1990. 25, fig 1. Other dated sites in the vicinity date to the Early Bronze Age period (see O’Hara 2012b, 2012c), with a further fulacht fiadh at Tirnaneill 2 also dated to the Middle Bronze Age (SUERC 42836; 3073 ± 30 BP; 1415–1266 cal. BC (2-sigma); see O’Hara 2012a).

These sites form part of an extended, integrated settlement network, often located away from actual settlements, and may have served one or more functions. In the case of this site, it was not possible to determine a specific use, or suggest how long the site was used. Evidence from excavated sites indicate the principal function of these monuments was the provision of boiling water, which was then used for any possible number of domestic, industrial or ritual purposes. One of the most enduring explanations for function was as cooking places, based largely on ethnographical comparisons and references in Early Irish literature (O’Drisceoil 1990). O’ Kelly’s (1954, 122) experimental work at a site at Ballyvourney 1, Co. Cork demonstrated joints of meat could be effectively cooked in a short time, while more recent experiments (e.g. Lawless 1990) have corroborated how these sites could have been efficiently used for cooking, while providing a plausible explanation for the association of a trough with a build-up of shattered stones. However, a general absence of associated food waste and artefacts is often used to argue for alternative functions, such as bathing or saunas (Lucas 1965; Barfield and Hodder 1987; O’Drisceoil 1990; Eogan 2007). It has been argued that only a small number of hot- stones would be required to create steam, something at odds with the large buildup of stones at some sites (unless they were repeatedly used over generations). Other suggested functions include such diverse works as boat building, butter production, brine evaporation, brewing, fulling of textiles, leather working and metallurgy (Barfield and Hodder 1987, 371), although excavations in Ireland have rarely provided any specific evidence for a particular function.

The identified site was extensively disturbed by farming activities but also by possible drainage works would have a low significance (based on the significance criteria listed in Appendix 2 of the Guidelines for the Assessment of Archaeological Heritage Impact of National Road Schemes (Anon. 2006, 50)), however, when taken in consideration with identified Bronze Age sites along the scheme (see Table 1 above) and the general lack of information on Bronze Age settlement in this region, the data provided by the excavation and analysis outlined in this report may significantly contribute to future research on Bronze Age settlement in the region.

7. INVENTORY

See Table 3 above and Appendices 10.1–10.6 below.

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8. DISSEMINATION

A summary will be submitted to the Excavations Bulletin for 2012. A short article detailing this and other sites on the scheme will be prepared for Archaeology Ireland or a similar popular magazine.

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9. REFERENCES

9.1 Bibliography

Baillie, M.G.L. 1990, ‘Provision of dates for fulachta fiadh’, in V. Buckley (ed.), Burnt Offerings: International Contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology . Wordwell. Dublin. pp. 165-67. Barfield, L. and M. Hodder 1987 ‘Burnt mounds as saunas, and the prehistory of bathing’, Antiquity, 61, 370-379. Brindley A.L. and Lanting, J.N. 1990, ‘The dating of fulachta fiadh’ , in V. Buckley (ed.), Burnt Offerings: International Contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology . Wordwell. Dublin. pp. 55-56. Brindley A.L., Lanting, J.N. and Mook, W.G. 1990, ‘Radiocarbon dates from Irish fulachta fiadh and other burnt mounds’, Journal of Irish Archaeology, Vol. V (1989-90), 25–33. Dennehy, E. 2008 ‘A Hot Property: the Morphology and Archaeology of the Irish Fulachta Fiadh ’, Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society, Series 2, Vol. 8, pp 5-27. Eogan, J. 2007 ‘Cleansing Body and Soul’ in Seanda 2007 Issue 2. 38-39. Grogan, E., O’Donnell, L. and Johnston, P. 2007, The Bronze Age Landscapes of the Pipeline to the West: an Integrated Archaeological and Environmental Assessment. Wordwell. Dublin. Lawless, C. 1990 ‘A fulact fiadh Bronze Age cooking experiment at Turlough, Castlebar’, Cathair na Mart, 10, 1-10. Hawkes, A. 2012. ‘Medieval fulachta fia in Ireland? An archaeological assessment’, The Journal of Irish Archaeology, Vol. 20 (2011), 77-101.

Lucas, A. T. 1965 ‘Washing and bathing in ancient Ireland’, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquarians of Ireland, 96, 65-114. O’Brien, E. 2005, “An Early Medieval Fulacht Fiadh at Ballyman, Co. Dublin”, in T. Condit and C. Corlett (eds.), Above and Beyond: Essays in Memory of Leo Swan. Wordwell. Dublin. pp. 293-302. Ó Drisceoil, D. 1990, ‘ Fulacht fiadh : the value of early Irish literature’, in V. Buckley (ed.), Burnt Offerings: International Contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology. Wordwell. Dublin. pp. 157-64. O' Kelly, M.J. 1954 ‘Excavations and experiments in ancient Irish cooking-places’, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 84, 105-155. Sheehan, J. 1990, ‘The excavation of a fulacht fiadh at Coarhmore, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry’ in V. Buckley (ed.), Burnt Offerings: International contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology . Wordwell. Dublin. pp. 27-37. Walsh, C. 1990, ‘A medieval cooking trough from Peter Street, Waterford’, in V. Buckley (ed.), Burnt Offerings: International Contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology . Wordwell. Dublin. pp. 47-48.

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9.2 Unpublished reports

Anonymous 2006 Guidelines for the Assessment of Archaeological Heritage Impacts of National Road Schemes , National Roads Authority. Dublin. O’Hara, R. 2012a N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (i) & (ii) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council. O’Hara, R. 2012b Drumcaw 1 Final Excavation Report. N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (iii) & (iv) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council. O’Hara, R. 2012c Drumgeeny 1 Final Excavation Report. N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (iii) & (iv) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council.

9.3 Web references

Excavation information from www.excavations.ie [accessed 5 July 2012] http://archaeology.nra.ie/Home/Index [accessed 5 July 2012]

Geological information from www.gsi.ie accessed 5 July 2012]

SMR details from www.archaeology.ie [accessed 5 July 2012]

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10. GLOSSARY

Any component of an archaeological site, such as a post-hole, pit, wall, Archaeological feature ditch, or any deposit that may have accumulated on-site.

Any movable object that has been used modified or manufactured by Artefact humans.

The era (2200 BC–800 BC) succeeding the chalcolithic period when bronze was first used. It is generally divided into Early, Middle and Late Bronze Age Periods based primarily on differences in metalworking, but with recognised differences in burial and pottery between periods

A site, generally dating from the Bronze Age, consisting of a horseshoe- shaped mound of burnt stones, a hearth(s) and a trough(s). These sites were used to heat water for a variety of possible purposes. Also known Fulacht fia as ancient cooking places. There are many variations of the spelling. This report follows the spelling used in the online records of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. See also Burnt Mound

The period succeeding the Iron Age, which in Ireland is dated from the Medieval advent of Christianity in the fifth century AD up to the 16 th century.

A scientific method of dating by measuring the decay of the radioactive Radiocarbon dating isotope Carbon 14, which is present in all organic material.

A list of archaeological sites with accompanying maps recorded on a Record of Monuments county-by-county basis by the State. Inclusion in the list affords and Places archaeological sites certain legal protections.

12 Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

11. APPENDICES

11.1 List of features

See Table 3 above

11.2 List of drawings

Drawing No Type Scale Features present 1 Pre -ex plan 1:50 F3 -5, F7, F9, F10 -F12, F14, F17, F19 2 Post -ex plan 1:20 F13, F15 3 Section 1:20 F13, F15 4 Section 1:20 F4 5 Section 1:20 F6 6 Section 1:20 F8

11.3 List of photographs

Photo From Description IMG_1822 E IMG_1823 E F12, f17 IMG_1824 N IMG_1825 E F3, F12, F17 IMG_1826 E F6 IMG_1827 N F7 IMG_1828 W F7, F14 IMG_1829 E F4, F5 IMG_1830 E IMG_1831 E F6, F7 IMG_1832 E IMG_1833 E F8, F9 IMG_1834 S F16, F17 IMG_1835 S IMG_1836 S IMG_1837 S Oak plank in situ IMG_1838 - IMG_1839 S IMG_1840 N F6 IMG_1841 S IMG_1842 S F13, F15 IMG_1843 W IMG_1844 W

11.4 List of samples

See Table 3 above

11.5 List of artefacts

Not applicable

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11.6 List of site records

Not applicable

The final report will constitute the main archive source for Stage (iii) Excavations Services for the Drumgeeny 2 excavation. The remaining site archives (i.e. field notes/ sketches) will be held in the offices of Archer Heritage Planning Ltd. Balbriggan, Co. Dublin until they are deposited with the NMS archives.

14 Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

11.7 Charcoal Identification (Ellen OCarroll)

11.7 Charcoal & Wood report (Dr Ellen OCarroll) N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Road Improvement Scheme 12E068 (Tiraneill 1 and 2), 12E208 (Drumgeeny 1), 12E209 (Drumgeeny 2), 12E220 (Drumcaw 1)

Dr. Ellen O Carroll Wood Specialist 12 St. Peters Terrace, Glenageary, Co. Dublin Mob: + 353 (0) 086 8241753 Tel/Fax:+ 353 (0)1 2360795 Email: [email protected]

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Methods 3. Results 4. Discussion and analysis of charcoal and wood assemblage 5. Summary & conclusions 6. References

Tables Table 1: Wood taxa present in the charcoal assemblage

Figures Figure 1: All Taxa identified from the total charcoal assemblage Figure 2: Taxa identified by time period

Appendix : Description of wood types identified and associated contexts

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1. Introduction Nine charcoal samples and one wood sample were identified and analysed from Early and Middle Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites and a medieval dated pit (O’Hara 2012a -d). One sample was analysed from Tirnaneill 1, an isolated pit, filled with burnt mound material. Charcoal (alder) from the pit was radiocarbon dated to AD 902–1147 (95% probability). At Tirnaneill 2, a disturbed fualcht fiadh was also resolved under the testing licence. One charcoal sample was analysed from this site and was radiocarbon dated to 1415–1266 BC (95% probability). One sample was analysed from Drumcaw 1, a fualcht fiadh, dated to the Early Bronze Age. Finally, six charcoal samples and one wood sample was analysed from Drumgeeny 1 and 2, fualchta fiadh, dated to the Early and Middle Bronze Age respectivelly.

The analysis was carried out prior to C14 dating as well as to determine wood selection and use. The types of trees identified may also help towards the reconstruction of an environment hitherto lost to us, although this must be done with caution as sufficient sample numbers are required for a complete and full understanding of the immediate environment. Charcoal was also analysed and identified to determine what species are used and selected for particular functions on site i.e. firewood, post-holes, wall posts, burnt remains of wattle and functional objects such as artefacts. Results are also discussed and compared through time periods.

2. Methods 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). A wood reference collection from the Botanical Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin was also used.

Charcoal and wood The identification of charcoal material involves breaking the charcoal piece along its three sections (transverse, tangential and radial) so clean sections of the wood pieces can be obtained. This charcoal is then identified to species under a universal compound microscope reflected and transmitted light sources at magnifications x 10 - 400. By close examination of the microanatomical features of the samples the charcoal species are determined. Thin sections of wood were cut along its three sections (transverse, tangential and radial) and examined under a high powered microscope x 400.

The purpose of the charcoal and wood identifications were two-fold. In some cases the identifications were carried out prior to C14 dating in order to select specific species for dating and in other cases the charcoal was analysed for fuel selection policies and selection of wood types for structural use. Each

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species was identified, bagged together and then weighed. Insect channels were noted on the charcoal fragments identified as this may indicate the use of dead or rotting wood used for fuel or other such functions. The distinction can sometimes be made between trunks, branches and twigs if the charcoal samples are large enough. This was noted where possible. When charcoal samples showed indications of fast or slow growth this was also recorded. The samples identified for environmental reconstruction and wood usage were counted per fragment and then weighed. The smaller sample amounts with less than 30 fragments were all identified while 30 to 50 fragments were identified from the larger samples. This is in line with recent recommendations and guidelines completed through the author’s doctoral research (OCarroll 2012)

Wood recording Dimensions of the timber were recorded as well as any toolmark evidence and splitting techniques. The annual tree rings that were present on the sample were counted under the microscope to determine the age of the wood and the possibility of dendrochronological dating.

A number of wood taxa cannot be identified to species or sub-species level anatomically. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) are both native and common in Ireland and the wood of these species cannot be differentiated on the basis of their anatomic characteristics. Pomoideae includes apple, pear, hawthorn and mountain ash. It is impossible to distinguish these wood species anatomically and for this reason, they are listed as pomoideae in this report. English elm (Ulmus procera) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra) cannot be separated by their wood structure and identifications of elm are shown as Ulmus spp. There are also several species of willow therefore the identifications are given as Salix sp respectively.

17 Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

3. Results Overall Two hundred and sixteen charcoal fragments from 9 samples were analysed. The fragment count of each taxa identified from each feature/time period represented in the samples is given below in Figure 1 & 2 and Table 1.

120 99 100

60 52 44 40

20 7 5 5

Fragment count Fragment 2 2 0

r n zel ak ae lde Ash Elm A O illow thor Ha W oide om lack P B

Figure 1 : Species identified from the charcoal remains – all sites and periods

In total eight taxa types were identified from the charcoal assemblage retrieved from excavated archaeological features along the N2 (Figure 1 & 2). These were hazel ( Corylus avellana ), ash (Fraxinus excelsior ), alder ( Alnus glutinosa), oak ( Quercus sp), willow (Salix sp), pomoideae (hawthorn, mountain ash, apple and pear) , elm ( Ulmus sp) and blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa ) (Figure 1).

50 Alder 40 Hazel Ash 30 Oak Willow 20

Fragment count Fragment Pomoideae 10 Blackthorn Elm 0 EBA MBA Medieval Time period

Figure 2 : Taxa identified by time period

18 Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumcaw 1 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E220

Table 1: Charcoal present in the assemblage Charcoal Size of No. of Sample Context Context No. of Site name Period Wood species weight fragments growth Comments number number description frags (grams) (mm) rings Alnus glutinosa (alder) 25 1.4 4 - 11mm 1- 10 Corylus avellana (hazel) 5 0.3 4 - 7mm 3 - 6 Medieval Ulmus sp (elm) 2 0.2 8mm 5 Tiraneill 1 1 1 Isolated pit Small fragments AD902-1147 Pomoideae 5 0.4 3 - 7mm 3 - 5 Fraxinus excelsior (ash) 2 0.05 6 - 9mm 7 Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) 2 0.1 7mm 6 MBA 1415- Salix sp ( willow) 5 0.5 3 - 5mm 2-4 Tiraneill 2 2 1 Fulachta fiadh 1266BC Corylus avellana (hazel) 40 1.1 2 - 3mm 2-4 Fraxinus excelsior (ash) 35 0.6 2 - 6mm 1 - 10

Drumgeeny 1 Burnt Spread EBA Corylus avellana (hazel) 10 0.2 3 - 6mm 2 - 6 3 3 Quercus sp (oak) 5 0.1 2 - 5mm 3 - 4 Drumgeeny 1 4 4 Pit EBA Alnus glutinosa (alder) 12 0.3 3 - 8mm 3 - 6 1.30m x Wooden plank Drumgeeny 1 EBA Quercus sp (oak) 16cm x 10 Tangentially split from trough 10 16 1 1.8cm Alnus glutinosa (alder) 5 0.3 3 - 8mm 2 - 10 Drumgeeny 1 5 5 Trough EBA Corylus avellana (hazel) 20 0.5 3 - 8mm 2 - 7 Drumgeeny 2 6 7 Linear cut MBA Quercus sp (oak) 2 0.02 5mm 5 - 6 Fraxinus excelsior (ash) 7 0.15 3 - 8mm 3 - 8 Drumgeeny 2 7 16 Trough MBA Corylus avellana (hazel) 5 0.18 4 - 6mm 4 - 6 Small fragment amount Corylus avellana (hazel) 15 0.2 3 - 6mm 2 - 5 Drumgeeny 2 8 17 Pit/Trough MBA Alnus glutinosa (alder) 2 0.05 3 - 6mm 3 - 5 EBA Fraxinus excelsior (ash) 8 0.5 3 - 7mm 3 - 12 Drumcaw 1 9 3 Fulachta fiadh 2470-2288 cal BC Corylus avellana (hazel) 4 0.2 3 - 6mm 4 - 6

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

Early Bronze Age - Fulacht fiadh charcoal and wood – Drumgeeny 1 Charcoal was examined from the burnt mound spread, the pit and the trough of the fulachta fiadh (Table 1). Ash dominated the assemblage, followed closely by hazel and then alder and oak. Ring counts ranged between one and ten while charcoal diameters averaged 4mm.

Early Bronze Age - Fulacht fiadh charcoal – Drumcaw 1 One sample was examined from this site. Charcoal fragment count was low. Ash followed by hazel were the taxa present (Table 1). Charcoal fragments ranged in size from 3 – 7mm and aged from 3 to 12 years.

Middle Bronze Age- Fulacht material – Drumgeeny 2 Hazel, followed by ash and then alder were identified from a trough and pit features associated with fulacht material (Table 1). The size range of the charcoal fragments were between 3 and 8mm and an average of 4 annual tree rings were present on the samples. One large tangentially split oak plank was also identified from the trough feature at this site. It measured 1.30 metres in length, 16cm in diameter and 1.8cm in width. There was no tooling evidence recorded on the plank. Ten annual tree rings were present on the sample which is an insufficient amount for dendro dating purposes.

Middle Bronze Age - Linear cut – Drumgeeny 2 Oak was the only taxa identified from the linear cut feature (Figure 1). The oak charcoal contained between 5 – 6 annual tree rings and averaged 5 mm in size (Table 1).

Middle Bronze Age – Tiraneill 2 – Fulachta fiadh samples Two wood taxa were present in the charcoal identified from the fulachta fiadh assemblage (Figure 1 and Table 1). These were hazel and willow. Hazel dominated. Fragment sizes were small averaging between 2 and 5mm in size. Annual tree rings were between 2 and 4 years.

Medieval pit - Tiraneill 1 A wider variety of taxa was present at this isolated pit. These included alder, hazel, elm, pomoideae, ash and blackthorn. Alder dominated the assemblage. Annual tree rings were between 4 and 11 years and diameters of the charcoal measured between 3 and 10mm.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

4. Discussion and analysis of charcoal and wood assemblage

Wood use The functional use of the charcoal recorded at the sites and features under investigation is sometimes difficult to determine. It is likely that the charcoal present in the fulachta fiadh features are related to firewood use and are more representative of the local woodland landscapes when compared to sites where selection is more apparent such as industrial and burial features. Ash followed by hazel, alder and oak were selected for firewood use at the Early Bronze Age fulachta fiadh site. Oak wood was also used for the construction of the trough as determined through the identification of the tangentially split plank.

During the Middle Bronze Age hazel appears to have been selected more frequently along with lesser counts of willow, ash and alder. Oak was the only taxa present at the linear feature which may related to a structural feature which lay in the trench.

These results compare well to previous identifications undertaken along various other road schemes and in particular along the N6 where the author recently completed her PhD research (OCarroll 2012). Ash was a significant indicator species for the Early Bronze Age periods along the N6 proposing selection of wood from a more open landscape (or small clearings within woodland). Ash appears to have colonised the open land after the first farmers removed much of the native woodland therefore it is frequently used as structural timber in the Later Bronze Age periods and is associated with secondary woodlands (Hall 2011). Hazel was also identified in frequent amounts from the fulachta fiadh sites in the Middle Bronze Age period.

Charcoal identified and associated with the isolated pit of Medieval date is dominated by alder with other taxa such as hazel, ash, willow, pomoideae, blackthorn and elm present in the sampled feature (Figure 2). The function of the pit is unknown (O’Hara 2012). These taxa were all presumably selected and used for firewood at the pit. For the most part, the wood types identified show selection of wood from scrub woodland and smaller tree types.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

Landscape reconstruction Eight taxa types were identified from the charcoal assemblage retrieved from excavated archaeological features along the N2. These were hazel ( Corylus avellana ), ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ), alder ( Alnus glutinosa), oak ( Quercus sp), willow (Salix sp), pomoideae (hawthorn, mountain ash, apple and pear), elm (Ulmus sp) and blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa ). Oak and willow were present in the prehistoric periods and not in the Medieval periods while elm, pomoideae and blackthorn were identified from the Medieval periods and not at the prehistoric features. All these trees grew in proximity to the excavated sites during the Early/Middle Bronze Age (excluding elm, pomoideae & blackthorn) and Medieval periods (excluding willow and oak). Due to the date range of the sites it is possible to determine some changes in the wood resource temporally.

The wood types identified point towards a mosaic of woodland environments surrounding the area in the Early and Middle Bronze Age periods with ash and hazel more frequently identified. Ash trees may have been more plentiful in the earlier period of the Bronze Age in areas that had been recently cleared for habitation. Alder, a wetland type tree, is indicative of a wetland (possibly alder carr) area in close proximity. Oak wood was exclusively identified from the trough as constructional wood and the linear feature (albeit in small amounts) which is possibly related to functionality rather than woodland types present in the local environment during this period of use. Oak is an excellent structural wood type and as such would have been selected to line the trough and any structural features.

A wider range of taxa was identified from the Medieval dated features suggesting wood collection from a range of tree types in the local woodlands as well as the possibility that the landscape was more scrub like and less wooded, with particular reference to larger trees.

5. Summary and Conclusions Charcoal identified and associated with Early and Middle Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites is dominated by ash and hazel with other taxa present such as alder, oak and willow. A wider variety of taxa were present in the Medieval periods dominated by wetland tree types and scrub such as alder, hazel, pomoideae, blackthorn, ash and elm. The fuel and wood for use at the fulachta fiadh site were gathered from mixed woodlands, including broadleaf, wet woodlands and scrub. The charcoal identifications are comparable to other fulachta fiadh sites in Ireland, with higher levels of ash, hazel and alder used for firewood at these sites. In contrast charcoal identified from the linear feature and trough timbers associated with the Early Bronze Age site at Drumgeeny 1 were identified as oak. The oak timber was split tangentially and contained 10 annual tree rings, too few for dendrochronological dating. The function of the oak charcoal from the linear feature and wood from the trough may have been constructional as opposed to firewood use.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

The wood types identified from the medieval dated pit point towards a scrubbier landscape. Elm, pomoideae and blackthorn were also present in the area during this period. Alder, a wetland type tree, was frequently identified for use at the pit feature of unknown function.

Appendix: Description of wood types and context associations Alnus glutinosa (Alder) Alder was identified most frequently from the Medieval pit and Early Bronze Age fulacht fiadh site at Drumgeeny 1. Alder is a widespread native tree and occupies wet habitats along stream and river banks. It is an easily worked and split timber and therefore quite commonly manufactured into planks.

Corylus avellana (hazel) Hazel was identified in higher quantities from the Fulachta fiadh features. Hazel is a native species and was very common up to the end of the 17th century. McCracken (1971, 19) points out that “it was once widespread to a degree that is hard to imagine today”. With the introduction of brick, steel and slate the crafts associated with hazel became obsolete, and today the woods that supplied hazel have diminished rapidly. Hazel is normally only about 3-5m in height and is often found as an understory tree in broadleaf woods dominated by oak. It also occurs as pure copses on shallow soils over limestone as seen today in The Burren in Co. Clare and survives for 30 to 50 years. Its main advantage is seen in the production of long flexible straight rods through the process known as coppicing. Hazel also makes good fuel.

Fraxinus excelsior (ash) Ash appears more frequently in the Early Bronze Age periods. 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 therefore it is frequently used as structural timber in the Later Bronze Age periods. Ash is also abundant in native hedgerows and was quite common in the later historic period.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

Pomoideae, apple type Pomoideae was only identified from the Medieval dated pit feature. Pomoideae includes apple, pear, hawthorn and mountain ash and it is impossible to distinguish these wood species anatomically but as wild pear is not native and crab apple is a rare native species in Ireland it is likely that the species identified from the site are hawthorn or mountain ash (rowan) (Nelson 194-200, 1993). Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna ) is a native species, and is found in many hedgerows throughout Ireland. Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia ) is also a common tree in Ireland growing particularly well in rocky and hilly mountainous places.

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Blackthorn was also only identified from the Medieval dated pit feature. The sloe bush as blackthorn is commonly referred to is a very durable wood and is as strong as oak. It is a thorny shrub found in woods and scrubs on all soil types. In a woodland situation it is more likely to occur in clearings and at the woodland edges.

Quercus spp (Oak) Oak wood identified from this project was located within the linear feature at Drumgeeny 1 and one trough plank was also fashioned from the oak tree. Oak trees were also present in the pre-cairn activity. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) are both native and common in Ireland and the wood of these species cannot be differentiated on the basis of their anatomic characteristics. Pedunculate oak is found growing in areas of heavy clays and loams, particularly where the soil is alkaline. Sessile oak is found on acid soils and often in pure stands. Unlike pedunculate oak, it thrives on well- drained soils but is tolerant of flooding (Beckett 1979, 40-41). Both species of oak grow to be very large trees (30-40m high). Oak was one of the most prevalent trees growing in Ireland throughout the medieval period. The anglicised form of the Irish name for oak (derry) is included in many townland names today. Out of 62,000 townlands in Ireland about 1,600 contain the word “derry” in one form or another, either as a prefix or suffix (McCracken 1971, 23). Oak is a dense wood and is very suitable for charcoal production. It also makes good firewood when dried and will grow in wetland areas when conditions are dry. Charcoal was important in pre-historic and Medieval Ireland as it burned hotter and cleaner than wood and was considered superior to wood in that respect. We know from historical sources that the charcoal maker, or collier, was an important figure in Early medieval Ireland. Oak also has unique properties of great durability and strength and was frequently used in the manufacture of posts and wooden plank.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

Salix sp (Willow), Willow was only identified from the Middle Bronze Age fulachta fiadh feature. Willow is a very strong wood in tree form and is excellent for the use as posts. It is also a very flexible wood and was commonly used for the construction and weaving of baskets. It is a native species in Ireland and can be found in a tree and shrub form. According to Webb (1971, 160-2) thirteen species of willow are found growing wild in Ireland, of which eight are certainly native. The wood of salix trees and shrubs cannot be differentiated to species on the basis of anatomical features.

Ulmus sp (elm) Elm was present in small amounts at the Medieval pit feature. English elm (Ulmus procera) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra) cannot be separated by their wood structure. As suggested by Mitchell (1986) elm declined (although would not have completely died out) with the advent of farming and possibly elm disease epidemic around 3700BC. It generally prefers damp woods particularly on limestone.

6. References Beckett, J.K., 1979. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs . Jarrold and Sons Ltd; Norwich. Grogan, E, O Donnell, L, Johnston, P. 2007. The Bronze Age Landscapes of the pipeline to the west. Wordwell, Wicklow Hall, V., 1995. “Woodland Depletion in Ireland over the last Millennium” in J.R. Pilcher and S. Mac An tSaoir (eds), Wood, Trees and Forests in Ireland, 23-35. Hall, V. 2011. The making of Irelands Landscape from the ice age, Cork, The Collins Press. McCracken, E., 1971. The Irish Woods Since Tudor Times. Institute of Irish Studies, Belfast. Nelson E.C., 1993. Trees of Ireland. The Lilliput Press, Dublin. Moloney et al , 1993. Excavations at Clonfinlough, Co. Offaly, Crannog Publications. Mitchell, G.F. 1986. The Irish Landscape. Collins: London. OCarroll, E. 2012. Quantifying woodland resource usage in the midlands using archaeological and palaeocological techniques. PhD thesis, Trinity College Dublin. O’Hara, R. 2012a. N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (i) & (ii) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council. O’Hara, R. 2012b. Drumcaw 1 Final Excavation Report. N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (iii) & (iv) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council. O’Hara, R. 2012c. Drumgeeny 1 Final Excavation Report. N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (iii) & (iv) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

O’Hara, R. 2012d. Drumgeeny 2 Final Excavation Report. N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme Stage (iii) & (iv) services. Unpublished report prepared by Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Monaghan County Council. O' Sullivan, A., 1994. “The use of Trees and Woodland in early medieval Ireland”, Irish Forestry 51, 80-94. Rackham, O., 1980 Ancient Woodland: its history, vegetation and uses in England. Edward Arnold, London. Schweingruber, F.H., 1990. Microscopic Wood Anatomy . (3rd edition) Birmensdorf: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

11.8 Radiocarbon Dating Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

Director: Professor R M Ellam

Rankine Avenue, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0QF, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)1355 223332 Fax: +44 (0)1355 229898 www.glasgow.ac.uk/suerc

RADIOCARBON DATING CERTIFICATE 05 November 2012

Laboratory Code SUERC -42841 (GU28578)

Submitter Aidan O'Connell Archer Heritage Ltd Unit 8 BEAT Centre Stephenstown, Balbriggan Co. Dublin

Sit e Reference Drumgeeny 2 (12E209) Context Reference F16 Sample Reference S7

Material Charcoal : Alder

δ13 C relative to VPDB -27.2 ‰

Radiocarbon Age BP 3372 ± 30

N.B. The above 14 C age is quoted in conventional years BP (before 1950 AD). The error, which is expressed at the one sigma level of confidence, includes components from the counting statistics on the sample, modern reference standards, background standards and the random machine error.

The calibrated age ranges are determined using the University of Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit calibration program OxCal 4.1 (Bronk Ramsey 2009). Terrestrial samples are calibrated using the IntCal09 curve while marine samples are calibrated using the Marine09 curve.

Samples with a SUERC coding are measured at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre AMS Facility and should be quoted as such in any reports within the scientific literature. Any questions directed to the Radiocarbon Laboratory should also quote the GU coding given in parentheses after the SUERC code. The contact details for the laboratory are email [email protected] or Telephone 01355 270136 direct line.

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

Calibration Plot

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Drumgeeny 2 N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme 12E208

12. NRA DATABASE

Excavation No. 12E20 9 Townlan d Drumgeeny 2 Site Name Drumgeeny County Monaghan NRA Project No KY -09 -4743 Year of excavation 2012 ING (Easting) 267242 ING (North ing) 340204 OD Height (m) 70 m Landscape setting Low -lying ground between drumlins north of Monaghan Town NRA Archa eologist Niall Roycroft Site Director Rob O’Hara Archaeological consultancy Archer Heritage Planning Ltd Identification technique Stage i testing ( 12E068 ) Site type Fulacht fiadh Site activity Unknown Dating period Middle Bronze Age Radiocarbon d ates 3372 ± 30 BP; 1746 –1538 cal. BC (2 -sigma); SUERC 42841 Dendrochronology dates N/A Description A middle Bronze Age fulacht fiadh survived below topsoil as a collection of localised disturbed spreads of heat-shattered rock in a charcoal-rich clay matrix (F3; F10, F11, F12). These ranged in size from 3.5m x 2.5m x 0.05m deep (F12) to 0.6m x 0.8m x 0.08m. The largest of the burnt spreads (F12) was adjacent to and west of a pair of pits (F13 & F15) that probably functioned as troughs, and one of which (F13) appeared to be plank lined. The dimensions of the troughs were 1.9m NE/SW x 0.8-1.15m NW/SE x 0.7m deep (F13) and 2m NE/SW x 1.15m NW/SE x 0.6m deep (F15). The remaining features, comprised three linear features (F4, F6 & F18). Artefacts N/A Speciali st analyses Charcoal Identification by Ellen OCarroll identified haze, alder, ash & oak. Additional information N/A Publication An article is proposed for inclusion with a peer reviewed journal or popular magazine (e.g. Seanda/ Archaeology Ireland).

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13. EXCAVATIONS SUMMARY

Monaghan Drumgeeny 2 Fulacht fiadh 267176, 339634 12E209 A middle Bronze Age fulacht fiadh survived below topsoil as a collection of localised disturbed spreads of heat-shattered rock in a charcoal-rich clay matrix. These ranged in size from 3.5m x 2.5m x 0.05m deep to 0.6m x 0.8m x 0.08m. The largest of the burnt spreads was adjacent to and west of a pair of pits that probably functioned as troughs, and one of which appeared to be plank lined. The dimensions of the troughs were 1.9m NE/SW x 0.8-1.15m NW/SE x 0.7m deep and 2m NE/SW x 1.15m NW/SE x 0.6m deep. The remaining features, comprised three linear features. A sample of alder charcoal from one of the troughs has been dated to 1746-1538 cal. BC (SUERC-42841, 3372±30 BP).

Rob O’Hara, on behalf of Archer Heritage Planning Ltd

Signed

Rob O’Hara BA MA MIAI Senior Archaeologist Archer Heritage Planning Ltd. November 2012

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme

Plate 1 F12, F17 & F3 from east Plate 2: F7, F9 & F14 from west

Plate 3: F13/16 & F15/F17 south facing section Plate 4: Oak plank (F16), in-situ

Archer Heritage Planning Ltd N2 Emyvale to Monaghan Road Improvement Scheme

Plate 5: F8 & F9, east facing section Plate 6: F4 & F5 east facing section