Eachtra Journal

Issue 10 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation Report E2414 - Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork Burnt Mound, Metalworking Area & Post-Medieval Settlement

EACHTRA Archaeological Projects Archaeological Excavation Report Burnt Mound, Metalworking Area & Post-Medieval Settlement Ballinglanna North 1 Co Cork May 2011

Client: Cork County Council

Project: N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown E No: E2414

Excavation Director: John Tierney

Written by: Nick Garland, Jacinta Kiely and John Tierney

Archaeological Excavation Report Burnt Mound, Metalworking Area & Post-Medieval Settlement Ballinglanna North 1 Co Cork

Excavation Director John Tierney

Written By Nick Garland, Jacinta Kiely and John Tierney

EACHTRA Archaeological Projects

CORK GALWAY The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected] tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected] © 2011 The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork

Set in 12pt Garamond Printed in Ireland Table of Contents Summary�� v Acknowledgements��vi 1 Scope of the project �� 1 2 Route location �� 1 3 Receiving environment �� 3 4 Archaeological and historical background �� 4 5 Site Location and Topography �� 11 6 Excavation methodology �� 13 7 Excavation results �� 15 Fulacht fiadh��15 Large pits��19 Metalworking area��23 Ditch��25 Group of post-holes and stake-holes��26 Features associated with Glencorra Stream ��30 Structure 1��36 Animal burials��36 Agricultural features��37 Miscellaneous features��37 Plant remains��37 Lithics ��37 Slag��38 Animal bone��39 Radiocarbon dates��39 8 Discussion ��40 Prehistoric occupation�� 40 Early medieval occupation��42 Modern occupation�� 44 9 References ��45 Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index ��48 Appendix 2 Site matrix ��72 Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups ��78 Appendix 4 Finds Register ��104 Appendix 5 Plant remains ��109

i Appendix 6 Lithics report �� 118 Appendix 7 Archaeometallurgical residues ��123 Appendix 8 Animal remains report ��154 Appendix 9 Finds catalogue ��156

ii List of Figures Figure 1: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the Ordnance Survey Discovery Series map. �� 2 Figure 2: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the first edition Ordnance Survey map CO010, 011, 019, 020, 027 and 028. �� 5 Figure 3: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the RMP map CO010, 011, 019, 020, 027 and 028. The map is based on the second edition Ordnance Survey maps. ��10 Figure 4: Post-excavation plan of Ballinglanna North 1. ��12 Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the fulacht fiadh area. ��14 Figure 6: Section of trough C.183. ��16 Figure 7: Section of gully C.229 and well C.230. ��20 Figure 8: Post-excavation plan of the metal working features. ��21 Figure 9: Section of pits C.213, C.215 and C.220 ��22 Figure 10: Section of ditch C.126. ��27 Figure 11: Section of ditch C.376. ��28 Figure 12: Post-excavation plan of the group of post-holes and stakeholes. ��29 Figure 13: Post-excavation plan of the linears C.340, C.354, C.370 and C.372. ��31 Figure 14: Post-excavation plan of the modern structure. ��32 Figure 15: Late Bronze Age sites on and in the environs of the N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown. ��33 Figure 16: Medieval sites on and in the environs of the N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown road. ��34

iii List of Plates Plate 1: View of Glencorra Bridge from north ��11 Plate 2: View of area of excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 from north-east. Note location of Glencorra Bridge. ��13 Plate 3: View of mid-excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 from the surface of Glencorra Bridge. ��17 Plate 4: View of western extent of area of excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 from north. The two ranging rods set at right angles mark the location of the trough C.183. ��17 Plate 5: View of trough C.183 from east. ��18 Plate 6: View of well C.230 in foreground and gully C.229 and unexcavated trough C.183 in background from south-east. ��18 Plate 7: View of main layer of mound material C.183 from north-west. �� 23 Plate 9: View of east-facing section of pit C.292. �� 24 Plate 8: View of pit C. 268. �� 24 Plate 10: View of northern section of ditch C.378 from south-west. �� 25 Plate 12: Micro disc flint scraper E2414:214:2 �� 35 Plate 11: View of linear C.390 from north-east. �� 35 Plate 13: Early Mesolithic flint blade E2414:US:1 �� 38 Plate 14: Early Mesolithic flint blade E2414:US:1 �� 39

List of Tables Table 1: Dimension of the troughs ��15 Table 2: Dimension of the post-holes ��19 Table 3: Dimension of the pits ��19 Table 4: Dimension of the pits �� 25 Table 5: Dimension of the post-holes �� 30 Table 6: Radiocarbon dates �� 39 Table 7: Radiocarbon dates from the burnt mound sites on the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown ��41

iv Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Summary The excavation of the site at Ballinglanna North 1 revealed a range of features dating to the Late Bronze Age, the early medieval period and the modern period. The site was located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream and most of the activity recorded on site was associated with this water source. The earliest evidence, a single flint blade, from the site dated to the Mesolithic. A small group of stone tools including flint debitage was dated to the Early Bronze Age but none of the features recorded on site could be assigned to the Early Bronze Age. A fulacht fiadh was dated to the Late Bronze Age. The mound overlay a substantial rectangular trough. The trough was connected to a well. A small number of post-holes were located to the south of the trough. The site was suitable as a location for metalworking, specifically iron smithing, in the early medieval period. A large ditch was excavated parallel and to the west of the Glencorra Stream. A large quantity of slag was recovered from the fills of the ditch and a small amount from a small group of pits on the eastern edge of the ditch. No certain features of metallurgical origin were recorded at the site. Two large storage pits and an area of domestic occupation are associated with the early medieval phase of activity. Finally the site was occupied in the modern period. A small stone structure, some linear features and a revetment wall on the western side of the Glencorra Stream date to the modern period.

Project Details Road project name N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Site name Ballinglanna North 1 Ministerial Order no. A040 E no. E2414 Site director John Tierney Townland Ballinglanna North Parish Kilcrumper Barony Condons & Clangibbon OS Map Sheet No. CO027 National Grid Reference 181463, 103192 Chainage 2050-2100

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Acknowledgements The senior archaeologist was John Tierney and the post-excavation managers were Penny Johnston and Jacinta Kiely. Administration of the project was by Choryna Kiely and Fiona Greene. Illustrations are by Ben Blakeman and Maurizio Toscano. Photographs are by John Sunderland, Hawkeye and Eachtra Archaeological Projects. Specialist analysis was carried out by Mary Dillon, Penny Johnston, Farina Sternke, Tim Young and the 14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. The project was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and was commissioned by Cork County Council on behalf of the National Roads Authority. The project archaeologist was Ken Hanley.

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1 Scope of the project The archaeological works associated with the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass was carried out on behalf of Cork County Council, National Road Design Office, Rich- mond, Glanmire, Co. Cork. The project was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The total archaeological cost was administered by the National Roads Authority through Cork County Council as part of the Author- ity’s commitment to protecting our cultural heritage. The purpose of the archaeological services project was to conduct archaeological site investigations within the lands made available, to assess the nature and extent of any potential new sites uncovered and to preserve by record those sites of agreed archaeological significance, as approved by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. Phase 1 of the project (archaeological testing of the route) was carried out in October 2005 under licence 05E1150 issued by Department of the Environment Heritage and Lo- cal Government (DoEHLG). The principal aim of this phase of the project was to test for any previously unknown sites by a programme of centreline and offset testing and to test sites of archaeological potential identified in the EIS and geophysical surveying. Five Cul- tural Heritage Sites were tested under individual excavation licences 05E1122-05E1126. Phase 2 of the project (resolution) involved the resolution of all archaeological sites identified within the proposed road corridor prior to commencement of the construction of the bypass. This phase of the project was carried out from September 2006 to Septem- ber 2007 and excavations were conducted under the management of a Senior Archaeolo- gist. A total of 28 sites were excavated during this phase of works under separate licences issued by DoEHLG. A post-excavation assessment and strategy document was prepared in Phase 3 of the project to present a management strategy for dealing with post-excavation work arising from archaeological works along the route of the new N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown By- pass. It included a proposal for post-excavation and archiving work and a budget for the works. The document detailed the location of the route, the receiving environment, the archaeological and historical background, the scope of the project and the circumstances and scope of fieldwork. The document presented a scheme-wide summary of the archaeological findings, a research framework within which the findings were dealt with and a publication plan and dissemination strategy for the end results.

2 Route location The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown road is located in the rich pastureland of North Cork (Figure 1). The project involves the construction of c. 16 km of the N8 from Gortore north of Fermoy to Carrigane north-east of Mitchelstown. The N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown road passes through the townlands of Gortore, Ballynacarriga, Glenwood, Ballinglanna North, Ballinrush, Caherdrinny, Gortnahown, Ballybeg, Turbeagh, Glena-

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Derry Donegal Antrim

Tyrone

Leitrim Fermanagh Armagh Down

Sligo Garryleagh 1 Cavan Louth Carrigane 1 Mayo Roscommon Longford E2433 E2434 Meath

Westmeath Dublin Galway Oﬀaly Kildare

Laois Wicklow Clare Kildrum 1 Carlow E3971 Tipperary Kilkenny Limerick Wexford Kilshanny 3 Kerry N8 Waterford E2432 Cork

Kilshanny 2 E2431

Ballynamona 2 Kilshanny 1 E2429 E2430

Ballynamona 1 Glenatluckly 1 E2428 E2427

Gortnahown 2 E2426

Gortnahown 1 Gortnahown 3 E2423 E2477

Gortnahown 4 E3832

Caherdrinny 3 E2422

Caherdrinny 2 E2421

Caherdrinny 1 E2420 Ballinrush 1 E2419

Ballinglanna North 5 E2418 Ballinglanna North 4 E2417

Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 Ballinglanna North 6 E3972

Ballinglanna North 2 E2415

Ballinglanna North North 1 1 E2414 Ballynacarriga 3 E2412 Ballynacarriga 2 E2413

Ballynacarriga 1 Key E2411

Post Medieval Gortore 1B Early Medieval E2410 Gortore 2 Prehistoric Site E3973 Prehistoric Settlement Site Burnt Mound Non-archaeological 0km 2km Townland Boundaries Figure 1: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the Ordnance Survey Discovery Series map.

2 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ tlucky, Ballynamona, Kilshanny, Corracunna, Kildrum, Garryleagh, and Carrigane. The townlands are located in the parishes of Kilcrumper, Glanworth and Brigown and Barony of Condons & Clangibbon, with the exception of Gortore, and Glenwood, which are located in the Barony of Fermoy. The route begins at the northern end of the Fermoy Bypass at Gortore, c. 2km north of Fermoy, and continues northwards across the River Funshion, and to the west of the Glencorra Stream, a tributary of the Funshion, for 4 km. At Caherdrinny, it crosses over the western extremities of the Kilworth Mountains. From there it descends north-eastwards onto the broad plain that extends east and north-eastwards from Mitchelstown. It crosses the existing N8 at Gortnahown and passes to the east of Mitchelstown, crossing the R665 Mitchelstown-Ballyporeen road and links up with the N8 Cashel Mitchelstown Road at Carrigane south of Kilbeheny and 2 km west of where the borders of the Cork, Limerick and Tipperary counties meet.

3 Receiving environment The topography of East Cork and Waterford consists of east/west valleys separated by in- tervening ridges. The ridges consist of sandstones and mudstones of the Devonian Period (Old Red Sandstone) laid down 355-410 million years ago and the valleys of Carbonifer- ous limestones laid down 290-355 million years ago. The sediments covering many of the rocks are mainly of glacial origin deposited by glacial ice or meltwater (Sleeman and McConnell 1995, 1). The landscape of the area is dominated by the Galtee Mountains to the north, the Ballyhoura Mountains to the north-west, the Kilworth Mountains to the east and the Nagles to the south. The landscape is drained by the Blackwater River, the Funshion River (which flows into the Blackwater River c. 2 km north-east of Fermoy), and the Glencorra Stream, a tributary of the Funshion River. The largest population centres in the area, Fermoy and Mitchelstown, have developed on the banks of the River Blackwater and Gradoge (a tributary of the Funshion), respectively. The route begins at Gortore, c. 2 km north of Fermoy, at an elevation of c. 40 m OD. At Caherdrinny, it rises to its maximum elevation of c. 180 m OD as it crosses over the western extremities of the Kilworth Mountains, before descending onto the broad plain that that extends east and north-eastwards from Mitchelstown, at an elevation of 100-120 m OD. The soils on the southern portion of the route are characterised by acid brown earths derived from mixed sandstone and limestone glacial till. These soils occur generally in the valleys of Cork and Waterford (Gardiner and Radford 1980, 61), and have a wide use range, being suitable for tillage and grass production. The soils on the western limits of Kilworth Mountains are characterised by brown podzolics derived from sandstone. The soils on the northern portion of the route are characterised by brown podzolics derived from sandstone and shale glacial till. They have a wide range of potential uses and are well

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suited to arable and pastoral farming (ibid., 67). Land use along the route was almost entirely grassland devoted to intensive dairying and cattle-rearing, with only an occasional tillage field.

4 Archaeological and historical background Archaeological sites of numerous periods were discovered along the route of the new road (Figure 2). The periods are referred to as follows: Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC), Neolithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC), Chalcolithic (Beaker) (c. 2500-2000 BC), Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 500 BC), and Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500), early medieval period (c. AD 500 to 1100), medieval period (c. AD 1100 to 1650), post-medieval period (c. AD 1650 to the present). A number of Giant Irish Deer (Megaloceros giganteus) skulls, large antlers, antler fragments and various long-bones were retrieved from the clay sediments, c. 1.5 m below the peat stratum at Ballyoran Bog (04E1014) on the route of the N8 Rathcormac Fermoy. A radiocarbon date of cal BC 11201-10962 was returned for the Giant Irish Deer. Gi- ant Irish Deer are extinct but are known to have inhabited Ireland during two separate periods in the Pleistocene (from 37,000-32,000 BP and 11,750-10,950 BP), with examples from lake deposits beneath peat bogs frequently dating to the period between 11,750 BP and 10,950 BP (Woodman et al. 1997). The Ballyoran Bog examples were found in this typical location of lacustrine (lake) sediments beneath peat and they therefore pre-date the beginnings of bog formation and the first human settlement of the area.

Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC) The earliest known human settlement in Ireland dates from the Mesolithic period (c. 8000 BC - 4000 BC). In Munster, the majority of the evidence (flint scatters) for Meso- lithic occupation has ‘come from the Blackwater valley in Co. Cork’ (Woodman 1989, 116). Flint scatters were recorded in the townlands of Kilcummer Lower (CO034-060) on the northern bank of the Blackwater c. 13 km to the south-west of the route and in Ballynamona (CO018-099) and Wallstown (CO018-100) on the northern and southern sides of the Awbeg river respectively c. 20 km to the west of the route (Power et al. 2000, 2). Mesolithic sites and find spots were recorded on other road schemes in Co. Cork, these included; Rath-healy 3 03E1678 and Curraghprevin 3 03E1138 (N8 Rathcormac Fermoy Bypass), Ballynacarriaga 1 01E0567 (N25 Youghal Bypass), Ballinaspig More 5 01E0546 (N22 Ballincollig Bypass) and Carrigrohane 3 02E0431 (N22 BG). Mesolithic activity was recorded on the route of the N8 Fermoy-Mitchelstown at Gortore E2410 and at Caherdrinny 3 E2422 and Mesolithic stone tools were recovered from Ballinglanna North 1 E2414, Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 and Ballinglanna North 6 E3972.

4 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Derry Donegal Antrim

Tyrone

Leitrim Fermanagh Armagh Down

Sligo Garryleagh 1 Cavan Louth Carrigane 1 Mayo Roscommon Longford E2433 E2434 Meath

Westmeath Dublin Galway Oﬀaly Kildare

Laois Wicklow Clare Kildrum 1 Carlow E3971 Tipperary Kilkenny Limerick Wexford Kilshanny 3 Kerry N8 Waterford E2432 Cork

Kilshanny 2 E2431

Ballynamona 2 Kilshanny 1 E2429 E2430

Ballynamona 1 Glenatluckly 1 E2428 E2427

Gortnahown 2 E2426

Gortnahown 1 Gortnahown 3 E2423 E2477

Gortnahown 4 E3832

Caherdrinny 3 E2422

Caherdrinny 2 E2421

Caherdrinny 1 E2420 Ballinrush 1 E2419

Ballinglanna North 5 E2418 Ballinglanna North 4 E2417

Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 Ballinglanna North 6 E3972

Ballinglanna North 2 E2415

Ballinglanna North North 1 1 E2414 Ballynacarriga 3 E2412 Ballynacarriga 2 E2413

Ballynacarriga 1 Key E2411

Post Medieval Gortore 1B Early Medieval E2410 Gortore 2 Prehistoric Site E3973 Prehistoric Settlement Site Burnt Mound Non-archaeological 0km 2km Townland Boundaries Figure 2: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the first edition Ordnance Survey map CO010, 011, 019, 020, 027 and 028.

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Neolithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC) The Neolithic Period is characterised by the introduction of agriculture and the beginnings of the clearance of the woodlands. The population increased and became more sedentary in nature. A substantial Neolithic settlement site has been recorded at Lough Gur, Co. Limerick. Previously the nearest known Neolithic house was located in Pepper- hill (CO016-226/01) c. 30 km to the northwest of the route. It was recorded during the construction of the Bruff-Mallow gas pipeline (Gowen 1988, 44-51). The material culture includes the manufacture of pottery, flint and stone arrowheads, scrapers, axes etc. The range of monuments types includes Megalithic tombs, single burial graves and stone circles. Megalithic tombs can be sub-divided into court tombs, portal tombs, passage tombs and wedge tombs. There are few wedge tombs or stone circles known from north or east Cork. Two of the exceptions are wedge tombs located at Lab- bacallee (CO027-086), which is one of the largest wedge tombs in the country, and at Manning (CO027-091) both located c. 4 km west of the N8. Recent infrastructural work on the N8 Rathcormac to Fermoy and the Ballincollig Bypass have added significantly to the number of Neolithic sites in the county. A Neo- lithic house was excavated at Gortore (E2119), on the N8 Rathcormac to Fermoy road and another Neolithic house was excavated at Barnagore (02E0384), along the route of the Ballincollig Bypass. Both of these Cork examples produced essentially the same radiocarbon results (cal BC 3940-3620 at Barnagore and cal BC 3928-3655 from Gortore) and they represent the oldest known houses in the county. A single pit at Fermoy townland (05E0078), located c. 3 km to the south of Gortore, produced 12 sherds of a Middle Neolithic Globular bowl, and another site at Curraghprevin (c.12 km south of Gortore) produced Western Neolithic (Early Neolithic) pottery and a radiocarbon date of 3090- 2580 BC (Late Neolithic). Rectangular Neolithic houses were recorded on the route of the N8 FM at Gortore 1b (E2410), Ballinglanna North 3 (E2416) and Caherdrinny 3 (E2422). A large enclosure containing several structures associated with Late Neolithic pottery was excavated at Bal- lynacarriaga 3 (E2412). Activity dating to the Neolithic was also recorded at Ballynamona 1 (E2428), Ballynamona 2 (E2429), and Gortnahown 2 (E2426) and Gortore 2 (E3973).

Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 500 BC) The Bronze Age is characterised by the introduction of metallurgy and an increase in settlement and burial sites. Copper ores were mined and copper, bronze and gold items manufactured. The range of burial site types includes cist graves, pit and urn burials, cremation cemeteries, barrows, ring-ditches and wedge tombs. Stone circles and standing stones also date to the Bronze Age. Both enclosed and unenclosed settlement sites are known. The most prolific Bronze Age site type is the fulacht fiadh; over 2,000 examples have been recorded in County Cork alone. These monuments survive as low mounds of charcoal rich black silt, packed with heat-shattered stones, and generally situated close to a water source. Fulachta fiadh are generally classified as ‘cooking places’, whereby stones

6 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ were heated in a hearth and subsequently placed in a trough of water, the water continued to boil with the addition of hot stones and wrapped food was cooked within the hot water. The trough eventually filled with small stones, ash and charcoal that were removed, forming the basis of the familiar mound. The Bronze Age cemetery site at Mitchelstowndown West, c. 16 km to the north of Mitchelstown, contains 53 small barrows. The Discovery Programme Report 1 (Daly and Grogan 1992, 44) selected four of this group for excavation. Until recently, Bronze Age settlement sites were a rarity in North Cork. A Bronze Age occupation site was recorded underlying the medieval ringfort Lisleagh I (CO027-158) c. 2.5 km to the west of the N8 (Power et al. 2000, 210). A house site was excavated at Killydonoghoe on the route of the N8 Glanmire-Watergrasshill Bypass (Sherlock 2003). Three circular houses dating to the Middle Bronze Age were excavated at Mitchelstown (04E1072) on the N8 Mitchelstown Relief Road. A large Bronze Age settlement site con- sisting of three circular enclosures and three circular houses was excavated in 2003 at Ballybrowney (03E1058), on the route of the N8 Rathcormac-Fermoy (Cotter 2005, 40). Bronze Age round houses were recorded on the route of the N8 Fermoy – Mitchel- stown at Kilshanny 1 (E2432) and Ballynamona 2 (E2429). Burnt mounds/fulachta fiadh sites were recorded at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414), Ballinglanna North 3 (E2416), Ball- inglanna North 6 (E3972), Ballynamona 2 (E2429), Caherdrinny 1 (E2420), Kilshanny 3 (E2432) and Kildrum 1 (E3971). Two ring ditches and associated cists and pits burials were recorded at Ballynacarriga 3 (E2412). Portions of several encrusted urns and food vessels dating to the Early Bronze Age were recorded in association with the burials. A cremation burial and associated Early Bronze Age urn were also recorded at Glenatlucky (E2427).

Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500) Until the last decade there was little evidence of a significant Iron Age presence in the Cork region. Settlement sites are few and far between as well as being difficult to identify (Woodman, 2000) while the material culture of this period is limited. Linear earthworks, believed to have marked tribal boundaries, and hillforts are two of the most visible monuments of the period. Three separate stretches of a linear boundary, the Claidh Dubh, have been recorded in County Cork. The longest stretch, c. 24 km in length extends from the Nagle Mountains, across the Blackwater valley and into the Ballyhoura Hills. Radiocarbon dating following excavation of a section of it revealed it dated to some time before AD100 (Doody 1995, 23). Two of the four hillfort sites in Cork are located in North Cork (Power et al. 2000, 205). Caherdrinny (CO019:97/01&03) is located at the western end of the Kilworth Mountains, c. 700 m to the west of the N8, Corrin (CO035:49/01) is located at the eastern end of the Nagle Mountains, overlooking a pass between the Blackwater and Bride river valleys just south of Fermoy.

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Iron Age dates were returned from a roundhouse at Ballinaspig More 5 01E0546, a possible bowl furnace at Curraheen 1 01E1209 and the fulacht fiadh at Curraheen 4 02E1297 on the N22 Ballincollig Bypass; the Iron Age structure at Muckridge 1 01E0429 on the N25 Youghal Bypass; iron working sites at Kilrussane 01E0701 and Trabstown 01E0501 on the N8 Glanmire Watergrasshill Bypass; the iron working site at Lisnagar De- mesne 1 03E1510, the pit at Maulane East 1 03E1286, the pit at Scartbarry 3 03E1800, the corn-drying kiln at Rath-healy 1 03E1139, the burnt mound at Fermoy Wood 04E1014 and the ring ditch at Ballybrowney Lower 3 05E0233 all on the M8 Rathcormac Fermoy. Activity dating to the Iron Age was recorded on the route of the N8 Fermoy – Mitch- elstown at Ballinglanna North 3 E2416, Ballinglanna North 4 E2417, Ballynacarriaga 3 E2412, Gortnahown 1 E2423, Gortnahown 3 E2477 and Caherdrinny 3 E2422. The sites, with the exception of a single fire pit at Ballinglanna North 4 E2417, did not date exclusively to the Iron Age.

Early medieval period (c. AD 500 to 1100) The early medieval period is characterised by the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. The characteristic monument type of the period is the ringfort. Ringforts are the most numerous archaeological monument found in Ireland, with estimates of between 30,000 and 50,000 illustrated on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey 6” maps of the 1840’s (Barry 1987). As a result of continued research, the construction of these monuments has a narrow date range during the early medieval period between the 7th and 9th centuries AD. Although there are some very elaborate examples of ringforts, they often take the form of a simple earth or stone enclosure functioning as settlements for all classes of secu- lar society (Stout 1997). A major research excavation of two ringforts was undertaken at Lisleagh, c. 2.5 km to the west of the N8 route, in the late 1980s/early1990s. Structural, domestic and industrial evidence was recorded at both sites. A number of stake and wattle round houses, and ironworking were recorded in Lisleagh I, which had two phases of occupation, ranging from the early 7th century to the 9th century AD (Monk 1995, 105-116). Souterrains, frequently associated with ringforts and enclosures, are man made un- derground chambers linked by narrow passageways. The concealed entrance is located at ground level. It is thought souterrains were used for storage or places of refuge during times of trouble (Clinton 2001). It has also been hypothesised that some may have been used for housing slaves. The monastery of Brigown (which gave the name to the modern parish in Mitchel- stown) was founded in the 7th century by Fanahan. Fanahan is reputed to have commissioned seven smiths to make seven sickles which were used by him for self-mortifica- tion. The new monastery was named, Brí Gabhann, for the smiths (Power 1996, 3). The ecclesiastical remains comprise a church, graveyard, holy well and site of round tower (CO019:30/01-05). A possible enclosure site with evidence of metalworking was excavated

8 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ by John Purcell in Brigown. This was possibly the enclosure of Brigown. No dates were obtained from the site (John Purcell personal communication). A horizontal-wheeled mill (CO027-108) was located on the northern side of the Glen- corra Stream c. 120 m north of the confluence with the River Funshion. A ringfort and associated souterrain (CO027-109) were excavated on the route of the N8 Fermoy – Mitchelstown at Ballynacarriga 2 (E2413). Two circular houses and a com- prehensive range of metalworking activities were excavated at Gortnahown 2 (E2426). Sites with evidence of metalworking activities were also excavated at Ballynamona 2 (E2429) and Ballinglanna North 1 (E2412).

High and later medieval periods (c. AD 1100 to 1650) This period is characterized by the arrival of the Anglo-Normans and the building of tower houses. Mitchelstown was formerly known as Brigown / Mitchelstown (CO019- 149). It was listed as a market town in 1299 and was located on the southern bank of the Gradoge River, to the east of Mitchelstown Castle (Power et al. 2000, 595). The town developed under the patronage of the House of Desmond. It passed into the hands of the Earls of Kingston in the 17th century (Power 1996, 23). The Condon family controlled the barony of Condons and Clongibbon. Two of their castles are located in close vicinity to the route of the N8 FM. Cloghleagh Castle (CO027:113) is located on the northern bank of the Funshion River to the east of the new route. It was built on an outcrop of limestone bedrock. It is a 5-storey tower with associated bawn wall (Power et al. 2000, 537). Caherdrinny Castle (CO019:97/02) is located to the west of the route. It was a 5-storey tower built within the hillfort enclosure (CO019:97/01&03). Glanworth Castle (Boherash CO027-42) is located on a sheer limestone cliff overlooking the River Funshion 5 km to the west of the route. The th13 -century hall house is associated with a four-sided walled enclosure (ibid. 516).

Post-medieval period (c. 1650 to the present). The post-medieval period is characterised by mills, limekilns, workhouses, country houses and associated demesnes, vernacular buildings and field systems (Figure 3). Three demesnes associated with country houses are within the route of the N8 at Moorepark, Ballynacarriga and Glenwood. The estate system was dismantled in Ireland in the early 20th century. Demesnes usually comprise of a large country house with associated stables, farm buildings and gate lodges, areas of woodland and ornamental gardens etc. The demesne was usually enclosed by a high stone wall such as that associated with Moorepark. Moorepark house and demesne was the seat of the Earls Mountcashell (Lewis 1988, 312). The Moorepark Estate covered an area around 800 acres and extended both north and south of the river Funshion. The house was sold to the British War Office c. 1903 by the 5th Earl’s daughter (Bence-Jones 1996, 211). It burned down in 1908 and was never rebuilt. No trace of it now survives The demesne is clearly defined by woodland on the

9 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Derry Donegal Antrim

Tyrone

Leitrim Fermanagh Armagh Down

Sligo Garryleagh 1 Cavan Louth Carrigane 1 Mayo Roscommon Longford E2433 E2434 Meath

Westmeath Dublin Galway Oﬀaly Kildare

Laois Wicklow Clare Kildrum 1 Carlow E3971 Tipperary Kilkenny Limerick Wexford Kilshanny 3 Kerry N8 Waterford E2432 Cork

Kilshanny 2 E2431

Ballynamona 2 Kilshanny 1 E2429 E2430

Ballynamona 1 Glenatluckly 1 E2428 E2427

Gortnahown 2 E2426

Gortnahown 1 Gortnahown 3 E2423 E2477

Gortnahown 4 E3832

Caherdrinny 3 E2422

Caherdrinny 2 E2421

Caherdrinny 1 E2420 Ballinrush 1 E2419

Ballinglanna North 5 E2418 Ballinglanna North 4 E2417

Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 Ballinglanna North 6 E3972

Ballinglanna North 2 E2415

Ballinglanna North North 1 1 E2414 Ballynacarriga 3 E2412 Ballynacarriga 2 E2413

Ballynacarriga 1 Key E2411

Post Medieval Gortore 1B Early Medieval E2410 Gortore 2 Prehistoric Site E3973 Prehistoric Settlement Site Burnt Mound Non-archaeological 0km 2km Townland Boundaries Figure 3: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the RMP map CO010, 011, 019, 020, 027 and 028. The map is based on the second edition Ordnance Survey maps.

10 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Plate 1: View of Glencorra Bridge from north

1841-2 and 1906 edition Ordnance Survey maps, which was most likely enclosed by a wall. It is likely that the demesne walls are contemporary with the mansion house and therefore date to the 18th century. The Cork to Dublin mail coach road originally ran to west of the demesne walls as it appears on the 1841-2 and 1906 Ordnance Survey maps. The site of a workhouse (C0019-11301-) built in 1852 is located in Kilshanny townland to the east of Mitchelstown. The complex of buildings, including a hospital chapel and mortuary, was enclosed within a three-metre high limestone wall and could accommo- date up to 600 people. Closed in 1916 and burned by the IRA in 1922, only the boundary wall and main entrance way survive today (Power 2002, 48). A late 19th century bridge of rubble limestone, approached by a causeway at either end, carries a tertiary road from Kilworth-Glanworth over the Glencorra Stream. A road crosses the stream at the same location on the 1841-2 Ordnance survey map, but the bridging structure is not named. The site is named Glencorra Bridge on the 1906 edition of the Ordnance Survey map and is of local architectural significance.

5 Site Location and Topography The site at Ballinglanna North 1 is located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream and the northern side of the Glencorra Bridge. The Glencorra Bridge (Plate 1) crosses the southern end of the Glencorra Stream c. 400 m before it joins the River Funshion. The site is located on the flood plain of the river (Plate 2). The western side of the Glencorra valley, which is mostly wooded, rises steeply to the west.

11 ISSUE 10:EachtraJournal-SSN2009-2237 12 181424 181492 ± 375 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 0 0 1 1 92

Ditch

272 Fulacht Fiadh 126 178 )O Group of postholes, 38 m O.D. stakeholes and pits 181 14 22 382 333 6 29 10 183 72 144 20 270 176 284 378 331 39 64 30 27 174 191 17 24 292 185 70 230 Metalworking 78 4 274 260 88 8 241 220 area 376 318 325 Structure 264 213 268 303 255 320 296 215 305 258 328 82 74 342 323 ArchaeologicalExcavation Report 344 83 301 4142 75 340 390 353 315 354 370 am 5 5 e 6 6 r 1 1 t 3 3 Features s 0 0 1 1 372 a associated rr with stream co n le G

0 25 m

181424 181492 Figure 4: Post-excavation plan of Ballinglanna North 1. Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Plate 2: View of area of excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 from north-east. Note location of Glencorra Bridge.

6 Excavation methodology The excavation was carried out under E-Number E2414 and complied with the method statement approved by the Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Govern- ment, in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. The site was mechanically stripped of topsoil under strict archaeological supervision. Stripping was done with a tracked machine with a flat toothless bucket. Where appropriate mini-diggers were used, and in the larger areas to be stripped multiple large tracked machines were used; all stripping operations involved the use of multiple dumpers for topsoil mounding. Topsoil stripping commenced in the areas of identified archaeology and continued radially outward until the limit of the road take was reached or until the limit of the archaeological remains was fully defined. A grid was set up in the excavation area(s) and all archaeological features were sufficiently cleaned, recorded and excavated so as to enable an accurate and meaningful record of the site to be preserved. The excavation, environmental sampling, site photographs, site drawings, find care and retrieval, on-site recording and site archive was as per the Procedures for Archaeological works as attached to the licence method statements for excavation licences. The site was excavated over a 19 week period from 6 October 2006 to 7 March 2007 by a crew of six people. Only areas within the CPO were resolved. The full extent of the area of excavation measured 4,500 m2. The full record of excavated contexts is recorded in the context register (Appendix 1) and the stratigraphic matrix (Appendix 2). Detailed stratigraphic descriptions are found in the groups and sub-groups text (Appendix 3).

13 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report 181427 181431 ± 272

178 4 4 9 9 1 1 3 3 0 0 1 1

Fulacht Fiadh 181

231 225 249

Trough 243 245 8 8 8 8 1 1 3 3

0 233 0 1 247 1 183 251 219 176 229

168 174 185 187

230 191 274

Structure 0 2 m

181427 181431 Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the fulacht fiadh area.

14 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

7 Excavation results This site comprised of a range of features including a fulacht fiadh, a substantial ditch, pits associated with metalworking, an area of occupation comprising a group of postholes, stake-holes and pits, a post-medieval structure and a group of linear features associated with the Glencorra Stream (Figure 4, Plates 3 and 4). A layer of colluvium covered the western half of the site up to a depth of 0.7 m. It originated from the western side of the Glencorra valley and spread across the flood plain of the river.

Fulacht fiadh The fulacht fiadh was located at the western side of the site on low lying ground at the base of the side of the valley of the Glencorra Stream. The stream itself, flowing in a southerly direction, was located 50 m to the east. The trough (C.183) measured 2.2 m in length, 1.8 m in width and 0.8 m in depth. It was rectangular in shape with a flat base, with some stone lining still evident (Figures 5 and 6, Plate 5). It was connected to a water management system which extended from the south-east corner to the south. The trough directly connected to a gully (C.229) which measured 2.22 m in length, 1.46 m in width and 0.27 m in depth. The basal fill of the gully was sandy and the upper fills were a mixture of burnt mound material. A flint blade (E2414:US:1) dating to the Early Mesolithic was recovered from the area of the north- west corner of the trough. The gully in turn was connected to a well (C.230) (Figure 7, plate 6). The well was located 2.28 m south of the trough. It measured 2.16 m in length, 1.66 m in width and 0.51 m in depth. It was consistently full of water during the process of excavation. This may have been used as a water supply to fill the large trough. The trough, gully and well were truncated by cut features, which were interpreted as possible troughs (C.187, C.191 and C.219). The trough (C.187) lay directly over the fill of the gully (C.229), while the second trough (C.191), truncated both the fills of gully (C.229) and well (C.230). The third trough (C.219) truncated the intersection of the main trough and the water gully. All were of a later date than the water management system but may have been used as a later phase of activity in connection with the main trough C.183. The fills of all of the troughs were a mixture of burnt mound material.

Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m) Volume (m3) 183 2.2 1.8 0.8 3.168 187 1.72 1.05 0.28 0.505 191 1.27 0.9 0.18 0.205 219 0.92 0.56 0.48 0.247 Table 1: Dimension of the troughs There were six post-holes (C.174, C.176, C.185, C.225, C.231 and C.233), five stakeholes (C.234, C.245, C.247, C.249 and C.251) and three pits (C.168, C.178 and C.181) associated with the fulacht fiadh. Of these three post-holes (C.225, C.231 and C.233) and

15 ISSUE 10:EachtraJournal-SSN2009-2237 16

Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 East facing section of trough C.183

C.163

Baulk

C.184 C.163

Limit of Excavation ArchaeologicalExcavation Report

C.183

0 500 mm

Figure 6: Section of trough C.183. Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Plate 3: View of mid-excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 from the surface of Glencorra Bridge.

Plate 4: View of western extent of area of excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 from north. The two ranging rods set at right angles mark the location of the trough C.183.

17 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Plate 5: View of trough C.183 from east.

Plate 6: View of well C.230 in foreground and gully C.229 and unexcavated trough C.183 in background from south-east.

18 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ all five stake-holes (C.243, C.245, C.247, C.249 and C.251) were associated with the main trough C.183, suggesting that the trough was timber lined. Three of the post-holes cut the corners of the trough, the south-western corner being the exception. The fill of post-hole C.231 returned a Late Bronze Age date of cal BC 766-537 529-524 (UB-12969). Three of the stake-holes (C.243, C.245 and C.247) cut the post-hole C.233 on the south-eastern edge of the trough. A fourth stake-hole C.251 was located immediately to the east. The fifth state-hole C.249 was located to the east of post-hole C.231. All the stake-holes may have supported the post-hole C.233. The other three post-holes (C.174, C.176 and C.185) and three pits (C.168, C.178 and C.181) were located beneath the spread of burnt mound material. The post-holes were located to the south-west of the trough and two of the pits to the north-east. The postholes were similar in plan and size and may have formed part of a temporary structure associated with the trough.

Context Diameter (m) Depth (m) 174 0.32 0.27 176 0.4 0.24 185 0.3 0.2 Table 2: Dimension of the post-holes The pits varied in terms of size, plan and contents. None of the fills were derived from the burnt mound material.

Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m) 168 1.07 0.2 0.15 178 1.3 0.62 0.21 181 0.58 0.52 0.34 Table 3: Dimension of the pits The burnt mound material (C.163) was composed of charcoal and heat shattered stone (Plate 7). It overlay the trough and all of the cut features mentioned above. It measured 15.6 m in length, 7.75 m in width and was a maximum of 0.4 m in depth. A retouched flint artefact (E2414:163:1) dating to the Early Bronze Age was recovered from the layer. Two layers (C.164, C.166) of colluvium, overlaid the burnt mound material. Charred plant remains were recovered from layer C.163, a fill of the well C.230 and a post-hole C.225. They were predominantly barley but also included rye and a small percentage of wheat and oat. Two pits (C.171, C.257) and a post-hole (C.211) truncated the burnt mound material after the abandonment of the fulacht fiadh. The three features were located in the vicinity of the trough C.183 and may have been associated with modern agriculture.

Large pits There were two large pits (C.268 and C.292), in close proximity, on the south-western edge of the area of excavation. The largest pit C.268 measured 2.42 m in length by 1.4 m

19 ISSUE 10:EachtraJournal-SSN2009-2237 20

Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 North east facing section of C.230/229

C.196 C.191 C.195 C.193

C.188 C.192 C.187 C.194

C.229

C.189

C.190 ArchaeologicalExcavation Report

C.230

0 500 mm

Figure 7: Section of gully C.229 and well C.230. orth 1-E2414 Ballinglanna North 181438 181444 ±

378

Ditch 3 3 8 8 1 1 3 3 0 0 1 1 260

220

264 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ 376

241 255 213

Metalworking area 215 9 9 7 7 1 1 3 3 0 0 1 1

258

0 5 m

181438 181444

21 Figure 8: Post-excavation plan of the metal working features. ISSUE 10:EachtraJournal-SSN2009-2237 22 Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 South west facing section of C.213

S S C.217 C.214 S

C.213

Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 North facing section of C.215

C.216 ArchaeologicalExcavation Report C.215

Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 North facing section of C.220

C.221 0 500 mm

C.220 Figure 9: Section of pits C.213, C.215 and C.220 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Plate 7: View of main layer of mound material C.183 from north-west. in width, with a depth of 1.22 m (Plate 8). A moderate quantity of cereal grains was recovered from the fills of the pit. In contrast to the percentage breakdown of plant remains from the other areas of the site, oat was the most common cereal type in these deposits, representing 55% of the identifiable cereal count. Rye and barley were also present in smaller amounts. A small quantity of iron slag was recovered from one of the fills. The smaller pit C.292, located to the north-east of pit C.268, measured 1.56 m in length, by 1.77 m in width with a depth of 0.76 m (Plate 9). The pit was only partially excavated as it extended beyond the edge of the excavation. One of the fills returned an early medieval date of cal AD 664-782 789-811 847-854 (UB-12970). A single stake-hole C.266 was located to the south of large pit C.268 at a distance of approximately 1.5 m. A single post-hole C.270 was located 2 m north of the pit C.292. The post-hole could be related to the three post-holes (C.174, C.176 and C.185) that were associated with the burnt mound. It was similar in size.

Metalworking area Five pits (C.213, C.215, C.220, C.241 and C.255) were concentrated in a group on the eastern side of the ditch (Figures 8 and 9). These pits were all located within a 6 m diameter of one another. The pits were generally sub-rectangular in shape. Charcoal, iron nails (E2414:217:2 and E2414:221:1) and iron slag was recovered from fills of four of the pits (C.213, C.220, C.241 and C.255). Two retouched lithics (E2414:214:1 and E2414:214:2), dating to the Early Bronze Age, were recovered from the fill of pit C.213.

23 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Plate 8: View of pit C. 268.

Plate 9: View of east-facing section of pit C.292.

24 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m) 213 1.87 0.61 0.18 215 0.6 0.35 0.15 220 0.6 0.5 0.2 241 1.3 0.35 0.2 255 0.49 0.27 0.24 Table 4: Dimension of the pits There were two linear feature (C.260 and C.264) located in the immediate area around the pits described above. Both features were aligned in an east to west direction and lay parallel to each other at a distance of c. 3 m. Linear C.260 measured 2.56 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.17 m in depth while linear C.264 measured 2.9 m in length, 0.72 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. Iron slag was recovered from the fills of both linears. A clay pipe stem and a fragment of an iron blade (E2414:265:1 and 2) was recovered from linear C.264. It is likely that the linears are modern agricultural furrows which truncated the metalworking area.

Ditch A ditch ran north to south across the site for c. 60 m and extended beyond the edge of the area of excavation to both the north and south. The ditch was approximately 1.5 m wide and ranged in depth from 0.55 m to 1.4 (Plate 10). The ditch was deepest at the northern end of the site and, following the topography of the landscape, became shallower to the south. The ditch was cut into the underlying natural clay and river gravel deposits and the surface was obscured by the layer of colluvium that extended across the site from the west.

Plate 10: View of northern section of ditch C.378 from south-west.

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The sides of the ditch were splayed wider at the top forming a partially stepped profile. The lower half of the sides of the ditch was steeper and sharper that the upper ditch sides. Eight distinct phases of deposition within the ditch cut was recorded in the excavated sections of the ditch including silting, re-deposited burnt mound material, several dumps of metalworking residues and colluvium deposits. Structure 1 cut the colluvium overlying the southern area of the ditch. The evidence from the ditch fills, suggests intense occupation of the area, particularly to the east of the ditch on the flatter terrain. Five sections were excavated in the ditch (C.92, C.126, C.382, C.378 and C.376) (Figures 4, 10 and 11). The excavated sections revealed a series of complex deposits representing the construction, erosion, truncation of earlier activity and re-use of the ditch. A basal layer of occupation material was recorded in ditch section C.92 only. It underlay the deposits at the very base of the ditch which were probably derived from natural silting. These accumulated at the base of the ditch from both the inside and outside edges and the erosion of the ditch sides from weathering. These deposits were recorded in four of the ditch sections. A layer of burnt mound material was recorded on the western edge of the ditch in section C.379. It was up to 0.66 m in depth. A series of layers of metalworking residues overlay the silt in four of the ditch sections, ditch section C.126 being the exception. The layers were brown silty clays with inclusions of charcoal and slag. An early medieval date of cal AD 684-784 787-827 839-864 (UB12968) was returned from the primary metalworking layer C.338 in ditch section C382. A secondary layer C.222 overlay the primary metalworking residue in ditch section C.376 only. It measured at least 4 m by 2 m by 0.25 m in depth and extended beyond the area of the section. C. 73 kg of slag was recovered from this layer alone. An iron tool (E2414:222:1) was also recovered from the fill. Layers of silt overlay the primary layer of metalworking residues in all of the ditch sections. They were deepest in the northern sections, particularly in ditch section C.126, and shallowest in the two southern ditch sections C.378 and C.376. It may indicate a period of inactivity at the site or have accumulated from flooding of the Glencorra Stream. Overlying the silting episode were secondary layers of metalworking residues. They occurred in all of the ditch sections except the southernmost ditch section C.376. The amount of metalworking residues in these layers was considerably smaller in size, c. 18 kg, than the primary layers. The ditch was sealed by a layer of colluvium, ranging in depth from 0.3-0.45. It represents the final phase of activity associated with the ditch.

Group of post-holes and stake-holes A total of eleven post-holes (C.10, C.14, C.17, C.30, C.33, C.35, C.39, C.64, C.72, C.315, C.318), 14 stake-holes (C.4, C.6, C.8, C.22, C.27, C.29, C.41, C.42, C.63, C.74, C.75, C.78, C.82 and C.83), a linear slot C.144 and two small pits (C.37, C.43) were excavated in the eastern area of the site (Figure 12). In addition nine irregular features (C.20, C.24, C.61, C.70, C.88, C.284, C.325, 331 and C.333) located in the midst of the area of occupation may have been truncated post-holes, stake-holes or small shallow pits.

26 orth 1-E2414 Ballinglanna North Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 South west facing section of Trench 4 Area 3

C.145

C.137 C.155 C.148 C.128 C.138 C.130 C.129 C.146 C.344

C.141 C.156 C.131 C.139 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ C.132 C.140 C.133

C.134 C.126 C.135

C.136

C.145 C.150

C.148 C.143

C.146

C.141 Legend

Charcoal C.126 Manganese

0 500 mm

27 Figure 10: Section of ditch C.126. ISSUE 10:EachtraJournal-SSN2009-2237 28

Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 South facing section of C.376 slot 8

W E

C.373

C.222

C.278

C.374

C.376 ArchaeologicalExcavation Report

0 500 mm

Figure 11: Section of ditch C.376. orth 1-E2414 Ballinglanna North 181464 181472 ±

333

6 22 0 0 9 9 14 29 1 1 10 3 3 0 0 1 1 63 61

144 20

72 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Group of postholes, 24 stakeholes and pits 27 30 331 39 64

37 43 5 5 17 8 8 70 1 1 3 3 0 0 33 35 1 1 4 78 88 8

318 325

0 5 m

181464 181472

29 Figure 12: Post-excavation plan of the group of post-holes and stakeholes. ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m) 10 0.37 0.25 0.23 14 0.26 0.24 0.06 17 0.36 0.30 0.23 30 0.18 0.15 0.06 33 0.26 0.20 0.18 35 0.40 0.30 0.30 39 0.30 0.26 0.27 64 0.31 0.25 0.2 72 0.42 0.31 0.25 315 0.15 0.14 0.08 318 0.57 0.34 0.20 Table 5: Dimension of the post-holes Flecks of charcoal and burnt bone were common in the fills of many of these features indicating some domestic activity in the immediate vicinity. Small quantities of plant remains including hazelnut shell fragments, oat grains, barley grains, and indeterminate cereal grains were recovered from fills of eight (C.10, C.17, C.20, C.30, C.33, C.42, C.64 and C.75) of the features. The recovery of a small assemblage of faunal and plant remains would suggest that this was an area of domestic occupation. There was no discernable pattern evident in these remains and it was not possible to determine whether a structure occupied this area.

Features associated with Glencorra Stream Ballinglanna North 1 is located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream. The stream was diverted and straightened in the 19th century. The alteration of the Glencorra Stream may have been associated with the construction of the Glencorra bridge. A group of features located towards the east of the site were associated with the 19th century work on the Glencorra stream. Four linear features (C.340, C.354, C.370 and C.372) were located in the south-east corner of the area of excavation, all orientated north- east to south-west (Figure 13). All four linear features were parallel to one another at varying spaces and were approximately 1 m in width and 0.28 m in depth. The length of these linear features varied from 4.37 m to 9.25 m. Slag, post-medieval glass (E2414:371:1), clay pipe bowl (E2414:359:1), iron tools (E2414:359:2) and charcoal flecks were recovered from the fills of these linears. Linear C.340 was truncated by the burial of a complete horse C.301. The skeleton of the horse was complete and extended. Sherds of 18th/19th century pottery, transfer print ware (E2414:307:1), was recovered from the fill of the burial. Two stake-holes (C.342 and C.344) were located along the northern edge of the linear feature. It is likely that the linear features represent drainage channels connected with the Glencorra Stream. They run from higher ground to the north-east to the lower more waterlogged area to the south-west next to the Glencorra Bridge and are probably associated with the diversion and straightening of the Glencorra stream. A linear feature C.390 was located to the north on the eastern edge of the site on the bank of the Glencorra Stream (Plate 11). It measured 14.2 m in length, 1.2 m in width

30 orth 1-E2414 Ballinglanna North 181456 325 181472

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342 323 83 344 75 301 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ 340 41 390 42 315 353

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31 Figure 13: Post-excavation plan of the linears C.340, C.354, C.370 and C.372. ISSUE 10:EachtraJournal-SSN2009-2237 32 181427 181435 219 ± 229 176 Fulacht Fiadh 378 168

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34 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Plate 11: View of linear C.390 from north-east.

Plate 12: View of Structure 1 at Ballinglanna North 1 from east. and 0.6 m in depth. The linear contained the base of a wall C.322 which revetted the western edge of the Glencorra Stream. The foundation trench for the wall (C.50) was c. 2.5 m in width and 0.55 m in depth. The mortared stone wall c. 1.3 m in width was constructed into this trench and extended the length of the Glencorra stream in this area. The wall straightened and maintained the course of the stream after it was re-channelled into

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this new location. Sherds of post-medieval pottery, glazed red earthenware (E2414:322:1) were recovered from in between the stone courses and sherds of pearlware and transfer print ware (E2414:391:2) from the fill of the foundation cut.

Structure 1 A rectangular modern structure (Structure 1) was located to the south-west corner of the site (Figure 14, Plate 12). It was aligned north-west to south-east and it measured at least 7.7 m in length and 4.9 m in width. A foundation trench C.274 was evident on the northern and western sides of the structure. A dry stone wall survived within this foundation trench. While no stone walls remained on the southern and eastern sides of the structure, a foundation trench (C.296) was still visible. The structure cut the layer of colluvium that extended across the site. The construction cut C.274 was best preserved on the western side of the structure. It cut the burnt mound layers. It was 12 m by 0.46 m by 0.5 m in depth. A dry stone wall was contained within the cut. It survived to a height of three courses. Tiny amount of charred cereal grains were recovered from the fills. Two pits (C.303 and C.305) were located underneath the occupation layers of the structure. The pits may have been associated with the construction of the structure. Ten layers were found within the structure, representing three phases of deposition; pre-construction, occupation and abandonment. Natural gravels (C.286 and C.289) represent pre-construction of the structure and acted as a base layer used for the building of the structure. An iron blade (E2414:286:1) was recovered from the gravel. Re-deposited natural (C.295) and re-deposited burnt mound material (C.288 and C.377) represent the disturbance caused by construction of the building. Layer C.285 was the main occupation layer within the structure. It measured 4.8 m by 3 m by 0.25 m in depth. It included modern pottery, sherds of jugs, plates and cups of glazed red earthenware, decorated slipware, transfer print ware, creamware and stoneware, glass, nails and clay pipes. Two fragments of flint debitage (E2414:285:1 and 2) were also recovered from the layer. The entire structure was sealed by layers of silt.

Animal burials There were two animal burials (C.301 and C.320) located to the south-east corner of the area of excavation (Figures 4 and 13). The burial cut (C.301) measured 2.2 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 0.74 m in depth. The pit cut the linear C.328. The burial contained an articulated horse skeleton, with horseshoes and associated nails still attached. Post- medieval pottery was also recovered from this fill. The burial (C.320) measured 2 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 0.5 m in depth and it contained an articulated bovine skeleton, probably a calf. These burials date to the modern period as modern pottery was found within the fill of the horse burial. In addition, the bones from the burials were in relatively good condi-

36 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ tion, indicating a relatively recent origin. However, the landowner had no memory or recall of these burials or of tales associated with them.

Agricultural features Two parallel linear agricultural furrows (C.258 and C.323) were aligned north-west to south-east. These were regular in shape and parallel, suggesting that they were plough furrows. A sherd of modern pottery (E 2414:327:1) was recovered from furrow C.323. A field drain C.279 truncated the south-west corner of the modern structure. It measured 1.6 m wide by 0.45 m in depth. The field drain was cut by a pit C.353.

Miscellaneous features Two isolated pits were located on the western side of the area of excavation (Figure 4). A large pit C.375 was located at the north-western corner of the area of excavation, west of the ditch. It measured 4.64 m by 1.9 m by 0.6 m in depth. A fragment of flint debitage E2414:361:1 was recovered from one of the fills. The smaller shallow pit C.272 was located to the west of the burnt mound.

Plant remains The plant remains were examined by Penny Johnston (Appendix 5). The burnt mound deposits and associated features contained charred plant remains. These included the burnt mound deposit (C.163) and the fill of a well (C.230) and a post-hole (C.225). The cereals were predominantly barley, but a significant portion of rye was also found along with a small percentage of wheat and oat. A moderate quantity of cereal grains were also recovered from the large pit C.268. Oat was the most common cereal type in these deposits, representing 55% of the identifiable cereal count. Rye was also present, as was barley. Charred seeds, primarily barley were identified in the fills of three of the pits and a linear (C.213, C.241, C.255 and C.264) associated with metalworking. The charred cereals may have been burnt for fuel.

Lithics The lithics were examined by Farina Sternke (Appendix 6). The eight lithic finds from the archaeological excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414) are seven flaked pieces of flint and a natural chunk of flint. The flaked assemblage contains one blade, three retouched artefacts (E2414:163:1, E2414:214:1 and E2414:214:2 (Plate 13)) and three pieces of debitage. The presence of three pieces of debitage suggests that a limited amount of knapping took place at the site. The assemblage is dominated by an Early Bronze Age typological and technological component which includes the fragment of a possible micro disc scraper (E2414:214:2). In addition, a residual Early Mesolithic element in the assemblage

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Plate 13: Micro disc flint scraper E2414:214:2

comprising one blade (E2414:US:1) was recovered from the area of the burnt mound, but may have been re-deposited (Plate 14).

Slag The assemblage was examined by Tim Young (Appendix 7). The assemblage is unusual in many respects and provides a unique insight into iron production on a large scale in early medieval times. Two radiocarbon dates are relevant to the iron working activity, both with calibrated ranges spanning the late 7th to mid 9th centuries. The residues are almost entirely from the smithing of iron. The smithing hearth cakes (SHCs) are large, the average weight is the largest for any assemblage investigated by the specialist to date. The high weights suggest that the site was a specialist bloomsmithing operation on a large scale. While the weights of the SHCs were very variable the internal textures exhibited were rather constant. This factor is unusual. The only exception was the fill of pit C.255, located in the metalworking area, which contained a small quantity of possible iron smelting slag. This assemblage is indicative of smithing but not iron-smelting. The large size of the smithing hearth cakes, with an average weight of almost 3kg (almost double that of any other described early medieval assemblage), is indicative of a site specialising in bloom refining, rather than end-use blacksmithing. The highest mean weight for an assemblage yet recorded in Ireland. The occurrence of this assemblage in association with a large stream and parallel ditch raises the possibility that water power was being harnessed for hammering the blooms. The waste from the smithing process ended up in various cut features but no certain features of metallurgical origin were identified. It may be that that

38 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Plate 14: Early Mesolithic flint blade E2414:US:1

the smithing took place outside the excavated area or that it was conducted on waist level hearths.

Animal bone The animal bone assemblage was examined by Margaret McCarthy (Appendix 8). The sample of recovered faunal material was small. A total sample of 83 animal bones was recovered from the fills of the ditch. Identified bones included sheep/goat, cow and domestic goose. All of the bone from the ditch had been in contact with intense heat and were totally calcined. 80 fragments of bone were recovered from the pit C.331. The bone was totally calcined and could not be identified to species. The partial skeleton of a horse and a calf were recovered from two modern pits.

Radiocarbon dates Radiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev 5.0.2 (©1986-2005 M. Stuiver & P.J. Re- imer) and in conjunction with Stuiver & Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004.

Lab Context Material Un-calibrated δ 13 C 2 sigma 1 sigma code date calibration calibration UB- 338 Hazel/alder charcoal 1245+/-21 -29.7 cal AD 684-784 cal AD 693-748 12968 from ditch C.382 787-827 839-864 764-779 795-798 UB- 232 Willow/poplar char- 2589+/-21 -26.1 cal BC 766-537 cal BC 756-734 12969 coal from post-hole 529-524 690-684 669-662 C.231 in trough 649-606 601-546 UB- 299 Hazel nut shell from 1270+/-29 -23.2 cal AD 688-726, cal AD 664-782 12970 pit C.292 737-771 789-811 847-854 Table 6: Radiocarbon dates

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8 Discussion

Prehistoric occupation Evidence of many phases of activity, closely associated with the Glencorra Stream, were recorded at Ballinglanna North 1. The site, located on the narrow flood plain of the Glencorra Stream was utilised during the Early Mesolithic period. An Early Mesolithic blade was recovered from the site. Early Mesolithic stone tools have also been recovered at Gortore 1 E2410, on the bank of the River Funshion, c. 1.5 km to the south and at Ballin- glanna North 6 E3972, on the bank of the Glencorra Stream, c. 1.2 km to the north. The Glencorra Stream probably served as a route way in early prehistoric times. The site was later occupied in the Early Bronze Age. A small assemblage of stone tools, including three retouched artefacts and three pieces of debitage were recovered from the area of the excavation. The lithic assemblage is dominated by an Early Bronze Age typological and technological component. Only one of the lithics was recovered from the area of the fulacht fiadh. The presence of the debitage would indicate that a limited amount of knapping took place at the site. None of the features recorded on site could be assigned to the Early Bronze Age. A fulacht fiadh was recorded on the western edge of the flood plain of the river. The layers of burnt mound material covered a substantial rectangular trough which was connected to a small well. Many theories speculate as to the actual use of burnt mound/ fulacht fiadh sites (e.g. O’Kelly 1954; Ó Drisceoil 1988). We recognise the sites archaeo- logically by the remains of charcoal and heat shattered stones but as Ó Néill (2004) points out, these are the remains of a technology (the use of hot stones known as ‘pyrolithic technology’), rather than specific indications of the aims of the process. The large trough and smaller pits indicate that there was extensive use of hot stone technology at this site and that it was probably used for heating water. Burnt mounds are the most common Bronze Age sites found in Ireland. Estimates suggest that at least 4,500 examples are known, over 3,000 in Co. Cork and an usual high density specifically in North Cork (Power 2000). The characteristic site-type is found in low-lying and damp ground and consists of a mound of charcoal-rich black sediment that is packed with heat shattered stones and forms a horse-shoe shape around a pit or trough that filled with water. In many cases all that survives to the present day are black charcoal rich deposits with fragments of shattered stones visible in ploughed fields. These sites are associated with the process of roasting stones to heat water. The remains of these ‘pyrolithic technologies’ (terminology follows Ó Néill 2004) produce the tell-tale deposits rich in charcoal and heat-affected stone. Debate continues about their use, as hot water is required for many processes including cooking, brewing, washing, dyeing and, most recently it has been argued that some burnt mounds were primarily used to boil and cure meat for long term storage (Roycroft 2006).

40 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Traditionally these sites have been interpreted as ancient cooking places, where large stones were heated in fires and then added to the water filled trough the extreme heat of the stones eventually heating the water in the trough until it reached boiling point. Experimental cooking at reconstructed sites such as Ballyvourney (O’Kelly 1954) has demonstrated that meat wrapped in straw and placed into a boiling trough can be cooked quite effectively. The perceived lack of any animal bones from these excavated sites has been used as an argument against this theory. More recently however there is a growing corpus of sites which have produced animal bone (Tourunen 2008). The traditional perception of the burnt mound site is that they are isolated features on the landscape situated on marginal ground away from settlement. Recent studies however are requiring a re-evaluation of this perception. It can be regarded as certain that the settlement sites and associated burnt mounds are only one part of a wider prehistoric landscape which also includes lithic production and metalworking sites as well as burial sites (Sternke 2009). The inventory for North Cork lists over 1600 burnt mounds located in North Co. Cork. (Power 2002) (Figure 15). Many more have been recorded since the inventory was published. A total of seven burnt mounds including Ballinglanna North 1 were excavated on the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown. Three burnt mound sites were excavated on the N8 Mitchelstown Relief Road, and 12 on the N8 Mitchelstown to Cashel.

Site Name E No. Radiocarbon date (2 sigma) cal BC Period Ballinglanna North 1 E2414 cal BC 766-537 529-524 Late Bronze Age Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 cal BC 2293-2140 Early Bronze Age Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 cal BC 1750-1628 Early Bronze Age Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 cal BC 1740-1627 Early Bronze Age Ballinglanna North 6 E3972 cal BC 1902-1737 1710-1696 Early Bronze Age Ballynamona 2 E2429 2 dates pending Kildrum E3971 cal BC 2138-2011 2000-1978 Early Bronze Age Kildrum E3971 cal BC 2434-2421 2404-2379 2349-2199 Early Bronze Age Kilshanny 3 E2432 cal BC 978-829 Late Bronze Age Table 7: Radiocarbon dates from the burnt mound sites on the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Most dated burnt mound sites have a focus of activity in the Middle to Late Bronze Age (Brindley and Lanting 1990; and see graph of dates in Ó Néill 2003/2004). In all ten radiocarbon dates were obtained from the burnt mound sites on the route of the N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown Bypass. The majority of the sites are Early Bronze Age in date. The Late Bronze Age date from Ballinglanna North 1 is the latest date in the sequence. There are six main types of archaeological features encountered at burnt mound sites; wells/springs, layers/deposits, hearths, trough/boiling pits, smaller pits, and stakeholes/ postholes. Five of the six feature types were recorded at Ballinglanna North. The lowlying site on the banks of the Glencorra Stream was eminently suitable as a location for a burnt mound. Two other burnt mound sites, Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 and 6 E3972 were located on the banks of the Glencorra. One of the necessary raw materials, an available source of water, was readily available. In addition to the proximity of the stream a well

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close to the trough was utilised as an additional water source. The mound at Ballinglanna survived to a general height of 0.5 m. It was composed of layers of heat shattered stone mixed with charcoal. It was truncated during the early medieval period by the excavation of a substantial ditch. No formal hearth was identified in association with the mound. The trough at Ballinglanna was a substantial rectangular trough that showed evidence of lining. The other three possible troughs had a limited capacity for boiling water, less that 1 m³. If a trough was too small the water would boil off very quickly. They may have held containers made from organic material such as baskets or wooden buckets. Stakeholes and postholes, regularly found at burnt mound sites, were associated with the trough at Ballinglanna. In addition a few post-holes, located to the south of the trough, may have formed a structure which was truncated by the modern stone built structure. Ballinglanna North 1 is one of the few burnt mound sites that yielded a moderate portion of charred cereal grains. The majority were recovered from the mound itself. Barley was the most common cereal type, representing 83% of the identifiable grains. However the presence of rye (13%) and oat (2%) would suggest that the mound was disturbed by the excavation of the ditch and subsequent metalworking activities at the site. The lithic artefacts from the burnt mound indicate the use of the area in the Mesolithic and the Early Bronze Age but are not residual to the activities associated with the mound itself.

Early medieval occupation Evidence for iron working in the early medieval period was recorded at Lisleagh I and II ringforts (Monk ibid.). New evidence for iron metalworking was recorded at two sites on the N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown at Ballinglanna North 1 and Gortnahown 2 E2426 (Figure 16). The following discussion on early medieval ironworking is largely based on the account in Tim Young specialist report (Appendix 7). While it is true to say that the lowlying site on the banks of the Glencorra Stream was eminently suitable as a location for a burnt mound, it was also suitable as a location for metalworking, specifically iron smithing, in the early medieval period. As one of the necessary raw materials, an available source of water, was readily available. A large ditch was excavated on the western side and parallel to the Glencorra Stream. Charcoal from the ditch returned an early medieval date (cal AD 684-784 787-827 839-864). The full extend of the ditch was not known. It is possible that the ditch was constructed to function as a water channel or race associated with the processing of iron working. 90% of the assemblage was recovered from the fills of the ditch and over 60% was from the two southernmost sections. Slag was also recovered from the small group of pits on the eastern edge of the ditch. There were no certain features of metallurgical origin but it is possible that two of the pits may have functioned as a furnace and hearth. Bloomsmithing involves the reworking of the iron by repeated heating and hammering to draw the iron out into a bar. According to Tim Young there are four broad styles of SHC assemblages from early medieval Irish sites. 1. Sites concerned with the end use of iron e.g. Coolamurry 7 04E0323, Navan.

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2. Sites with evidence for iron smelting and smithing e.g. Gortnahown 2 E2426, Clonmacnoise WWS and Woodstown 6. 3. Sites with evidence for a wide range of activities e.g. Clonmacnoise NG and Clonfad. 4. Specialist bloomsmithing sites e.g. Ballinglanna North 1, Borris and Lismore/ Bushfield 1 E2220. The residues from bloomsmithing at Borris occurred mainly in a large ditch. Most of the residues at Lismore/Bushfield 1 were recovered from a single undated pit associated with a ringfort, containing a 6th-7th century cemetery. Multiple smithing hearths were located adjacent to a linear ditch at Borris. 200 kg of slag was recovered from the ditch which was fully excavated and over 100 m in length. In contrast 235 kg of slag was recovered from the ditch at Ballinglanna which was 60 m in length and only c. 20 % was excavated. The quantity of large, similar bloomsmithing slag cakes suggests a level of activity above that of typical early medieval iron production sites in Ireland. It is more reminiscent of sites in Britain some 600 years younger that Ballinglanna, when bloomsmithies adopted water power. It is possible the ditch represents a leat supplying power for the water hammer. No water powered bloomsmithing of this period has been recognised in Ireland but all the components of the technology would have been available in contemporary corn mills. It is interesting that a horizontal-wheeled mill (CO027-108) was located on the northern side of the Glencorra Stream c. 120 m north of the confluence with the River Funshion and c. 100 m south of the Ballinglanna North 1. The site was discovered in 1948. No mill structure was recorded but what appears to be an ancient headrace extended for some distance up the glen (Power 2000, 473). The range of dates for early Irish mills is between the early 7th and late 10th centuries (Rynne 1989, 110-14). Two large storage pits located in the south-western corner of the site are associated with this phase of activity. Charcoal from one of the pits returned an early medieval date (cal AD 688-726, 737-771). In addition the area of domestic occupation, including postholes, stake-holes and pits located to the north-east of the metalworking area probably dates to the early medieval period. The small assemblages of charred cereal and faunal remains are indicators of domestic activity. No inclusions of slag were recovered from this area. Charcoal flecks and flecks of burnt bone were common in the fills of many of these features indicating some domestic activity in the immediate vicinity. Small quantities of plant remains including hazelnut shell fragments, oat grains, barley grains, and indeterminate cereal grains were recovered from fills of eight (C.10, C.17, C.20, C.30, C.33, C.42, C.64 and C.75) of the features. There was no discernable pattern evident in these remains and it was not possible to determine whether a structure occupied this area. The recovery of a small assemblage of faunal and plant remains would suggest that this was an area of domestic occupation.

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Modern occupation The last phase of activity at the site dates to the nineteenth century. A stone structure, measuring at least 8 m in length and 5 m in width, overlay the southern end of the ditch. The structure is probably associated with the construction of the Glencorra Bridge and the straightening and revetment of the stream. Clay pipe fragments, iron nails, pottery and the burial of a complete horse and calf date to this phase of activity on site. A group of post-holes, stake-holes, pits and linear features are associated with this phase of activity.

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9 References Barry, T. (1987) The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland. London, Methuen & Co. Ltd.

Bence-Jones, M. (1996) A Guide to Irish County Houses. London, Constable & Co. Ltd.

Brindley, A.L. and Lanting, J.N (1990) ‘The dating of fulachta fiadh’ in Buckley, V. (ed.) Burnt Offerings. International contributions to burnt mound archaeology. 55- 56. Dublin, Wordwell.

Clinton, M. (2001) The Souterrains of Ireland. Bray, Wordwell.

Cotter, E., Buckley, K. & Drumm, M. (2006) N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown Phase 1 – final archaeological testing report, unpublished report for licence no. 05E1150.

Cotter, E. (2005) ‘Bronze Age Ballybrowney, Co. Cork’, Recent Archaeological Discoveries on National Road Schemes 2004. National Roads Authority Monograph Series No.2.

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Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 1 Layer 2 Mid brown clayey silt, soft in compaction. across site (0.4m Moderate sub-angular and angular fine depth) pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional large stones. Frequent flecks of charcoal. 2 Layer 1 Mid brown clayey silt, firm in compaction. across site (0.15m Occasional sub-angular coarse pebbles and depth) small and medium stones. 3 Deposit 2 Mid orangish brown pebbly sand, loose in 1.68 x 1.41 x 0.05 compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub- rounded small stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. 4 Stakehole 5 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners 0.18 x 0.14 x 0.21 Cut and sharp break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile. Slightly undercut on W side. 5 Stakehole 4 2 4 Dark orangish brown clayey silty sand, 0.18 x 0.14 x 0.21 Fill soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles and sub-rounded and rounded small stones. 6 Stakehole 7 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.03 Cut and gradual break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile. 7 Stakehole 6 2 6 Mid-orangish brown silty clay, soft 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.03 Fill compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks. 8 Stakehole 16 59 Circular in shape with rounded corners and 0.20 x 0.20 x 0.11 Cut sharp to gradual slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile. 9 Stakehole 8 2 16 Dark brown sandy silt, firm compac- 0.18 x 0.16 x 0.02 Fill tion. Occasional flecks and large charcoal inclusions. 10 Posthole 13 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners and 0.37 x 0.25 x 0.23 Cut sharp break of slope top and base. Base oval in plan and flat in profile. 11 Posthole 10 2 12 Light pinkish brown sandy silt, loose 0.40 x 0.28 x Fill compaction. Occasional inclusions of 0.07 fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks. 12 Posthole 10 11 13 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose 0.28 x 0.20 x 0.15 Fill compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and sub- rounded pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks and small inclusions of charcoal.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 13 Posthole 10 12 10 Dark greyish black sandy clay, friable 0.28 x 0.20 x Fill compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine 0.06 and medium angular, sub-angular and sub- rounded pebbles, and small sub-rounded and rounded stones. Frequent charcoal flecks and moderate small and occasional medium charcoal inclusions. 14 Posthole 15 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners 0.26 x 0.24 x Cut and gradual to sharp break of slope at top 0.06 and base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile. 15 Posthole 14 2 14 Mid greyish/orangish brown clayey silt, 0.26 x 0.24 x Fill soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of 0.06 fine sub-angular pebbles and medium sub- angular stones. 16 Stakehole 8 9 8 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, firm 0.20 x 0.18 x 0.09 Fill compaction. 17 Posthole 26 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners 0.36 x 0.30 x Cut and sharp break of slope top and base. Base 0.23 sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. 18 Posthole 17 2 26 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft com- 0.38 x 0.31 x 0.12 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles and medium sub- angular stones. Occasional flecks and small charcoal inclusions. 19 VOID 20 Cut 21 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners, 0.30 x 0.29 x gradual break of slope at top and impercep- 0.06 tible at base. Base irregular in plan and flat in profile. 21 Fill 20 2 20 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose 0.30 x 0.29 x compaction. Occasional fine sub-angular 0.06 pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks and small charcoal inclusions. Occasional flecks and small inclusions of cremated bone. 22 Stakehole 23 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded to 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.06 Cut square corners. Break of slope gradual to sharp at top and base. Base circular in plan and concave in profile. 23 Stakehole 22 2 22 Mid orangish brown clayey silt, soft 0.26 x 0.24 x Fill compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine 0.06 sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks. 24 Cut 25 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners. 0.30 x 0.15 x 0.06 Gradual to imperceptible break of slope top and sharp to imperceptible break of slope base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. 25 Fill 24 2 24 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose 0.30 x 0.15 x 0.06 compaction. Occasional fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. 26 Posthole 17 18 17 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft 0.38 x 0.31 x 0.21 Fill compaction. Frequent inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles, and moderate small sub-rounded stones. Occasional charcoal flecks. 27 Stakehole 28 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners and 0.12 x 0.09 x 0.07 Cut sharp break of slope top and base. Base oval in plan and flat to pointed in profile.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 28 Stakehole 27 2 27 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose com- 0.12 x 0.09 x 0.07 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles. 29 Stakehole 32 59 Sub-circular in plan with rounded to 0.2 x 0.19 x 0.14 Cut square corners and sharp to gradual break of slope top and base. Base is sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. 30 Posthole 31 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded 0.18 x 0.15 x 0.06 Cut corners, sharp break of slope top and imperceptible break of slope base. Base sub- circular in plan and flat in profile. 31 Posthole 30 2 30 Mid orangish brown silty clay, friable 0.18 x 0.15 x 0.06 Fill compaction. Occasional coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt bone. 32 Stakehole 29 2 29 Mid orangish brown silty clay, soft com- 0.2 x 0.19 x 0.14 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of medium and coarse sub-rounded pebbles, moderate small sub-rounded stones and occasional medium sub-rounded stones. 33 Posthole 34 59 Sub-circular in shape with sharp break of 0.26 x 0.20 x 0.18 Cut slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub- circular in plan and concave in profile. 34 Posthole 33 35 33 Dark brownish black silty sand, loose com- 0.32 x 0.08 x 0.13 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-rounded pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of cremated bone. 35 Posthole 36 34 Sub-circular in shape with sharp break of 0.40 x 0.30 x Cut slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub- 0.30 circular in plan and concave in profile. 36 Posthole 35 37, 43 35 Mid brownish black silty sand, loose com- 0.52 x 0.35 x 0.10 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and small angular and sub-angular stones. Oc- casional flecks of cremated bone. 37 Pit Cut 38 36 Sub-circular in shape with sharp break of 0.60 x 0.30 x slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub- 0.25 circular in plan and concave in profile. 38 Pit Fill 37 2 37 Dark brownish black silty sand, loose com- 0.60 x 0.52 x 0.17 paction. Moderate inclusions of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and occasional small sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks of cremated bone. 39 Posthole 40 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded to 0.30 x 0.26 x Cut square corners and sharp break of slope 0.28 top and base. Base is circular in plan and concave in profile. 40 Posthole 39 2 39 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft com- 0.31 x 0.26 x 0.28 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and moderate small sub-angular and sub- rounded stones. Moderate flecks and small inclusions of charcoal. Occasional small bone fragments. 41 Stakehole 46 59 Irregular in shape with rounded to square 0.15 x 0.12 x 0.16 Cut corners. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base irregular in plan and concave in profile.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 42 Stakehole 47 59 Sub-circular in plan with rounded corners 0.18 x 0.16 x 0.14 Cut and gradual to sharp break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile. . 43 Pit Cut 44 36 Sub-circular in shape with gradual to sharp 0.45 x 0.35 x 0.20 break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and irregular concave in profile. 44 Pit Fill 43 2 43 Light orangish brown silty sand, loose com- 0.46 x 0.36 x paction. Occasional inclusions of medium 0.09 sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of cremated bone. 45 VOID 46 Stakehole 41 2 41 Mid brown clayey silt, soft compaction. 0.15 x 0.12 x 0.16 Fill Occasional inclusions of small sub-angular stones. 47 Stakehole 42 2 42 Mid greyish brown clayey silt, firm com- 0.18 x 0.16 x 0.14 Fill paction. Occasional inclusions of small sub-angular stones. 48 Fill 50 2 49, Mid brown pebbly stony clay, firm com- 0.70 x 0.35 322 paction. Moderate inclusions of fine sub- angular pebbles and occasional medium sub-angular stones. 49 Fill 50 48 50 Mid pinkish brown clayey sand, compact. 0.3 x 0.15 Moderate inclusions of medium sub- angular stones. 50 Cut 49, 51 Irregular in shape. Visible in section of a 0.55 322 slot. 51 VOID 52 VOID 53 Layer 50 54 Light yellowish greyish brown sandy pebbly 1.95 x 0.1 silt, friable compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine and coarse sub-angular pebbles and frequent medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular stones. 54 Layer 53 55 Mid reddish orangish brown sandy peb- 1.6 x 0.08 bly silt, friable compaction. Moderate to frequent inclusions of fine, medium and coarse sub-angular stones. Occasional small sub-angular stones. 55 (56) Layer 54 Light yellowish greyish brown sandy peb- 2.0 x 0.11 bly silt, friable compaction. Moderate to frequent inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small and medium sub-angular stones. 56 (53) Layer 54 Dark brownish black silt, friable compac- 0.6 x 0.04 tion. Frequent inclusions of fine sub-angular pebbles. Moderate to frequent flecks and small charcoal inclusions. 57 VOID 58 VOID 59 Layer 2 Light orangish brown sandy silt, firm 11.0 x 15.0 compaction. Occasional inclusions of medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles, and occasional medium sub-angular and large sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small charcoal inclusions.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 60 Fill 61 2 61 Mid greyish brown silt, soft compaction. 0.14 x 0.13 x 0.04 Occasional flecks of charcoal and cremated bone. 0.14m x 0.13m x 0.04m. 61 Cut 60 59 Irregular in shape with sharp to gradual 0.12 x 0.13 x 0.03 break of slope top and base. Base irregular in plan and irregular in profile. 62 Stakehole 63 2 63 Mid greyish brown sandy clay, soft com- 0.14 x 0.10 x 0.05 Fill paction. Charcoal flecks. 63 Stakehole 62 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners 0.14 x 0.10 x 0.05 Cut and gradual break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan. 64 Posthole 76 59 Square to sub-circular in shape with sharp 0.31 x 0.25 x 0.2 Cut to rounded corners. Break of slope sharp at top and gradual to sharp at base. Base square to sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. 65 Layer 2 66 Mid greyish brown clayey stony sand, 4.36 x 0.72 weakly cemented. Frequent inclusions of small sub-angular stones. 66 Layer 65 68 Mid yellowish brown stony sand, loose 1.44 x 0.26 compaction. Occasional to frequent inclusions of small to medium sub-angular stones. 67 Layer 66 Mid yellowish brown stony sand, loose 1.6 x 0.50 compaction. Occasional to frequent small, medium and large sub-angular stones. 68 Layer 66 A light pinkish grey stony clay, stiff in ? x 4.36 x 0.72 compaction. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. 69 Pit Fill 70 2 70 Mid greyish brown silt, very soft compac- 0.2 x 0.16 x 0.05 tion. Occasional charcoal flecks. 70 Pit Cut 69 59 Rounded to square corners. Break of slope 0.21 x 0.18 x 0.05 varied at top, and gradual to sharp at base. 71 Posthole 72 2 84 Dark greyish brown silty pebbly clay, 0.42 x 0.31 x 0.07 Fill soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small inclusions of charcoal and cremated bone. 72 Posthole 84 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners and 0.42 x 0.31 x 0.25 Cut sharp break of slope top. Base oval in plan and flat in profile. 73 VOID 74 Stakehole 77 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners 0.12 x 0.08 x 0.13 Cut and gradual break of slope top and base. Base oval in plan and concave in profile. 75 Stakehole 80 59 Sub-circular in plan with rounded corners, 0.15 x 0.13 x 0.27 Cut sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile. 76 Posthole 64 2 64 Dark orangish brown clayey silt, soft Fill compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine sub-angular and occasional medium sub- rounded pebbles. Occasional inclusions of small and medium sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and small inclusions of cremated bone. 77 Stakehole 74 2 74 Mid greyish brown clayey sand, loose com- 0.12 x 0.08 x 0.13 Fill paction. Occasional charcoal flecks.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 78 Stakehole 79 59 Stakehole cut, circular in shape with verti- 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.12 Cut cal and smooth sides and a flat circular base. Sharp break of slope at top and bottom except on S side - gradual. 79 Stakehole 78 2 78 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft in com- 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.12 Fill paction. Occasional medium sub-rounded pebbles and charcoal flecks. 80 Stakehole 75 2 75 Mid greyish brown sandy clay, soft 0.15 x 0.13 x 0.27 Fill compaction. 81 VOID 82 Stakehole 91 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners, 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.13 Cut sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base irregular in plan and concave in profile. 83 Stakehole 85 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners, sharp 0.15 x 0.10 x 0.17 Cut break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile. 84 Posthole 72 71 72 Dark brownish black sandy silt, friable 0.40 x 0.29 x Fill compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine 0.05 and medium sub-angular pebbles and occasional small sub-angular stones. Mod- erate flecks, frequent small and moderate medium inclusions of charcoal. 85 Stakehole 83 2 83 Mid greyish brown sandy clay, soft in com- 0.15 x 0.1 x 0.17 Fill paction. Occasional sub-angular medium stones. 86 VOID 87 VOID 88 Cut 89 59 Oval in shape with vertical and smooth 0.32 x 0.19 x 0.12 sides. Sharp break of slope at top. Sharp break of slope at base except gradual on S side. Oval and flat base. 89 Fill 88 2 88 Dark orangish brown sandy silt, firm in 0.32 x 0.19 x 0.12 compaction. Occasional sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub- rounded medium pebbles. 90 VOID 91 Stakehole 82 2 82 Mid orangish brown clayey sand, loose 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.13 Fill compaction. Occasional inclusions of small sub-angular stones. 92 Cut 93 Linear ditch cut. Moderate and stepped ? x 5.9 x 2.25 sides, with a linear and concave base. Gradual break of slope at both N and S sides for top and bottom of slope. 93 Fill 92 94 92 Dark brownish grey silty clay, firm in com- ? x 5.9 x 0.41 paction. Occasional medium sub-angular pebbles and small to medium sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal. 94 Fill 92 95 93 Mid greyish brown silty clay, soft in ? x 5.9 x 0.22 compaction. Occasional fine and medium sub-rounded pebbles. 95 Fill 92 96 94 Light greyish brown silty clay, firm in ? x 5.9 x 0.28 compaction. Occasional sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 96 Fill 92 97 95 Mid greyish brown clayey silt, firm in ? x 5.9 x 0.58 compaction. Occasional sub-rounded small and large stones (approx 0.5m). Moderate medium stones and occasional small pieces of charcoal. Occasional small and medium decomposed stones. 97 Fill 92 98 96 Mid brown silty clay, stiff in compaction. ? x 5.9 x 0.85 Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Frequent sub-angular medium stones. 98 Fill 92 2 97 Light greyish/orangish brown sandy silt, ? x 5.9 x 0.31 stiff in compaction. Moderate sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded small stones. 126 Cut 135 136, Cut of ditch. Moderate and smooth slope ? x 6.13 x 1.84 155, on N side, moderate and stepped slope on S 148 side. Sharp break of slope at top, gradual at base. Flat base. 127 VOID 128 Fill 126 137 129 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish, yellowish brown ? x 2.0 x 0.29 sandy silt, friable in compaction. 129 Fill 126 128 130 Fill of ditch. Light to mid yellowish brown ? x 2.3 x 0.31 sand, loose in compaction. 130 Fill 126 129 138 Fill of ditch. Light pinkish brown sand, ? x 3.6 x 0.3 loose in compaction. Occasional rounded medium pebbles. 131 Fill 126 138 132 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown silty clay, ? x 4.1 x 0.47 firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. 132 Fill 126 131 139 Fill of ditch. Dark greyish black silty clay, ? x 3.54 x 0.35 soft in compaction. Moderate small pieces of charcoal. 133 Fill 126 140 134 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, ? x 1.92 x 0.18 soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium pebbles and small and medium stones. 134 Fill 126 133 135 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy ? x 4.34 x 0.53 stony silt. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Soft in compaction. 135 Fill 126 134 126 Fill of ditch. Mid pinkish brown silty stony ? x 2.0 x 0.18 clay, soft in compaction. Frequent sub- angular medium pebbles. 136 Layer 126 A layer of natural material in slot 4. Light ? x 1.2 x 0.18 bluish grey silt, very soft in compaction 137 Fill 126 2 128 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown silty sand, ? x 5.18 x 0.42 soft in compaction. 138 Fill 126 130 131 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown silty clay, ? x 1.4 x 0.3 stiff in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones. 139 Fill 126 132 140 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy ? x 1.18 x 0.52 stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. 140 Fill 126 139 133 Fill of ditch. Mid yellowish brown sandy ? x 1.4 x 0.2 stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-rounded small stones.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 141 Layer 146 A layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid ? x 5.78 x 0.52 brown stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional sub-angular large stones (approx. 0.3m diameter). 142 VOID 143 Layer 145 142 Layer of natural material in slot 4 . Light ? x 3.26 x 0.48 pinkish yellowish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones, occasional sub-angular medium stones. 144 Linear 153 59 Cut of linear feature. Steep and smooth 1.12 x 0.26 x 0.1 Cut on NE side, moderate and stepped on SE side, gentle and smooth on SW side, steep and concave on NW side. Gradual break of slope at top on NE and SE, sharp on SW and NW. Irregular at base. 145 Layer 2 143, Layer of subsoil in slot 4. Dark brown silt, ? x 10.65 x 0.25 137 firm in compaction. 146 Layer 147 141 Layer of natural material in slot 4. ? x 5.03 x 0.58 Light pinkish brown sandy clay, soft in compaction. 147 VOID 148 Layer 126, 147 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid ? x 1.45 x 0.47 149 brownish red stony sand, very soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium stones. 149 VOID 150 Layer 142 149 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid red- ? x 0.83 x 0.23 dish brown silty sand, firm in compaction. 151 VOID 152 VOID 153 Linear 144 2 144 Fill of linear feature. Mid greyish orangish 1.12 x 0.26 x 0.1 Fill brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occa- sional sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 154 VOID 155 Layer 126, 156 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Light ? x 0.4 x 0.2 149 brownish pink silty clay, hard in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones and small pieces of charcoal. 156 Layer 155 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid ? x 1.1 x 0.35 brown stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. 157 Layer 158 Layer of subsoil material in southern ? x 0.67 x 0.1 baulk. Mid greyish brown clay, firm in compaction. 158 Layer 157 159 Layer of material in southern baulk. Dark ? x 2.3 x 0.4 brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Oc- casional sub-angular small stones. 159 Layer 158 160 Layer of material in southern baulk. Mid ? x 2.3 x 0.14 yellowish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular medium pebbles and small stones. 160 Layer 159 161 Layer of material from S baulk. A mid ? x 2.3 x 0.14 orangish brown sandy pebbly silt, friable in compaction. Frequent sub-angular fine pebbles.

55 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 161 Layer 160 Levelling layer (possibly for construction ? x 2.3 x 0.1 of bridge). A mid orangish brown silty stony clay, firm in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasional angular large stones (diameter 0.3m). 162 Layer 2 Modern levelling layer at N end of Slot 3. ? x ? x 0.6 Mid yellowish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-angular medium stones. 163 Layer 164 Burnt mound material from Fullacht 15.6 x 7.75 x 0.4 Fiadh. Dark brownish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Frequent angular small and medium burnt stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal. 164 Layer 2 163 Layer of subsoil material overlying burnt ? x 0.45 x 0.1 mound material. Mid brownish orange stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. 165 Layer 163 167 Transference layer. Mid greyish brown ? x 0.9 x 0.07 sandy pebbly clay, firm in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small stones. 166 Layer 2 163 A layer of sub-soil (possible culluvium). ? x 5.0 x 0.1 Mid brown silty stony clay, firm in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate sub-angular medium stones. 167 Layer 165 A layer of natural underlying Fullacht Fiadh. Light orangish brown sandy clay, firm in compaction. 168 Linear 169 167 Cut of linear. Sides: gentle and irregular to 1.07 x 0.2 x 0.15 Cut N; gentle and stepped to S; gentle and concave to E; steep and concave to W. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Concave and irregular base. 169 Linear 168 163 168 Fill of linear. Light reddish brown silty 1.07 x 0.2 x 0.15 Fill sand, loose in compaction. Occasional sub- angular small stones. 170 VOID 171 Cut 180 167 Possible cut. Gentle and smooth edges on 2.2 x 1.25 x 0.25 all sides. Gradual break of slope at top, imperceptible break of slope at base. Flat sub-circular base, oval in shape. 172 Fill 171 163 180 Fill of possible feature. Dark black silty clay, 2.0 x 1.1 x 0.25 firm in compaction. Occasional angular and sub-angular fine pebbles and small stones. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium stones. 173 VOID 174 Posthole 175 167 Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Steep 0.32 x 0.31 x 0.27 Cut and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and flat at base.

56 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 175 Posthole 174 163 174 Fill of posthole. Dark brownish black stony 0.32 x 0.31 x 0.27 Fill silt, soft in compaction. Frequent angular medium stones. Occasional sub-angular large stones (diameter 0.2m). Occasional small pieces of charcoal. 176 Posthole 177 167 Cut of posthole. Sub-rectangular in shape. 0.4 x 0.28 x 0.24 Cut Sides: steep and smooth on N; vertical and smooth on S and E; moderate and smooth on W. Gradual break of slope top on W side; sharp elsewhere. Base sub-rectangular in plan, flat in profile. 177 Posthole 176 163 176 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish brown 0.4 x 0.28 x 0.24 Fill silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. Oc- casional sub-angular large stones. 178 Pit Cut 179 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in plan. Steep 1.3 x 0.62 x 0.21 and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 179 Pit Fill 178 163 178 Fill of pit. Mid greenish brown silty clay, 1.3 x 0.62 x 0.21 soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and angular medium and large stones (diameter 0.1 to 0.15m). 180 Fill 171 172 171 Fill of possible feature. Mid brownish black 0.2 x 0.15 x 0.1 silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional angular and sub-angular fine pebbles and small stones. 181 Pit cut 182 167 Cut of pit. Sub-circular in shape. Vertical 0.58 x 0.52 x 0.34 and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope top, gradual break of slope base. Sub- circular and concave at base. 182 Pit Fill 181 180 181 Fill of pit. Mid brown silty clay, soft in 0.58 x 0.52 x 0.34 compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and angular medium stones. 183 Trough 163 167 Cut of trough. Rectangular in shape. Sides: 2.2 x 1.3 x 0.8 Cut gentle and stepped to N and S; moderate and smooth to E; steep and smooth to W. Sharp break of slope at top on N and W; gradual on S and E. Sharp break of slope at base. Rectangular and flat at base. 184 Pit Fill 257 211 197 Fill of pit. Mid brown sandy silt, firm in 2.8 x 1.2 x 0.8 compaction. Sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Occasional medium pebbles. Moderate coarse pebbles and small stones. Frequent medium stones. 185 Posthole 186 167 Cut of posthole. Square in shape. Vertical 0.3 x 0.28 x 0.2 Cut and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Square and flat base. 186 Posthole 185 163 185 Fill of posthole. Dark brownish greyish 0.3 x 0.28 x 0.2 Fill black stony silt, very soft in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium stones. Occasional sub-angular large stones. 187 Cut 188 189, Cut of feature. Oval in shape. Sides: mod- 1.72 x 1.05 x 0.28 192, erate and smooth to SE; steep and steeped 193 to NW. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Flat base.

57 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 188 Fill 187 163 187 Fill of feature. Dark bluish black stony silt, 1.72 x 1.05 x 0.28 soft in compaction. Occasional angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 189 Fill 230 187 190 Fill of feature. Mid greyish brown stony 1.66 x 1.1 x 0.26 silt, loose in compaction. Occasional sub- angular small and medium stones. 190 Fill 230 189 230 Fill of feature. Dark greyish black silty 1.66 x 0.8 x 0.3 sand, soft in compaction. 191 Cut 195 192, Cut of feature (possibly re-cut of linear ? x 0.9 x 0.18 193 [229]). Sides: gentle and convex on SE; gentle and concave on NW. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Concave base. 192 Linear 229 191 194 Fill of linear. Dark black stony silt, soft 1.46 x 0.7 x 0.2 Fill in compaction. Moderate angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 193 Linear 229 191 194 Fill of linear. Dark black stony silt, soft 1.46 x 0.26 x 0.1 Fill in compaction. Moderate angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 194 Linear 229 192, 229 Fill of linear. Light reddish brownish 1.46 x 1.3 x 0.14 Fill 193 orange silty sand. Loose in compaction. 195 Fill 191 196 191 Fill of feature. Mid brownish greyish black ? x 0.92 x 0.14 stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. 196 Fill 191 163 195 Fill of feature. Dark greyish black stony ? x 0.9 x 0.1 silt, soft in compaction. Moderate angular small and medium stones. 197 Pit Fill 257 198 199 Fill of pit. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, 0.6 x 0.3 x 0.5 (184) firm in compaction. Occasional sub- rounded fine pebbles. 198 Pit Fill 257 211 197 Fill of pit. Light yellowish orangish brown 0.8 x 0.6 x 0.25 (184) clayey sand, compact. 199 Pit Fill 257 197 257 Fill of pit. Mid yellowish brown sandy clay, 2.8 x 1.1 x 0.7 firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. 200 Layer 59, Layer of possible re-deposit. Mid orangish ? x 3.28 x 0.56 201 brown silty pebbly sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small and medium stones. 201 Layer 202 200 Layer of possible bank slippage. Mid ? x 2.2 x 0.6 brownish yellow sandy pebbly silt, friable in compaction. Frequent sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small and medium stones. 202 Ditch 239 201, Cut of ditch. Steep and smooth on N and S ? x 1.72 x 0.56 Cut 208 sides. Sharp break of slope at top; gradual at base on N side. Sharp break of slope at base on S side. Base flat. 203 Ditch Fill 202 238, 239 Fill of ditch. Light greyish pink silty sand, ? x 2.0 x 0.34 205 compact. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. 204 VOID

58 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 205 Ditch Fill 202 206, 203 Fill of ditch. Light greyish orangish brown ? x 1.54 x 0.26 207 silty pebbly sand, friable in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Moderate sub- angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones. 206 Layer 2 237, Layer of sub-soil material in slot 9. Mid ? x 3.14 x 0.18 205 greyish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. 207 Layer 2 237, Layer of sub-soil material in slot 9. Mid ? x 2.9 x 0.12 205 greyish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. 208 Layer 202 Layer of natural material in slot 9. Light ? x 0.96 x 0.36 greyish brown silty pebbly sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular, sub- rounded and rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded medium stones. 209 Fill 219 163 219 Fill of feature associated with trough 0.92 x 0.56 x 0.48 [183]. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal. 210 Posthole 211 2 211 Fill of posthole. Light brownish grey sand 0.36 x 0.36 x Fill clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub- 0.34 angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 211 Posthole 210 184, Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Steep 0.36 x 0.36 x Cut 198 and concave on all sides. Sharp break of 0.34 slope at top and base. Circular and concave at base. 212 VOID 213 Pit Cut 217 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Sides: 1.87 x 0.61 x 0.18 steep and smooth to N; gentle and concave to S; vertical and smooth to E; steep and concave to W. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and concave at base. 214 Pit Fill 213 2 217 Fill of pit. Mid brownish orange sandy silt, 0.85 x 0.61 x 0.13 soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular medium pebbles and small stones. 215 Pit Cut 216 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Sides: 0.6 x 0.35 x 0.15 vertical and smooth on N and S; steep and smooth on W; gentle and smooth on E. Gradual break of slope at top on E, sharp elsewhere. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 216 Pit Fill 215 2 215 Fill of pit. Mid yellowish greyish brown 0.6 x 0.35 x 0.15 silty stony clay. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Moderate sub-rounded and sub-angular medium stones. 217 Pit Fill 213 214 213 Fill of pit. Dark brown sandy silt, soft in 1.08 x 0.61 x 0.1 compaction. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasional angular small stones. 218 Deposit 2 167 Deposit of redeposited natural. Mid yel- 0.75 x 0.6 x 0.15 lowish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones.

59 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 219 Cut 209 183, Cut of feature associated with trough [183]. 0.92 x 0.56 x 0.48 192, Sides: gentle and smooth to NW; steep and 193 smooth to SE; moderate and concave to N; moderate and undercut to S. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Oval base, flat in profile. 220 Pit Cut 221 167 Cut of pit. Oval in shape. Sides: gentle and 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.2 concave to N; steep and convex to S; gentle and convex to E; steep and smooth to W. Gradual break of slope at top and base for N and E sides; sharp break of slope at top and base for S and W sides. Base oval in plan, tapered rounded point in profile. 221 Pit Fill 220 2 220 Fill of pit. Mid reddish brown clayey sand, 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.2 loose in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Moderate angular and sub- angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 222 Ditch Fill 376 373 278 Fill of ditch. Dark brownish black clayey ? x 2.8 x 0.25 - Slot 8 silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, small, medium and large pieces of slag material. 223 VOID 224 VOID 225 Posthole 226 183 Cut of posthole. Sides: steep and undercut 0.33 x 0.21 x 0.22 Cut to N and E; vertical and smooth to W; open to S. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Base sub-circular in plan, flat in profile. 226 Posthole 225 163 225 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black stony 0.33 x 0.21 x 0.22 Fill silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 227 VOID 228 VOID 229 Linear 194 167 Cut of linear. Steep and smooth sides on 2.22 x 1.46 x Cut the NE and SW. Sharp break of slope at 0.27 top and bottom. Flat base. 230 Cut 190 167 Cut of feature. Oval in plan. Steep and 2.16 x 1.66 x 0.51 concave sides. Sharp break of slope at top, gradual at base. Base oval in plan, flat in profile. 231 Posthole 232 167 Cut of posthole. Sides: gentle and undercut 0.5 x 0.33 x 0.35 Cut on N and W; steep and irregular on E; open on S. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Base sub-circular in plan, flat in profile. 232 Posthole 231 163 231 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black stony 0.5 x 0.33 x 0.35 Fill silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub- angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 233 Posthole 234 183 Cut of posthole. Sub-circular in shape. 0.46 x 0.29 x 0.33 Cut Steep and smooth on N and E sides; steep and irregular on S; open on W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-circular and flat base.

60 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 234 Posthole 233 243, 233 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black stony 0.46 x 0.29 x 0.33 Fill 245, silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub- 247 angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 235 VOID 236 VOID 237 Ditch Fill 202 206, 238 Fill of ditch. Dark brownish black silty clay, ? x 2.9 x 0.16 207 friable in compaction. Occasional small sub-angular stones. Frequent small pieces of charcoal. 238 Ditch Fill 202 237 203 Fill of ditch. Dark brown sandy silt. Oc- ? x 2.0 x 0.3 casional sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. 239 Ditch Fill 202 203 202 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown stony ? x 0.98 x 0.08 sand, strongly cemented in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional sub-rounded medium stones. 240 VOID 241 Linear 242 167 Cut of linear. Sides: gentle and smooth 1.3 x 0.35 x 0.2 Cut on N and S; steep and convex on E; steep and concave on W. Gradual break of slope at top on N and S; sharp on E and W. Gradual break of slope base. Base oval in plan, concave in profile. 242 Linear 241 2 241 Fill of linear. Mid orangish brown silty 1.3 x 0.35 x 0.2 Fill sand, compact. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Moderate sub-angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 243 Stakehole 244 234 Cut of stakehole. Circular in shape. Verti- 0.05 x 0.04 x Cut cal and undercut to N and E; vertical and 0.25 irregular to S; open to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Irregular and concave at base. 244 Stakehole 243 163 243 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony 0.05 x 0.04 x Fill silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- 0.25 angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal. 245 Stakehole 246 234 Cut of stakehole. Circular in shape. Sides: 0.07 x 0.05 x Cut vertical and smooth to N and E; vertical 0.27 and irregular to S; open to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and flat at base. 246 Stakehole 245 163 245 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony 0.07 x 0.05 x Fill silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- 0.27 angular coarse pebbles and small and medium stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal. 247 Stakehole 248 234 Cut of stakehole. Circular in shape. Verti- 0.06 x 0.05 x Cut cal and smooth sides; open to W. Sharp 0.27 break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave at base. 248 Stakehole 247 163 247 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black 0.06 x 0.05 x Fill stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional 0.27 sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

61 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 249 Stakehole 250 183 Cut of stakehole. Oval in shape. Vertical 0.10 x 0.07 x 0.11 Cut and smooth sides to N and W; steep and undercut to E; steep and smooth to S. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Oval and concave at base. 250 Stakehole 249 163 249 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony 0.10 x 0.07 x 0.11 Fill silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 251 Stakehole 252 183 Cut of stakehole. Oval in shape. Steep and 0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14 Cut concave sides, except steep and smooth to N. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Oval and flat base. 252 Stakehole 251 163 251 Fill of stakehole. Dark brownish grey silt, 0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14 Fill soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. 253 VOID 254 VOID 255 Pit Cut 256 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. 0.49 x 0.27 x 0.24 Vertical and concave side to N; steep and smooth side to S; gentle and smooth side to E; steep and smooth side to W. Sharp break of slope top except gradual on E side. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 256 Pit Fill 255 260 255 Fill of pit. Dark black silty sand, compact. 0.49 x 0.27 x 0.24 Occasional sub-angular small stones. Frequent small pieces of charcoal. 257 Pit Cut 199 163 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Gen- 3.0 x 1.0 x 0.8 tle and smooth sides to N and S; moderate to steep smooth side to W. Gradual break of slope at top. Sharp break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 258 Furrow 259 167 Cut of furrow. Linear in shape. Gentle and 2.07 x 0.31 x 0.12 Cut concave sides to N and S; steep and smooth side to W. Gradual break of slope top except on W side. Imperceptible break of slope at base. Irregular and concave at base. 259 Furrow 258 2 258 Fill of furrow. Mid brown sandy silt, soft 2.07 x 0.31 x 0.12 Fill in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and angular medium pebbles and small stones. 260 Linear 261 256 Cut of linear. Gentle and smooth side to S; 2.56 x 0.38 x 0.17 Cut steep and irregular sides to E and W. Break of slope top imperceptible to N; gradual to S; sharp to E and W. Break of slope base imperceptible to N; gradual to S, E and W. Base irregular and flat. 261 Linear 260 2 260 Fill of linear. Mid brownish orange silty 2.56 x 0.38 x 0.17 Fill sand, compact. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal. 262 VOID 263 VOID 264 Linear 265 167 Cut of linear. Gentle and concave sides 2.9 x 0.72 x 0.17 Cut to SE and NW; steep and smooth side to E. Sharp break of slope at top on E side; gradual break of slope top on SE and NW sides. Gradual break of slope at base on E side; imperceptible break of slope at base on SE and NW sides. Irregular and flat base.

62 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 265 Linear 264 2 264 Fill of linear. Mid brown silty clay, soft in 2.9 x 0.72 x 0.17 Fill compaction. Moderate sub-angular and rounded fine pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles and small and medium stones. 266 Stakehole 267 167 Cut of stakehole. Sub-circular in shape. 0.17 x 0.13 x 0.07 Cut Gentle and irregular side to N; gentle and concave to E and S; gentle and smooth to W. Sharp break of slope top on N and W; gradual break of slope on S and E. Gradual break of slope at base. Base sub-circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile. 267 Stakehole 266 2 266 Fill of stakehole. Mid orangish brown 0.17 x 0.13 x 0.07 Fill sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 268 Pit Cut 269 167 Cut of possible fire pit. Irregular in shape. 2.42 x 1.4 x 1.22 Vertical and undercut on N and S sides. Vertical and irregular on E and W sides. Sharp break of slope at top. Gradual break of slope at base, except sharp on N side. Ir- regular and tapered rounded point at base. 269 Pit Fill 268 276 268 Fill of pit. Dark black sandy silt, friable 1.47 x 1.1 x 1.22 in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces and occasional large pieces of charcoal. 270 Posthole 271 167 Cut of posthole. Oval in shape. Vertical 0.32 x 0.17 x 0.32 Cut and smooth on N side; vertical and concave on S and W sides; moderate and concave on E side. Sharp break of slope top on W, N and S sides; gradual on E side. Sharp break of slope at base. Sub-circular and flat base. 271 Posthole 270 2 270 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black silt, soft 0.32 x 0.17 x 0.32 Fill in compaction. Occasional angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. 272 Cut 273 167 Cut of feature. Sub-rectangular in shape. 0.49 x 0.46 x 0.08 Gentle and smooth sides, except moderate and smooth on W. Imperceptible break of slope on N and E sides at top and base. Gradual break of slope on S side at top and base. Sharp break of slope on W side at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 273 Fill 272 2 272 Fill of feature. Dark black silt, firm in com- 0.49 x 0.46 x 0.08 paction. Frequent large pieces of charcoal. 274 Cut 291 163, Construction cut. Rectangular in shape. 12.0 x 0.46 x 0.5 286, N and W sides vertical and smooth. Sharp 289 break of slope at top. Orientation N-S then turns E-W. 275 Fill 274 310 291 Fill of construction cut. Mid orangish 12.0 x 0.46 x 0.5 brown silty sand, weakly cemented. Oc- casional sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-rounded small stones. Frequent sub-rounded large stones (0.25m diameter) = wall. 276 Pit Fill 268 277 269 Fill of pit. Mid greyish brown silty sand, 2.42 x 1.2 x 0.35 compact. Moderate angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

63 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 277 Pit Fill 268 2 276 Fill of pit. Mid orangish brown sandy silt, 2.42 x 1.4 x 0.35 firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional small pieces of charcoal. 278 Ditch Fill 376 222 374 Fill of ditch. Dark greyish brown silt, soft ? x 2.13 x 0.18 - Slot 8 in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Oc- casional sub-rounded small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces and occasional medium pieces of slag. 279 Field 281 167 Cut of field drain. Linear in shape. Moder- ? x 1.6 x 0.45 Drain ate and concave on N and S sides. Gradual Cut break of slope at top and base. Linear and concave at base. 280 Field 279 302 281 Fill of field drain. Dark greyish brown silt, ? x 1.6 x 0.45 Drain soft in compaction. No inclusions. Fill 281 Field 279 280 279 Fill of field drain. Mid greyish stone ? x 1.6 x 0.45 Drain deposit. Frequent sub-angular medium Fill stones. 282 VOID 283 Fill 284 2 284 Fill of natural feature. Light brownish 0.68 x 0.48 x 0.12 grey sandy silt, compact. Occasional sub- rounded small stones. Frequent small pieces of charcoal. 284 Cut 283 167 Cut of natural feature. Sub-circular in 0.68 x 0.48 x 0.12 shape. Gentle and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope top on N and S sides. Imperceptible break of slope top on E and W sides. Sub-circular and flat base. 285 Layer 312 297 Layer associated with structure. Dark 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.25 brown clayey silt, soft in compaction. Mod- erate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 286 Layer 296 / Layer associated with structure. Light or- 2.8 x 2.7 x ? (289) 288, angish brown silty sand, weakly cemented. 295, Moderate sub-angular medium and coarse 305 / pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded small 274 and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 287 VOID 288 Layer 310 286, Layer associated with structure. Mid 2.4 x 1.75 x 0.15 289 brownish black pebbly silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles and small and medium stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal. 289 Layer 296 / Layer associated with structure. Light or- 0.4 x 0.25 x 0.08 (286) 288/ angish brown pebbly silt, weakly cemented. 295, Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Oc- 305 / casional sub-rounded small and medium 274 stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

290 Deposit 274 310 291 Deposit associated with structure. Dark 0.3 x 0.2 x 0.05 brownish black clayey silt, soft in compaction. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal. 291 Wall 274 275 274 Walls defining structure. Vertical and 12.0 x 0.46 x 0.5 smooth sides to N and W. Sharp break of slope top on N and W sides. Orientated N to S then turning E to W.

64 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 292 Pit Cut 298 167 Cut of pit. Sub-circular in shape. Steep and 1.77 x 1.56 x 0.76 smooth for all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-circular and flat base.

293 Pit Fill 292 294 300 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown silty clay, ? x 1.4 x 0.55 soft in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular medium stones. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt bone. 294 Pit Fill 292 2 293 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown silty clay, ? x 1.4 x 0.05 soft in compaction. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks and small pieces of wood. 295 Layer 310 286, Layer associated with structure. Light yel- 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.1 289 lowish brown silt, soft in compaction. 296 Linear 297 286, Cut of linear. Moderate and smooth sides 4.1 x 0.74 x 0.1 Cut 289 to N and S. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Base sub-rectangular and flat. 297 Linear 296 285 296 Fill of linear. Dark brown silty clay, soft in 4.1 x 0.74 x 0.1 Fill compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. 298 Pit Fill 292 299 292 Fill of pit. Mid pinkish brown silty clay, ? x 0.9 x 0.1 soft in compaction. Frequent small and medium pieces of charcoal. Frequent small and medium pieces of wood. 299 Pit Fill 292 300 298 Fill of pit. Dark black clayey silt, soft in ? x 1.1 x 0.04 compaction. Frequent medium and large pieces of charcoal. 300 Pit Fill 292 293 299 Fill of pit. Light orangish brown silty clay, ? x 0.3 x 0.35 soft in compaction. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. 301 Pit Cut 307 59 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Steep 2.2 x 1.5 x 0.74 and convex side to N; vertical and smooth sides to S and E; steep and smooth side to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 302 Layer 2 280 Layer associated with structure. Light ? x 1.1 x 0.29 yellowish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. 303 Pit Cut 304 286, Cut of pit. Oval in shape. Gentle and 1.1 x 0.68 x 0.25 289 smooth side to N; steep and smooth sides to S and W; moderate and smooth side to E. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on N. Sharp break of slope at top and base on E and S. Gradual break of slope at top and base on W. Oval and flat base. 304 Pit Fill 303 310 303 Fill of pit. Dark brown silty clay, soft in 1.1 x 0.68 x 0.25 compaction. Occasional sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded small, medium and coarse pebbles. Frequent sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded medium stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt bone.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 305 Pit Cut 306 286, Cut of pit. Irregular in shape. Steep and 0.39 x 0.36 x 0.11 289 irregular sides to N and W; moderate and smooth side to E; gentle and irregular side to S. Sharp break of slope top and base on N and W. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on S. Gradual break of slope at top and base on E. Irregular and flat at base. 306 Pit Fill 305 296 305 Fill of pit. Dark brownish grey/black silt, 0.39 x 0.36 x 0.11 firm in compaction. Occasional sub- angular small stones. Occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal. 307 Pit Fill 301 2 301 Fill of pit. Mid orangish brown sandy silt, 2.2 x 1.5 x 0.74 firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasional large stones (0.65m diameter). Occasional small pieces of charcoal. Included articulated horse skeleton. 308 VOID 309 VOID 310 Layer 311 288, Layer associated with structure. Mid grey- ? x 1.0 x 0.2 295, ish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. 304, Moderate angular and sub-angular small 275 and medium stones. 311 Layer 297 310 Layer associated with structure. Mid ? x 0.9 x 0.18 pinkish/yellowish brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. 312 Layer 279 285 Layer associated with structure. Mid grey- ? x 2.2 x 0.23 ish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 313 VOID 314 VOID 315 Posthole 316 59 Cut of posthole. Sub-circular in plan. Steep 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.08 Cut and smooth sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-circular and flat base. 316 Posthole 315 2 315 Fill of posthole. Mid brownish grey silty 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.08 Fill sand, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- angular small stones. 317 VOID 318 Posthole 319 59 Cut of pit. Steep and undercut on all sides. 0.57 x 0.34 x 0.2 Cut Irregular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Irregular and flat at base. 319 Posthole 318 2 318 Fill of pit. Dark brownish/greyish black silt, 0.57 x 0.34 x 0.2 Fill firm in compaction. Occasional rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate rounded and sub-angular small stones. Occasional sub- angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Occasional sub-rounded large stones (0.3m diameter). 320 Pit Cut 321 59 Cut of pit. Irregular in shape. Steep and 2.0 x 1.2 x 0.5 smooth side to N; moderate and smooth side to S; vertical and smooth side to E; steep and irregular side to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Irregular and flat base.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 321 Pit Fill 320 2 320 Fill of pit. Dark orangish brown sandy 2.0 x 1.2 x 0.5 silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub- angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. Included articulated calf skeleton. 322 Wall 48 50 Wall canalising Glencora River. Vertical 1.33 x 1.0 x 0.23 and concave on E side. Sub-rectangular and flat base. Linear in shape. 323 Linear 327 59 Cut of linear. Moderate and smooth sides. 2.35 x 0.45 x 0.12 Cut Gradual break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base. 324 Layer 2 355 Layer at S end of Area 1. Dark brownish 1.5 x 0.9 x 0.01 black silty sand, loose in compaction. Mod- erate angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal. 325 Cut 326 59 Cut of natural feature. Sub-rectangular in 0.41 x 0.28 x 0.19 shape. Steep and concave sides to N and W; moderate and concave side to S; vertical and irregular side to E. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Oval and flat base. 326 Fill 325 2 325 Fill of natural feature. Mid greyish brown 0.41 x 0.28 x 0.19 silty sand, soft in compaction. 327 Linear 323 2 323 Fill of linear. Mid greyish brown silty 2.35 x 0.45 x 0.12 Fill clay, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- angular small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 328 Pit Cut 330 59 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Verti- 1.5 x 0.95 x 0.35 cal and irregular to NW side; moderate and smooth sides to NE and SE. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and concave base. 329 Pit Fill 328 2 330 Fill of pit. Mid brownish orange sandy 1.25 x 0.45 x 0.25 silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub- angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional large pieces of slag material. 330 Pit Fill 328 329 328 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown sandy silt, 1.5 x 0.5 x 0.12 firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. 331 Cut 332 59 Cut of feature. Sub-circular in shape. 0.8 x 0.62 x 0.08 Gentle and smooth sides to N, E and W; moderate and smooth side to S. Gradual break of slope top. Gradual break of slope base, except sharp on S side. Sub-circular and flat base. 332 Fill 331 2 331 Fill of feature. Dark greyish brown silty 0.8 x 0.62 x 0.08 clay, firm in compaction. Moderate sub- angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles and small and medium stones. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks and small pieces of burnt bone. 333 Linear 334 59 Cut of linear. Gentle and smooth sides to 0.89 x 0.38 x Cut N and E; moderate and smooth sides to 0.06 S and W. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on N side. Gradual break of slope at top and base on S, E and W sides. Irregular and flat base.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 334 Linear 333 2 333 Fill of linear. Mid brownish grey sandy silt, 0.89 x 0.38 x Fill soft in compaction. Occasional flecks and 0.06 moderate small pieces of charcoal. 335 VOID 336 VOID 337 Ditch Fill 382 383 339 Fill of ditch. Mid orangish brown sand, ? x 7.2 x 0.38 - Slot 6 compact. Occasional sub-rounded medium stones. 338 Ditch Fill 382 384 382 Fill of ditch. Dark black silty clay, firm in ? x 3.38 x 0.44 - Slot 6 compaction. Sub-angular medium stones. 339 Ditch Fill 382 337 385 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown clayey ? x 5.2 x 0.3 - Slot 6 sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub- angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. 340 Linear 341 59 Cut of linear. Gentle and irregular sides. 5.3 x 0.7 x 0.17 Cut Gradual break of slope at top and base. Ir- regular and flat at base. Same cut as linear [351]. 341 Linear 340 2 340 Fill of linear. Mid greyish black silt, soft in 5.3 x 0.7 x 0.17 Fill compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 342 Posthole 343 59 Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Steep 0.12 x 0.12 x 0.08 Cut and smooth sides to S, E and W; vertical and smooth side to N. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave base. 343 Posthole 342 2 342 Fill of posthole. Mid greyish brown sandy 0.12 x 0.12 x 0.08 Fill silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub- rounded medium pebbles. 344 Posthole 345 59 Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Vertical 0.16 x 0.15 x 0.12 Cut and smooth sides to N and E; steep and smooth sides to S and W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave at base. 345 Posthole 344 2 344 Fill of posthole. Mid greyish brown sandy 0.16 x 0.15 x 0.12 Fill silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub- angular small stones. 346 VOID 347 Linear 372 368 359 Fill of linear. Dark black clayey sand, com- 10.64 x 1.13 x 0.1 Fill pact. Occasional angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 348 VOID 349 VOID 350 Layer 372 356 Layer of natural material. Light yellowish ? x ? x 0.12 brown stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones. 351 VOID 352 VOID 353 Pit Cut 360 363, Cut of pit. Linear in shape. Moderate and 2.07 x 1.4 x 0.24 365 smooth sides to NE and SE; vertical and smooth side to SW; steep and smooth side to NW. Gradual break of slope at top and base, except sharp on SW side. Square and flat base.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 354 Linear 365 355 Cut of linear. Steep and smooth sides. 9.25 x 1.0 x 0.28 Cut Gradual break of slope at top and base on E side. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on SW side. Sharp break of slope at top and base on SE and NW sides. Sub- rectangular and flat base. 355 Layer 356 / Layer of natural material. Light orangish ? x ? x 0.19 369/ brown pebbly sand, loose in compaction. 354 / Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded 370, fine and medium pebbles. 324 356 Layer 350 355 Layer of natural material. Mid brown silty ? x ? x 0.3 sand, compact. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. 357 Pit Fill 375 358 361 Fill of pit. Light brown silty clay, firm in 4.05 x 1.5 x 0.2 compaction. Occasional small pieces of charcoal. Occasional sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub- rounded medium pebbles. 358 Pit Fill 375 2 357 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown silty clay, 2.4 x 0.8 x 0.3 friable in compaction. Occasional angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small and medium pieces of charcoal. 359 Linear 372 347 372 Fill of linear. Light pinkish grey silty clay, ? x 0.85 x 0.18 Fill soft in compaction. Occasional sub- rounded fine pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 360 Pit Fill 353 2 353 Fill of pit. Mid brown silty clay, firm in 2.07 x 1.4 x 0.24 compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded small stones. 361 Pit Fill 375 357 375 Fill of pit. Light brownish yellow sandy silt, 4.64 x 1.35 x 0.10 firm in compaction. Occasional angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Oc- casional flecks of charcoal. 362 VOID 363 VOID 364 VOID 365 Linear 354 353 354 Fill of linear. Mid greyish brown silty 9.25 x 1.04 x 0.3 Fill pebbly clay, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Moder- ate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal. 366 VOID 367 VOID 368 Layer 2 347 Layer of subsoil material. Mid greyish 6.0 x 6.0 x 0.3 brown sandy silt, weakly cemented. Oc- casional sub-angular medium pebbles and medium stones. 369 VOID 370 Linear 371 355 Cut of linear. Gentle and smooth side to 4.37 x 0.94 x 0.26 Cut N; moderate and smooth sides to E and W; steep and smooth side to S. Gradual break of slope at top and base, except sharp on S side. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 371 Linear 370 2 370 Fill of linear. Dark brownish/greyish black 4.37 x 0.94 x 0.26 Fill clayey silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Oc- casional flecks and small pieces of charcoal. 372 Linear 346, 350 Cut of linear. Steep and smooth side to W; 9.7 x 1.72 x 0.3 Cut 359 gentle and smooth to E. Sharp break of slope at top. Gradual break of slope at base. Linear and flat to concave base. 373 Ditch Fill 376 386 222 Fill of ditch. Light pinkish brown sandy ? x 1.75 x 0.05 - Slot 8 silt, soft in compaction. 374 Ditch Fill 376 278 376 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown pebbly/ ? x 2.0 x 0.45 - Slot 8 stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. 375 Pit Cut 361 167 Cut of pit. Linear in shape. Steep and 4.64 x 1.9 x 0.6 smooth sides to N and W; steep and irregular side to E; moderate and smooth to S. Gradual break of slope at top to S; sharp to N, E and W. Gradual break of slope base except sharp on E. Sub-rectangular and concave base. 376 Ditch 374 167 Cut of ditch. Linear in shape. Moderate ? x 2.4 x 0.55 Cut - Slot and smooth sides to E and W. Gradual 8 break of slope at top and base. Linear and concave base. 377 Deposit 310 286, Deposit associated with structure. Dark 0.82 x 0.45 x 0.04 289 greyish black stony sand, strongly cemented in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasional medium pieces of charcoal. 378 Ditch 389, 167 Cut of ditch (Slot 7). Linear in shape. ? x 8.2 x 1.25 Cut - Slot 388 Gentle and smooth side to E; moderate and 7 smooth/stepped side to W. Gradual break of slope top on E; sharp on W. Sharp break of slope at base. Linear and flat base. 379 Ditch Fill 378 386 389 Fill of ditch. Dark black stony sand, com- ? x 2.2 x 0.66 - Slot 7 pact. Frequent angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks of charcoal. 380 Ditch Fill 378 2 386 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown silty sand, ? x 7.6 x 0.45 - Slot 7 compact. Moderate angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones and moderate angular large stones (0.29m diameter).

381 Ditch Fill 378 387 388 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy ? x 2.76 x 0.64 - Slot 7 silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub- angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. 382 Ditch 338 167 Cut of ditch. Linear in shape. Gentle and ? x 7.95 x 1.40 Cut - Slot irregular side to E; moderate and concave 6 side to W. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Linear and concave base. 383 Ditch Fill 382 2 337 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown clayey ? x 7.3 x 0.36 - Slot 6 sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub- angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones.

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Context Context Fill of Strat Strat Short Description Dimensions (m) # Type Above Below 384 Ditch Fill 382 385 338 Fill of ditch. Mid yellowish brown silty ? x 3.5 x 0.4 - Slot 6 sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub- angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasional angular and sub-angular medium and large stones. 385 Ditch Fill 382 339 384 Fill of ditch. Dark brown clayey sand. ? x 2.0 x 0.44 - Slot 6 Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded large stones. 386 Ditch Fill 378 380 379, Fill of ditch. Mid brown sandy silt, firm in ? x 2.3 x 0.26 - Slot 7 387 compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. 387 Ditch Fill 378 386 381 Fill of ditch. Light yellowish brown sandy ? x 2.44 x 0.18 - Slot 7 silt, firm in compaction. 388 Ditch Fill 378 381 378 Fill of ditch. Light orangish brown silty ? x 2.78 x 0.46 - Slot 7 sand, compact. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Moder- ate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub- rounded small stones. 389 Ditch Fill 378 379 378 Fill of ditch. Light yellowish brown silt, soft ? x 2.0 x 0.24 - Slot 7 in compaction. 390 Field 391 Cut of field drain. Linear in shape. Steep 14.2 x 1.2 x 0.6 Drain and smooth sides to E and W. Sharp break Cut of slope at top. Imperceptible break of slope at base. Linear and flat base. 391 Field 390 2 390 Fill of field drain. Mid reddish brown 14.2 x 1.2 x 0.6 Drain clayey silt, firm in compaction. Moderate Fill sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Frequent angular and sub- rounded large stones.

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Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups

Group 1 Natural Deposits This group describes the natural geological deposits identified across the area of excavation.

Subgroup 1 Natural Subsoils List of Contexts; C. 1, 2, 206, 207, 368 Description This subgroup describes the natural sub-soils that have formed across the area of excavation. They are in general a mid brown clayey silt. Post-medieval finds including ceramics, glass and clay pipes were recovered from layer (2).

Subgroup 2 Natural Gravels List of Contexts; C. 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 65, 66, 67, 68, 200, 201, 208, 350, 355, 356. Description This subgroup describes the natural gravels, most probably associated with alluvial deposition, located to the eastern half of the site. They are in general a light orangish brown pebbley silt or stony sand.

Subgroup 3 Natural layers associated with ditch List of Contexts; C. 136, 141, 143, 145, 146, 148, 150, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162. Description This subgroup describes the natural layers associated with the cut of the ditch. They are in general a light grey to a mid reddish brown in colour, and stony sand to silty clay in composition.

Subgroup 4 Natural deposit List of Contexts; C. 167. Description This subgroup describes the natural deposit to the western side of the site. It is a light orangish brown sandy clay.

Group 2 Fulacht Fiadh This group describes a fulacht fiadh, including all associated features and modern disturbances, located to the west of the area of excavation.

Subgroup 1 Burnt Mound material and associated layers Plates: 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 176, 177, 178, 171, 172. List of Contexts; C.163, 164, 165, 167

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Description This subgroup describes the burnt mound material covering the features described in subgroups {2002} to {2006}. It also describes the associated layers uncovered during excavation of the mound. Burnt mound material (163) measured 15.6 m in length, 7.75 m in width and 0.4 m in depth. It was a dark black stony silt with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. One worked flint flake was also recovered from this deposit. Layers (164) and (166) overlay burnt mound material (163) and lay underneath subsoil layer (002). Layer (164) measured 0.45 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. It was a mid brownish orange stony sand. Layer (166) measured 5 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. It was a mid brown silty stony clay. Layer (165) overlay the natural in this area and lay underneath the burnt mound material (163). It measured 0.9 m in width and 0.07 m in depth. It was a mid greyish brown sandy pebbley clay. Interpretation These layers represent a sequence of stratigraphy from the occupation of the fulacht fiadh to long after its abandonment. Layer (165) appears to be a transference layer between the burnt mound material and the natural layer, possibly a layer of occupation while the mound was in use. Layer (163) represents the waste material produced from the use of the fulacht while it was occupied. This may have originally been located further up the slope to the west and may have slipped over time due to colluvium activity. Layers (164) and (166) represent naturally deposited layers of material long after the abandonment of the fulacht. They may have been deposited through colluvium action or possibly natural silting.

Subgroup 2 Trough and associated structural features Plates: 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 261, 262, 263, 264, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 290, 291. List of Contexts; C. [183], [225], 226, [231], 232, [243], 244, [245], 246, [247], 248, [249], 250, [251], 252, [233], 234. Description This subgroup describes the trough of the fulacht fiadh, in which the main activity took place, as well as related structural elements. The trough [183] measured 2.2 m in length, 1.8 m in width and was 0.8 m in depth. It was aligned east to west It was rectangular in shape, with generally steep and smooth sides. The sides of the trough to the north and south of the feature appear to have been stepped. The base was rectangular in shape and flat in profile. Some large flat stones were uncovered in the base of the trough. It was filled by burnt mound material (163) as described in subgroup {2001}. Posthole [225] was located in the north west corner of the trough [183]. It measured 0.33 m in diameter and was 0.22 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape and had

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steep and undercut sides except to the south east which was open to the interior of the trough. Its base was flat in profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (226) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Posthole [231] was located in the north east corner of the trough. It measured 0.5 m in diameter and 0.35 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape and had steep and undercut sides except to the south west which was also open to the interior of the trough. Its base was flat in profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (232) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Posthole [233] was located in the south east corner of the trough. It measured 0.46 m in diameter and 0.33 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape and had steep and irregular sides except to the north west which was also open to the interior of the trough. Its base was flat in profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (234) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Three stakeholes [243], [245] and [247] appeared to truncate the edge of posthole [233]. They were circular in shape with a diameter of approximately 0.06 m and a depth of 0.26 m. They had vertical and undercut sides and all three stakeholes had an open side to the interior of the posthole. They were filled by a dark greyish black stony silt, (244), (246) and (248) respectively. All contained occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Two stakeholes lay just outside of the trough to the east. Stakehole [249] is located 0.06 m to the east of posthole [231]. It measured 0.1 m in diameter and 0.11 m in depth. It was oval in shape with steep sides and a concave base. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (250) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Stakehole [251] was located 0.12 m east of posthole [233]. It measured 0.09 m in diameter and 0.14 m in depth. It was oval in shape with steep sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (252) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation These features represent the main area of activity for the fulacht fiadh. The trough was large in size and included the possible remnants of a stone lining on the base. The postholes are later additions as they truncate three of the corners of the trough however, to what extent they were later is difficult to determine. These postholes represent a structure that was probably constructed over the trough itself, possibly for shelter or as some enclos- ing element for the usage of the trough. The three postholes appear to have constructed so that part of the posts themselves were open to the interior of the trough. The stakeholes that truncate posthole [233] probably represent structural supports for that particular post, most likely also incorporating stakeholes [249] and [251] as well. While it appears the posts on the eastern end of the trough needed more support than those on the western end as shown by the stakeholes, truncation by later activity (see subgroup {2007}) may have removed any trace of structural support at the western end. The fills of all of these features appear to represent redeposited burnt mound -ma terial, probably originating from the main trough. The similarities of these fills tend to suggest that these features were contemporary not only in use but also in abandonment.

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Subgroup 3 Water Management System Plates: 214, 215, 216, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259. List of Contexts; C.[229], 192, 193, 194, [230], 189, 190. Description This subgroup represents a water management system that is connected to the trough as described in subgroup {002}. Protruding from the south of the trough lay linear gully [229] leading onto the possible well [230]. Linear gully [229] measured 2.22 m in length, 1.46 m in width and 0.27 m in depth. The sides to the east and west were steep and smooth and the base was flat in profile. It was filled primarily by a light reddish brownish orange silty sand (194). The secondary fills were both a dark black stony silt (193) and (194), with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Possible well [230] was located to the south of gully [229] connecting it with the trough [183]. It measured 2.16 m in length, 1.66 m in width and 0.51 m in depth. It was oval in shape with steep and concave sides and a flat base. Its primary fill was a dark black silty sand (190) whiles its secondary fill was a mid greyish brown stony silt (189). Some wood material was recovered from fill (190). Interpretation These features represent a water management system connected to the filling and usage of the trough described in subgroup {2002}. Linear gully [229] appears to have been the water delivery system, possibly in order to keep the trough filled for its usage. While the later fills of this feature are redeop- sited burnt material from the use of the trough, the primary fill appears to be redeposited natural material. This may have originated from the erosion of the sides of the gully due to water action while it was in use. The deposit of this fill possibly suggests a continuous use of this feature over a lengthy period of time. Pit [230] may represent a possible well, used in connection with the gully [29] to supply the trough with water for use. The feature was continuously full of water post- excavation and preserved wood recovered from the primary fill suggests that it had been a waterlogged deposit for a lengthy period of time. The secondary deposit appears to be natural silting of the feature, most probably once it had gone out use. This may suggest that this feature had been out of use before the burnt mound was deposited in this area.

Subgroup 4 Re-cuts Plates: 214, 215, 216, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259. List of Contexts; C. [187], 188, [191], 195, 196, [219], 209. Description This subgroup represents three re-cuts associated with the trough and water management system as described in subgroups {2002} and {2003}.

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Cut [191] was located directly over the linear gully [229]. It measured 0.9 m in length and 0.18 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with gently sloping sides and a concave profile. It was primarily filled by a mid brownish black stony silt (195) and later filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (196). Cut [187] truncated the linear gully [229] and possible well [230]. It was located just to the west of these two features. It measured 1.72 m in length, 1.05 m in width ad 0.28 m in depth. It was oval in shape with moderate to steeply sloping sides and flat profile. It was filled by a dark black stony silt (188) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Cut [219] was located just south of the trough [183]. It truncated the connection between the trough and the linear gully [229]. It measured 0.92 m in length, 0.56 m in width and 0.48 m in depth. It was oval in shape with moderately sloping sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (209) with occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation This sub-group represents a later phase of activity associated with the occupation of the fulacht fiadh. While cut [219] may have contemporary with the use of the linear gully [229] and may have represented a sump or drainage area for water being moved into the trough for use, the other cuts appear to have been excavated after the water management system had gone out of use. The water management system may have gone out of use eventually due to the close proximity of the fulacht fiadh to the Glencorra Stream. There- fore cuts [187] and [191] may just represent later waste pits for burnt mound material or otherwise, but probably were still used contemporarily with the main trough.

Subgroup 5 Postholes Plates: 189, 193, 194, 197, 198, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 219, 220, 221, 222. List of Contexts; C. [174], 175, [176], 177, [185], 186. Description This subgroup describes three postholes that were located to the south west of the trough as described in subgroup {2002}. Posthole [176] was located 1.45 m south west of the trough [183]. It measured 0.4 m in diameter and 0.24 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with vertical sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish black silty clay (177). Posthole [174] was located 2.15 m south west of posthole [176]. It measured 0.32 m in diameter and 0.27 m in depth. It was circular in shape with steep sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark brownish black stony silt (175) with occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Posthole [185] was located 1.3 m south of posthole [176]. It measured 0.3 m in diameter and 0.2 m in depth. It was square in shape with vertical sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (186). Interpretation

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These three postholes located to the south east of the trough probably represent a structure, either in connection to the structural elements surrounding the trough or a completely separate entity. The fairly substantial diameter and depth of the postholes indicate that this structure was most likely semi-permanent during the occupation of the fulacht fiadh. Further structural elements, probably in connection with these features, have most probably since been destroyed by the construction of the structure to the south.

Subgroup 6 Pits Plates: 182, 183, 186, 191, 192, 217, 218. List of Contexts; C. [168], 169, [178], 179, [181], 182. Description Thus subgroup describes three pits that surround the location of the trough as described in subgroup {2002}. Pit [168] was located 1.75 m to the south of the trough. It measured 1.07 m in length, 0.2 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. It was irregular in shape, with gentle and concave sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a light reddish brown silty sand (169). Pit [181] was located 1.85 m north of the trough. It measured 0.58 m in length, 0.52 m in width and 0.34 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with vertical sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a mid brown silty clay (182). Pit [178] was located 3.5 m north east of pit [181]. It measured 1.3 m in length, 0.62 m in width and 0.21 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with steep sides and a flat profile. It was filled with a mid greyish brown silty clay (179). Interpretation The function of these three pits is difficult to determine. Although fairly similar in shape, all three are filled with differing fills that do not correspond to the deposition of burnt mound material. This tends to suggest that their used may have pre-dated the occupation of the fulacht fiadh, however, with no finds from the fills of these pits, this is impossible to determine. While these pits are in close proximity to the trough and lay underneath the burnt mound material (163) suggesting their association with the fulacht fiadh, their function and therefore relationship is difficult to identify.

Subgroup 7 Modern Disturbance Plates: 173, 174, 175, 185, 188, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 204, 205. List of Contexts; C. 218, [171], 172, 180, [211], 210, [257], 184, 189, 198, 199 Description This subgroup describes the various later disturbances, which affected the fulacht fiadh and its associated features. Pit [257] was located directly on top of the location of the trough, truncating the burnt mound material which filled it, but not the cut of the trough. It measured approximately 3 m in length, 1 m in width and 0.8 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat profile. It was filled by four deposits ranging in colour

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from light yellowish brown to mid greyish brown and ranging in composition from silty clay to sandy silt. No finds were recovered from these fills. Posthole [211] was located 0.05 m to the east of the trough. It truncated fills (184) and (198), the later deposits of pit [257]. It measured 0.36 m in diameter and 0.34 m in depth. It was circular in shape with steep sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a light brownish grey sand clay (210) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Pit [171] was located 0.4 m north of the trough. It measured 2.2 m in length, 1.25 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was oval in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat profile. Its primary fill was a mid brownish black silty clay (180) and its secondary fill was a dark black silty clay (172). No finds were recovered from these fills. Deposit (218) was located within the north to south running baulk across the fulacht fiadh. It was located just south of posthole [176]. It measured 0.6 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. It was a mid yellowish brown silty clay, very similar to natural material (167). Interpretation This subgroup represents a later phase of occupation in this area, truncating burnt mound material (163) and earlier features associated with the use of the fulacht fiadh. The pits, posthole and the deposit, which appears to be the remnants of a field drain, truncated the burnt mound material representing the abandonment of the fulacht fiadh and therefore must be later features. While no finds were recovered from the fills of any of these features they most likely relate to some agricultural use of this area much later than the occupation of the fulacht fiadh.

Group 3 Large Pits And Associated Stakehole This group describes two large pits, containing possible in-situ burning, and an associated stakehole and posthole located to the far west of the area of excavation.

Subgroup 1 Large Pits Plates: 313, 318, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 457, 458, 459, 461 List of Contexts; C.[268], 269, 276, 277, [292], 293, 294, 298, 299, 300 Description This subgroup describes two large pits, one obscured by the far western baulk, located to the far south west corner of the area of excavation. Pit [268] measured 2.42 m in length, 1.4 m in width and 1.22 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with vertical and undercut sides and was tapered in profile. Its primary fill was a dark black sandy silt with moderate small and medium stone inclusions (269), its secondary fill was a mid greyish brown silty sand (276) and its tertiary fill was a mid orangish brown sandy silt (277). Charcoal was recovered from fill (269), slag material was recovered from fill (277), burnt clay was recovered from fill (276) and burnt bone was recovered from fills (269) and (277). Pit [292] was not fully excavated as it lay partially underneath the western baulk. It measured 1.56 m in length (as excavated), 1.77 m in width and 0.76 m in depth. It was

84 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ sub-circular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a flat profile. Its primary fill was a mid pinkish brown silty clay (298) while its secondary fill was a dark black clayey silt (299). Overlying fill (299) was a light orangish brown silty clay (300) which was in turn was overlain by a dark greyish brown silty clay (293). The latest fill was dark greyish brown silty clay (294). Wood was recovered from fills (293) and (298) while charcoal and burnt bone was also recovered from fill (293). Interpretation This subgroup represents two large pit features, which are similar in nature and in close proximity to one another. Apart from probable natural silting or redeposition from excavation represented by fill (298), the primary fills of these features were a dark black in- situ burning layer, represented by fills (269) and (299). Stone inclusions within fill (269) suggest that these features were used as hearths, however, the unusual depth and size of the cuts of these pits does not support this. Apart from a small quantity of burnt bone suggesting a domestic use, the lack of finds in these layers makes their function difficult to determine. Slag material was recovered from the fill of pit [268], however, this was from a later deposit and most probably originated from metal working activity occurring elsewhere in this area. This may indicate that these pits were constructed earlier than the metal working occurring to the east.

Subgroup 2 Associated Stakehole Plates: 307, 308, 309 List of Contexts; C.[266], 267 Description This subgroup describes a single stakehole located to the south of large pit [268] at a distance of approximately 1.5 m. It measured 0.17 m in length, 0.13 m in width and 0.07 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with gentle and concave sides and a tapered base. The fill was a mid orangish brown sandy silt (267) containing occasional flecks of charcoal. Interpretation This feature represents a possible structural element associated with the large pit [268] as described in subgroup {3001}. While this subgroup only describes a single stakehole which is quite ephemeral in nature, others may have existed but have been truncated or destroyed by water action in this waterlogged area of the site. Charcoal within the fill of the feature indicates further evidence of occupation.

Subgroup 3 Posthole Plates: 314, 315. List of Contexts; C.[270], 271. Description This subgroup consists of a single posthole located along the western side of the area of excavation, approximately 1.8 m north east of pit [292]. It measured 0.32 m in length, 0.17 m in width and 0.32 m in depth. It was oval in shape with vertical and concave sides

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and a flat profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black silt (271) with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation This feature appears to represent a posthole along the western edge of the site. While it is close in proximity to the large pits no other structural features were located in this area. The dark fill and charcoal inclusions indicate that this feature is archaeological rather than natural in origin, however, without further information it is difficult to determine its significance.

Group 4 Metal Working Area This group describes the possible metal working activity located to the east of the post- medieval structure in the southern end of the site.

Subgroup 1 Pits Plates: 260, 288, 576, 577, 265, 266, 269, 267, 268, 271, 281, 282, 289, 292, 293, 302 List of Contexts; C.[213], 214, 217, [215], 216, [220], 221, [241], 242, [255], 256. Description The pits listed above were all located within a 6 m diameter of one another as well as the linear features described in subgroup {4002}. The pits varied widely in length, width and depth. Lengths varied from 0.49 m to 1.87 m, widths varied from 0.27 m to 0.61 m and depths varied from 0.15 m to 0.24 m. The pits were in general sub-rectangular in shape but varied from flat to concave in profile. The sides varied from gentle to vertical in gradient. The fills of these pits varied from a mid yellowish brown to a dark black in colour and from a sandy silt to a clayey sand in composition. Charcoal was recovered from two of the six pits. Iron objects were found in fills (214), (217), (242) and (256). An iron nail was found in fill (221). Slag material was recovered from fills (214), (217), (221) and (256). Flint flakes were found in fills (214) and (217), both fills of pit [213]. Pit [255] was truncated by later linear [260] as described in subgroup {4002}. Interpretation These pits represent features that are associated with metal working in this area. Evidence of metal working can be seen in metal objects, charcoal and slag material recovered from the fills of the majority of these features. The flint debitage recovered from pit [213] may be redeposited activity rather than indication of date. However, while there is evidence of metal working, there is no in-situ burning present to suggest that primary metal-working activities took place in this area. This indicates that these pits were most probably dumping or rubbish pits associated with this industrial activity.

Subgroup 2 Linear features Plates: 295, 303, 301, 302, 304, 305, 306. 310, 311, 312 List of Contexts; C.[260], 261, [264], 265. Description

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The two linear features listed above were located in the immediate area around the pits described in subgroup {4001). Both features were aligned in an east to west direction and lay parallel to each other at a distance of approximately 3 m. Linear [260] measured 2.56 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. The sides were steep and irregular in gradient and it had a flat base. This linear truncated an earlier pit [255] as described in subgroup {4001}. The fill of this linear was a mid brownish orange silty sand (261). Charcoal flecks and slag material were recovered from this fill. Linear [264] measured 2.9 m in length, 0.72 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. The sides were gentle and concave in gradient and it had a flat base. The fill of this linear was a mid brown silty clay (265). Slag material, an iron object and a clay pipe were recovered from this fill. Interpretation These two linear features represent a later phase of activity in the metal working area. The truncation of pit [255] by linear [260] supports this interpretation. The inclusions of slag material and metal objects indicate that these features have a relationship to the metal working in this area. However, due to their shape and location they are more likely unre- lated plough furrows containing redeposited metal working material, possibly originating from the pits in subgroup {4001}.

Group 5 Linear Ditch This group describes a ditch running in a north east to south west direction across the area of excavation. During the excavation 5 sections of varying widths were excavated across the line of the ditch. Plates: 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 759, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777.

Subgroup 1 ditch cut List of Contexts; C. [92], [126], [382], [378], [376]. Description The linear ditch was sizeable in length and generally concave in profile. Along the length of the ditch the sides were stepped outwards towards the top of the cut, creating a stepped profile. The ditch measures approximately 60 m in length and disappeared underneath the edge of excavation to both the north and south limits of the area of excavation. The ditch was approximately 1.5 m wide and ranged in depth from 0.55 m to 1.4 m. It was deepest to the north of site, shallowing out as it approached to the south. The ditch was cut into the underlying natural clay and river gravel deposits Interpretation The varying depth of the ditch is connected to the topography of the landscape; higher to the north of the site than the south. The ditch is large in nature suggesting its function was to enclose an area, however, no evidence of the ditch curving to suggest an interior

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was observed. Despite its size, its linear form suggests a boundary, possibly significant in nature considering the effort that would be required to construct a ditch of this size. The evidence from the ditch fills, as described in subgroups {5002} to {5009}, suggests occupation of the area, most likely to the east of the ditch on the flatter terrain, however, the relationship between this occupation and the ditch is difficult to determine.

Subgroup 2 Early activity deposit List of Contexts; C.93 Description The deposit listed above was a dark brownish grey silty clay with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. This deposit was located within slot 3, the most northern section excavated through the ditch. Interpretation This fill appears to represent a very early area of activity to the north of the excavated ditch. It pre-dates the slippage of the edges of the ditch as described in subgroup {5003}. It is a thin layer of material, abundant in charcoal suggesting activity, possibly deposited within the ditch cut shortly after its excavation.

Subgroup 3 slippage material List of Contexts; C. 94, 135, 388, 389, 374. Description The deposits listed above are generally all light brown silty clays or sands with moderate amounts of fine pebble inclusions. They were located within the ditch either at the base or along the eastern edge of the cut. No archaeological finds were recovered from any of these fills. Interpretation The fills formed during the primary silting of the ditch. Due to their position at the base of the ditch or along the eastern edge they may represent slippage of the material excavated from the ditch when it was first constructed. This is supported by the lack of archaeological material from these fills compared to the abundant material recovered from later deposits.

Subgroup 4 Redeposited fulacht material List of Contexts; C.379 Description The deposit listed above was a dark black stony sand with frequent angular and sub- angular small and medium stones and frequent flecks of charcoal inclusions. This deposit was located in slot 7 along the western edge of the cut of the ditch at the location of the truncation of the fulacht fiadh. Interpretation This deposit represents redeposited burnt mound material originating from the fulacht fiadh to the west of ditch slot 7. This material was most probably excavated during the

88 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ construction of the ditch and may have been mounded to the west of the ditch cut, slip- ping into the cut after primary slippage material had formed (see subgroup {5003}).

Subgroup 5 Primary dump of metal working residue List of Contexts; C.95, 338, 384, 381, 278. Description The deposits listed above were in general mid greyish brown in colour and silty clay in composition. Flecks of charcoal inclusions were recovered from fills (95) and (381). Slag material was recovered from all of the fills listed above except for fill (95). They were located within the cut of the ditch along its entire length. Interpretation These contexts represent a primary dump of material associated with metal working originating in close proximity. With the majority of the fills containing a fair quantity of slag material, the ditch must have been close to primary metal working features and used as a dumping area for the residues produced from the manufacture of metal (probably iron)..

Subgroup 6 Large deposit of metal working residue List of Contexts; C.222 Description The deposit listed above was a dark brownish black clayey silt with occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, small, medium and large pieces of slag material were recovered from this fill. This deposit was contained within ditch slot 8 to the south end of the ditch, however it also extended out of the cut to the eastern side. This was in close proximity to the metal working area as described in group 4. In plan this deposit measured approximately 4 m in length and 2 m in width. Interpretation This deposit represents a intense area of metal working residue associated with nearby industrial activities. Stratigraphically later than the deposits listed in subgroup {5005} this material may have originating due to an increase production of iron in the immediate area. The fact that this deposit stretches beyond the confines of the cut and is heavily dumped in one area indicates that not only was there an abundance of metal working activity but that also the primary focus of the metal working must have been in close proximity to this deposit.

Subgroup 7 Silting List of Contexts; C.96, 133, 134, 139, 140, 385, 387, 373. Description The deposits listed above were all in general a sandy or stony silt composition and varied in colour from a light yellowish brown to a dark brown. They were located along the length of the ditch, generally along the sides of the ditch cut from both the eastern and western sides. They varied in thickness from 0.05 m to 0.58 m. No archaeological finds were recovered from these ditch fills.

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Interpretation These deposits indicate a period of natural silting within the ditch cut. Present along the entirety of the ditch and located on either side of the cut, these deposits most probably originated from natural processes through possible weather action. The sterile nature of the deposits supports this interpretation and indicates a lengthy period of the halting of dumping of material occurring in connection with the ditch.

Subgroup 8 Secondary dump of metal working residue List of Contexts; C.97, 130, 131, 132, 138, 337, 339, 386 Description The deposits listed above were all generally silty clay in composition and varied in colour from light pinkish brown to dark greyish black. They were located in the upper fills of the ditch along its length. Slag material was recovered from six of the eight deposits listed including possible bronze slag from the fill of slot 4, excavated across the centre of the ditch within the area of excavation. Interpretation These deposits represent a second phase of metal working processes close to the location of the ditch. The abundance of slag material within the fills indicates another phase of dumping after the natural silting within the ditch represented by subgroup {5007}. This indicates a halt and resumption of metal working activities in this location.

Subgroup 9 Culluvial deposits List of Contexts; C.98, 128, 129, 137, 383, 380. Description The deposits listed were all mid reddish brown in colour and silty sand in composition. They were located along within the length of the ditch as the latest fills of the ditch cut. No archaeological finds were recovered from these fills. Interpretation These deposits represent culluvial action masking the top of the ditch. They all lay as the last fill of the ditch and are sterile of any archaeological material. They represent a period of culluvial action originating from the topography of the river valley covering and masking the top of the ditch after it went out of use.

Group 6 Stream Cannalisation This group represents the features associated with the canalisation of the Glencorra Stream in association with the construction of the Glencorra Bridge.

Subgroup 1 Linear Features Plates: 683, 684, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 743, 744, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121.

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List of Contexts; C. [354], 365, [370], 371, [372], 359, 347, [202], 239, 203, 238, 205, 237. Description This subgroup describes three linears, all orientated north-east to south-west that were located to the far south east corner of the site. Linear [354] measured 9.25 m in length, 1 m in width and 0.28 m in depth. It had steeply sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a mid greyish brown silty pebbley clay (365) with moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. This linear was truncated by later pit [353] as described in group 12. Linear [370] was located 0.5 m south east of linear [354]. It measured 4.37 m in length, 0.94 m in width and 0.26 m in depth. It had moderately sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish brown/black clayey silt (371). Slag material and a piece of post-medieval glass was recovered from this fill. Linear [372] was located 2.1 m south east of linear [370]. Cut [202] and associated fills represent the same linear feature as seen through the excavation of slot 9. It measured 9.7 m in length, 1.13 m in width and 0.3 m in depth. It had moderately steep sloping sides and a flat to concave base. Its primary fill was a light pinkish grey silty clay (359) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. A clay pipe was also recovered from this fill. Its secondary fill was a dark black clayey sand (247) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions, comparable to layer (324) as described in subgroup {6005}. Interpretation These linears represent drainage channels in connection with the linears described in subgroup {002} and {003}. They appear to be parallel in nature and run from higher ground to the north east to the lower more waterlogged area to the south west next to the Glen- corra Bridge. They are possibly associated with the canalisation of the Glencorra stream, used as a method to relocate it from its original course to the course that it runs presently. The post-medieval finds recovered from the fills of these channels possibly relate these features to the construction of the Glencorra bridge.

Subgroup 2 Linear feature and associated stakeholes Plates: 630, 631, 632, 633, 640, 641, 642, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 677, 678, 679, 680. List of Contexts; C.[328], 329, 330, [340], 341, [342], 343, [344], 345. Description This subgroup describes a linear feature and associated stakeholes located to the north of the linears described in subgroup {6001}. Linear [340] was orientated north-east to south- west and measured 5.3 m in length, 0.7 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. It has gently sloping sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid greyish black silt (341) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Slag material was recovered from this fill. This linear was truncated by animal burial [301] as described in group 9. On the northern side of [301] lay pit [328] which represents the northern termius of this linear. Pit [328] measured 1.5 m in length, 0.95 m in width and 0.35 m in depth. It had moderately sloping sides and a concave base. The primary fill was a dark greyish brown sandy silt (330) comparable to

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fill (341). The secondary fill was a mid brownish orange sandy silt (329). A large piece of slag material was recovered from this fill. Two postholes were located on the northern edge of this cut. Posthole [342] measured 0.12 m in diameter and 0.08 m in depth. It was circular in shape with steeply sloping sides and a concave base. It was filled by a mid greyish brown sandy silt (343). Posthole [344] was located 1.35 m to the south west. It measured 0.16 m in diameter and 0.12 m in depth. It had vertical sloping sides and a concave base. It was filled by a mid greyish brown sandy silt (345). Interpretation These features represent a drainage linear closely related to those described in subgroup {001}. This linear is similar in size and shape and appears to be aligned along the same orientation as those described above. Postholes [342] and [344] may then represent a structural element to this drainage channel, however, to what function is unknown. The fill of these features represents possible metal working residues, in this case charcoal and slag material, dumped into this linear once it went out of use.

Subgroup 3 Stone Lined Linear Plates: 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824. List of Contexts; C. [390], 391 Description This subgroup describes a linear feature lying along the far eastern edge of excavation of the area. Linear [390] measured 14.2 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 0.6 m in depth. It had steep and smooth sides with a flat base. It was filled by a mid reddish brown clayey silt (391). Post-medieval pottery and clay pipe fragments were recovered from this fill. At the base of the cut a number of large stones were placed on end along the length of the linear. This linear was later truncated by construction cut [50] as described in subgroup {6004}. Interpretation This feature represents another drainage channel in the series as described in subgroups {001} and {002}. It appears to run parallel to the Glencorra stream and may represent drainage in connection with the straightening of the stream possibly in relation to the construction of the Glencorra bridge. The stone lined aspect of this channel suggest a semi-permanent nature to this feature and the fact that it was truncated by later construction cut [50] indicates that it pre-dated the final placement of the stream.

Subgroup 4 Wall Plates: 12, 13, 14, 39, 40, 559, 560, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 578. List of Contexts; C. [50], 49, 48, 322 Description This subgroup describes the construction cut for, and the remains of, a wall that runs along the length of the Glencorra stream. The construction cut [50] was approximately 2.5 m in width and 0.55 m in depth. It was linear in shape with moderately steep sides and a flat base. It was primarily filled by wall (322). This was a mortared stone wall ap-

92 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ proximately 1.3 m in width which ran the length of the Glencorra stream in this area. Post-medieval pottery came from in between the courses of this wall. Construction cut [50] was also filled by a mid pinkish brown clayey sand (49). Both the wall (322) and fill (49) were overlain by a mid brown stony clay (48). Interpretation This feature represents a wall that lies along the length of the Glencorra stream on both banks. This feature must have been used in order to straighten and maintain the course of the stream after its re-channelling into this new location. The post-medieval pottery recovered from the wall as well as the mortared construction of the wall itself indicates a post-medieval date for this feature. This coincides with the construction of the Glencorra bridge in the mid 19th century.

Subgroup 5 Layer Plates: 742. List of Contexts; C. 324 Description This subgroup describes a layer of material that was located 0.5 m north of linear feature [372]. It measured 1.5 m in length, 0.9 m in width and 0.01 m in depth. It was a dark brownish black silty sand with moderate flecks of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation This layer represents the remains of an area of burning possibly associated with occupation of the immediate area around the drainage channels as described in subgroups {001} and {002}. This deposit may have a connection with the movement of the Glencorra stream of the construction of the Glencorra bridge, however, with so little information available this is difficult to determine.

Group 7 Habitation Area This group describes the elements of a possible area of habitation on a raised plateau to the east of the site. The elements of this habitation are divided into four categories; postholes, stakeholes, pits and natural features.

Subgroup 1 Postholes Plates: 1, 10, 7, 9, 11, 17, 24, 35, 34, 36, 37, 38, 18, 41, 49, 53, 80, 50, 56, 57, 58, 81, 99, 105, 77, 86, 95, 508, 509, 511, 554, 574. List of Contexts; C.[10], 11, 12, 13, [14], 15, [17], 18, 26, [30], 31, [33], 34, [35], 36, [39], 40, [64], 76, 71, [72], 84, [315], 316, [318], 319.

Context Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m) 10 137.7 127.25 0.37 x 0.25 x 0.23 14 135.5 126.45 0.26 x 0.24 x 0.06 17 133.04 119.72 0.36 x 0.30 x 0.23 30 137.4 124.65 0.18 x 0.15 x 0.06

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Context Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m) 33 134.32 120.24 0.26 x 0.20 x 0.18 35 134.58 120.36 0.40 x 0.30 x 0.30 39 132.66 120.75 0.30 x 0.26 x 0.28 64 133.7 121.32 0.31 x 0.25 x 0.2 72 132.1 122.04 0.42 x 0.31 x 0.25 315 135.92 104.3 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.08 318 134.36 116.4 0.57 x 0.34 x 0.2 Table 1 - Posthole dimensions – Subgroup 1 Description The eleven postholes listed above were all located to the east of the site on the raised platform immediately next to the Glencorra Stream. They were all located within a 10 metre diameter of one another, in close proximity to the stakeholes in subgroup {7002}. The postholes differed in length, width and depth as seen in the above table. The shapes of the postholes varied from sub-circular to oval while their bases varied from concave to flat in profile and the sides were in general all sharp and steep. The fills of the postholes were mid orangish brown to dark greyish black in colour and sandy silt to silty clay in composition. Charcoal flecking was a common inclusion in the fills of the majority of these postholes, while burnt bone was recovered from the fills of six of the eleven. Posthole [33] truncates posthole [35] possibly representing a re-cut of this feature. Interpretation These features, in connection with the stakeholes described in subgroup {7002}, represent the remains of a structure or series of structures in this area, however, no discernable pattern could be recognised. The evidence of a re-cut represented by posthole [33] indicates a lengthier period of occupation, however the lack of depth of the majority of these postholes suggest a temporary structure. This is supported by the occasional charcoal flecking and occasional inclusions of burnt bone which suggests only a short period of occupation. No datable evidence was recovered to isolate these features to a specific time period.

Subgroup 2 Stakeholes Plates:2, 4, 3, 5, 6, 8, 15, 19, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 29, 33, 48, 44, 46, 51, 45, 47, 52, 60, 61, 65, 69, 72, 76, 70, 74, 78, 79, 88, 90, 92, 94, 83, 87, 106, 107, 108, 109. List of Contexts; C.[4], 5, [6], 7, [8], 9, 16, [22], 23, [27], 28, [29], 32, [41], 46, [42], 47, 62, [63], [74], 77, [75], 80, [78], 79, [82], 91, [83], 85, [144], 153.

Context # Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m) 4 133.7 119 0.18 x 0.14 x 0.21 6 135.15 126.6 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.03 8 134.28 118.4 0.20 x 0.20 x 0.11 22 136.2 126.85 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.06 27 138.5 125.75 0.12 x 0.09 x 0.07 29 136.6 126.85 0.2 x 0.19 x 0.14 41 135.04 104.5 0.15 x 0.12 x 0.16 42 135.3 104.38 0.18 x 0.16 x 0.14 63 135 125 0.14 x 0.10 x 0.05

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Context # Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m) 74 135.2 108.42 0.12 x 0.08 x 0.13 75 137.04 108.28 0.15 x 0.13 x 0.27 78 132.3 142.4 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.12 82 139.1 111.96 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.13 83 136.93 108.13 0.15 x 0.10 x 0.17 144 137.26 126 1.12 x 0.26 x 0.1 Table 2 - Stakehole dimensions – Subgroup 2 Description The 14 stakeholes listed above were all located within a 10 metre diameter of one another and close in proximity to the postholes described in subgroup {7001}. The stakeholes differed in length, width and depth as shown in the table above but in general were circular to oval in shape. Their sides varied from gradual to vertical in gradient while their bases varied from tapered to concave in profile. The fills of the stakeholes varied from a mid orangish brown to a mid greyish brown in colour and from a silty clay to a sandy silt in composition. Six of the 14 contained charcoal flecking within their fills. Cut [144] describes a linear feature that is irregular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a linear base. Several possible circular cuts appeared in the base of this feature. The fill of this feature was a mid orangish brown silty clay (153) with occasional flecks of charcoal. Cut [331] was located in close proximity to the habitation features described in group 7. It measured 0.8 m in length, 0.62 m in width and 0.08 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, had gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish brown silty clay (332) with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. An iron nail was also recovered from this fill. Cut [333] was located just to the north of the habitation features as described in group 7. It measured 0.89 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.06 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a mid brownish grey sandy silt (334) with occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation These stakeholes represent a structure or series of structures, probably related to the postholes in subgroup {7001}. Again no discernable pattern for a structure could be identified, however, occasional charcoal flecking within the fills of the stakeholes suggest a period of occupation in this area. Linear features [144, 331 and 333] probably represent small slot trenches, again related to a possible structure.

Subgroup 3 Pits Plates: 18, 49, 53, 80. List of Contexts; C.[37], 38, [43], 44. Description The two pits listed above were located to the east of the site on a raised plateau immediately to the west of the Glencorra stream. They lay in close proximity to the postholes within subgroup {7001} and the stakeholes within subgroup {7002}. Pit [37] measured 0.6

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m in length, 0.3 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, concave in profile with vertical and smooth sides. Its fill was a dark brownish black silty sand (34) with moderate flecks of burnt bone. Pit [43] measured 0.45 m in length, 0.35 m in width and 0.2 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, concave in profile with gentle and concave sides. Its fill was a light orangish brown silty sand (44) with occasional flecks of burnt bone. Both of these pits truncates earlier posthole [35] from subgroup {7001}. Interpretation These pits represent possible rubbish pits associated with the structure or series of structures as defined by the postholes and stakeholes from subgroup {7001} and {7002} respectively. This is supported by the burnt bone recovered from the fills of these pits. Both pits also truncate earlier posthole [35] and therefore indicate a later date and possible continual occupation of this area.

Subgroup 4 Natural features This group describes seven features located in the habitation area of the area as described in group 7. These features are likely to have a natural origin. Plates: 16, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 59, 62, 63, 64, 73, 75, 740, 741, 367, 368, 369, 370, 620. List of Contexts; C. [20], 21, [24], 25, [61], 60, [70], 69, [88], 89, [284], 283, [325], 326.

Context # Grid_E Grid_N Dimensions (m) 20 135 125 0.30 x 0.29 x 0.06 24 138.85 125.8 0.30 x 0.15 x 0.06 61 135 125 0.12 x 0.13 x 0.03 70 138.45 123 0.21 x 0.18 x 0.05 88 132.3 117.4 0.32 x 0.19 x 0.12 284 115.38 111.27 0.68 x 0.48 x 0.12 325 137.94 118.12 0.41 x 0.28 x 0.19 Table 3 - Natural features dimensions Description The seven features listed above were all located to the east of the site in the same location as the habitation features as described in group 7. The features differed in length, width and depth as seen in the above table. Their shapes varied from irregular to oval in shape while their bases varied from irregular to flat in profile. The sides of the features varied in gradient from gradual to steep. The fills of the features varied from light brownish grey to dark orangish brown in colour and were in general sandy silt in composition. The majority of these features were void of archaeological finds, however, some charcoal flecking and burnt bone were recovered from three of the fills of these features. Interpretation The irregularity and lack of depth within the features suggests that they are natural. The sterile fills also suggest a natural origin within the majority of these features, while the charcoal and burnt bone inclusions in a minority of the fills probably originated from the occupation of this area.

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Group 8 Structure This group describes the structure, including the construction features, depositional layers and associated features located to the south west corner of the excavation area.

Subgroup 1 Construction features Plates: 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 384, 385, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422. List of Contexts; C.[274], 275, 290, 291, [296], 297 Description This subgroup describes the buildings main structural elements including the construction cuts and fills, the walls and any associated deposits. Construction cut [274] measured 12 m in length, 0.46 m in width and 0.5 m in depth. It was rectangular in shape with vertical and smooth sides. The cut extends north to south for 4.6 m before turning sharply to extend east to west for 7.7 m. A dry stone wall (291) was constructed within this cut and backfilled by a mid orangish brown silty sand (275). Slag material was recovered from this fill. A dark brownish black clayey silt deposit (290) with frequent flecks and small and medium pieces of charcoal also filled cut [274]. The wall (291) was of a fairly rough dry-stone construction, surviving to a height of three courses on the northern and western extents. The stones used in the construction of the wall were sub-angular in shape and varied in diameter from 0.25 m to 0.6 m. This wall only survived as foundations to the eastern extent, observed only as frequent amounts of small and medium sub-angular stones in a linear alignment. The wall appeared to be faced to the interior of the structure. Linear [296] measured 4.9 m in length, 0.74 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. The linear was aligned in an east to west direction. It had moderate and smooth sides with a flat base. Its fill was a dark brown silty clay (297), which included a pottery sherd and faunal remains. Interpretation This subgroup represents the main construction features in the building of the structure to the south west of the site. Construction cut [274] truncates burnt mound material (163), in which the drys- tone wall (291) was built and backfilled by fill (275). The stones appear to be faced to the interior of the building suggesting a slightly sunken building. While the walls of the building survive to the northern and western extents, their absence from the southern and eastern extents suggest they were robbed out or destroyed by later action, possibly agricultural. The linear [296] probably represents the remains of the construction cut to the south and the absence of any stones probably indicates robbing out of the wall in this part of the structure. This is backed up by the continuation of apparent foundation material to the west, connecting with the standing wall in the south west corner of the building.

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Deposit (290) appears to be further back filled material into construction cut [275], possibly originating from the burnt mound and redeposited during building.

Subgroup 2 Layers Plates: 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 485, 486, 487, 490, 551, 552, 553. List of Contexts; C.285, 286, 288, 289, 295, 302, 310, 311, 312, 377. Description This subgroup describes the layers located within the walls of the structure. Layers (286) and (289) represent natural gravels located underneath the structure. Layer (286) was located to the eastern end of the structure and measured 2.8 m in length and 2.7 m in width. Layer (289) was located to the western end of the structure and measured 0.4 m in length and 0.25 m in width. They are light orangish brown silty sand layers with occasional charcoal inclusions. Layer (295) was a small patch of redeposited natural material located to the western end of the structure. It measured 0.6 m in length, 0.5 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. It was a light yellowish brown silt. Layers (288) and (377) represent possible redeposited burnt mound material. Layer (288) measured 2.4 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. It was a mid brownish black pebbley silt with moderate flecks of charcoal inclusions. Layer (377) measured 0.82 m in length, 0.45 m in width and 0.04 n in depth. It was a dark greyish black stony sand with frequent flecks and moderate small and medium pieces of charcoal inclusions. Deposit (310) was located against the base of the standing wall to the northern side. It measured 1.3 m in width and 0.16 m in depth. It was a mid greyish brown silty clay. Layer (311) was located along the inside edge of the northern line of the wall. It measured 0.9 m in width and 0.18 m in depth. It was a mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Layer (285) represented the main bulk of material located within the walls of the structure. It measured 4.8 m in length, 3 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was a dark brown clayey silt with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Finds including nails, pottery, glass, clay pipe, flints, animal bone and slag material were all recovered from this fill. Layers (302) and (312) represent natural silting over the layers already described. Layer (312) was a mid greyish brown silty clay with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions, while layer (302) was a light yellowish brown silty clay. Interpretation This subgroup describes a series of layers of material which account for phases of the structure in three distinct groups; pre-construction, occupation and abandonment. Layers (286) and (289) account for the pre-construction phase of the structure. They represent a layer of natural gravels that underlies the structure and was used as a base for

98 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ its construction. The occasional flecks of charcoal indicate archaeological activity over these deposits possibly during the building of the structure. The construction phase of the structure incorporated layers (295), (288), (377) and (310). Layer (295) appeared to be redeposited natural material, while layers (288) and (377) were redeposited fulacht material, probably originating from the excavation of the construction cut. This is supported by the fact that layers (288) and (377) were located to the west end of the structure in the area where cut [374] had truncated the burnt mound material (163). Layer (310) may represent backfill of the construction cut to the interior of the structure. The abandonment phase of the structure incorporates layers (311), (285), (312) and (302). Layer (311) probably represents silting of material on the inside edge of the wall, while layer (285) represents the main baulk of material deposited within the structure, which may represent a culluvial deposit or possibly purposeful backfilling of material. The varied post-medieval finds in this deposit gives a relatively recent date for the filling of the structure. Layers (312) and (302) probably represent further silting of material over this back fill, as limited archaeological inclusions are present.

Subgroup 3 Pits Plates: 423, 427, 453, 454, 424, 428. List of Contexts; C. [303], 304, [305], 306. Description This subgroup describes two pits located underneath the layers described in subgroup {8002}. Pit [303] measured 1.1 m in length, 0.68 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was oval in shape with moderate to steep sides and a flat profile. Its fill was a dark brown silty clay (304) with frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Burnt bone was also recovered from this fill. Pit [305] measured 0.39 m in length, 0.36 m in width and 0.11 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with moderate to steep sides and a flat profile. Its fill was a dark brownish grey/black silt (306) with occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation These pits seem to represent features that pre-date the construction of the building as described in subgroup {8001}. Pit [305] is truncated by the linear [279] which represents the foundation trench for the robbed out wall of the structure on the southern side. Both pits seem to share similar fills including flecks of charcoal suggesting a close relationship, however, there is little evidence to suggest their function or period of use.

Group 9 Animal Burials This group describes two animal burials, including articulated remains, located to the south end of the area of excavation.

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Plates: 408, 409, 410, 411, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 462, 463, 464, 466, 467, 510, 555, 556, 557, 558, 584, 622, 623, 624. List of Contexts; C. [301], 307, [320], 321. Description Burial [301] was located to the south of the excavation area, truncating linear feature [340] as described in group 6. It measured 2.2 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 0.74 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid orangish brown sandy silt (307) with occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. An articulated horse skeleton was recovered from the fill including horse shoes still attached to the front legs and associated nails. Post-medieval pottery was also recovered from this fill. Burial [320] was located 7.2 m to the north east of burial [301]. It measured 2 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 0.5 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a dark orangish brown sandy silt (321) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. An articulated bovine skeleton, probably a calf due to its size and minimal tooth wear, was also recovered from the fill. Interpretation These features represent the burial of the remains of agricultural animals, most probably due to the steep gradient of the river valley in which they were situated. A post-medieval date can be established for these burials due to the pottery recovered from fill (307) as well as the good condition of the bones and the close relationship between the two. This suggests a possible connection between these features and the construction of the Glencorra Bridge. Animals would have been essential in the building of the bridge and would have been easier to bury than to attempt to remove the remains from the steep sided valley.

Group 10 Cultivation Furrows This group describes two linear features, representing cultivation furrows, located to the southern half of the area of excavation, most probably excavated by plough due to their regular shape. They are parallel to one another at a distance of 8.6 m, suggesting that other furrows would have been present in the area also, however, due to the natural topography of the area an intensive area of cultivation is unlikely most probably excavated by plough due to their regular shape. They are parallel to one another at a distance of 8.6 m, suggesting that other furrows would have been present in the area also, however, due to the natural topography of the area an intensive area of cultivation is unlikely. The pottery finds from the fill (327) suggests a post-medieval date. Plates: 294, 296, 575, 621. List of Contexts; C.[258], 259, [323], 327 Description This group describes the remains of two furrows both orientated in a north-west to south- east direction. Furrow [258] measured 2.07 m in length, 0.31 m in width and 0.12 m in

100 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ depth. It was linear in shape with gentle and concave sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a mid brown sandy silt (259). Furrow [323] measured 2.35 m in length, 0.45 m in width and 0.12 m in depth. It was linear in shape with moderate and smooth sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid greyish brown silty clay (327) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. A sherd of post-medieval pottery was also recovered from this fill. Interpretation These features represent the remains of a set of agricultural furrows, most probably excavated by plough due to their regular shape. They are parallel to one another at a distance of 8.6 m, suggesting that other furrows would have been present in the area also, however, due to the natural topography of the area an intensive area of cultivation is unlikely. The pottery finds from the fill (327) suggests a post-medieval date.

Group 11 Miscellaneous Features This group is composed of eight features located across the excavation area. A field drain was located to the south west corner of the site, a pit was located to the far north of the site to the west of ditch slot 3, a pit was located to the south east corner of the site. Four areas of burning were also located across the area of excavation. Due to the lack of information that could be gathered from these features and due to their isolated locations they could not be grouped with any of the other features on site.

Subgroup 1 Field Drain Plates: 326, 327, 328, 385, 398. List of Contexts; C.[279], 280, 281. Description This subgroup consists of a field drain that truncated the south east corner of the structure towards the south west corner of the area of excavation. It measured 1.6 m in width and 0.45 m in depth. It was linear in shape with moderately steep sides and a concave base. Its primary fill was a layer of frequent sub-angular stones (281) while its secondary fill was a dark greyish brown silt (280). Interpretation This field drain truncates the wall of the post-medieval structure to the south west corner. It appears that it may have continued to the interior of the structure but was not observed during excavation. This feature must relate to a fairly modern agricultural feature in this area, most probably abandoned due to rearrangement of the field system.

Subgroup 2 Pits Plates: 681, 682, 686, 690, 722, 765, 768, 769, 770, 771. List of Contexts; C.[353], 360, [375], 361, 357, 358 Description This subgroup describes two pits, [353] which were located to the south east corner of the excavation area, and [375] which was located to the north of the excavation area.

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Pit [353] was located to the south east of the excavation area, truncating drainage feature [354], as described in group 6. It measured 2.07 m in length, 1.4 m in width and 0.24 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with moderately steep sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid brown silty clay (360). Pit [375] was located to the north of the excavation area immediately to the north of slot 3 excavated through the linear ditch as described in group 5. It measured 4.64 m in length, 1.9 m in width and 0.6 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with steeply sloping sides and a concave profile. It was filled by three deposits. The primary deposit was a light burnish yellow sandy silt (361) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. The secondary deposit was a light brown silty clay (357) with occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. The final deposit was a dark greyish brown silty clay (358) with moderate flecks and occasional small and medium pieces of charcoal inclusions. Interpretation Both of these pits represent a modern phase of activity in this area. Pit [353] truncates the drainage feature as described in group 6, which was modern in date. Pit [375] may also be modern.

Subgroup 3 Areas of Burning Plates: 766, 767, 316, 317, 319, 625, 627, 628, 626. List of Contexts; C.3, [272], 273, [331], 332, [333], 334. Description This subgroup describes two features and a deposit located in close proximity to the habitation area features described in group 3 as well as one feature located to the far west of the excavation area. Deposit (003) was located to the far eastern area of the site. It measured 1.68 m in length, 1.41 m in width and 0.05 m in depth. It was a mid orangish brown pebbely sand with moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Cut [272] was located on the far west of the site, approximately 13 m north of large pit [292] as described in group 3. It measured 0.49 m in length, 0.46 m in width and 0.08 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape, had gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark black silt (273) with frequent amounts of large pieces of charcoal inclusions. An unidentified object, possibly ceramic, was recovered from this fill. Cut [331] was located in close proximity to the habitation features described in group 7. It measured 0.8 m in length, 0.62 m in width and 0.08 m in depth. It was sub- circular in shape, had gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish brown silty clay (332) with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. An iron nail was also recovered from this fill. Cut [333] was located just to the north of the habitation features as described in group 7. It measured 0.89 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.06 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a mid brownish grey sandy silt (334) with occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions.

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Interpretation These features represent areas of single activity fires across the area of excavation. The abundance of burnt material in the form of charcoal indicate human interaction, however, the irregular and shallow nature of these deposits suggest that they were temporary areas of burning rather than those for multiple re-use. They may have been burnt out vegetation as some sort of field clearance, however, the finds within the fills possibly -sug gest single areas of burning associated with occupation. Without further information it is difficult to determine the function of these features and their relationship to the rest of the archaeology in this area.

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Appendix 4 Finds Register Find # Find # Context # Find NMI Category Fabric Artefacttype Comments Date Initials 16 1 1 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 08/11/2006 NG 9 1 2 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 07/11/2006 NG 9 1 3 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 07/11/2006 NG 10 1 4 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 07/11/2006 NG sherds (x7) - Glazed red earthenware (x4), Transfer printed ware (x3) 11 1 5 Metal Iron Lump Lumps of possible 07/11/2006 NG iron (x3) 13 1 6 Metal Iron Ring Iron ring object - 07/11/2006 NG heavily corroded 17 1 7 Metal Iron Nails Iron nail fragments 08/11/2006 NG (x2) 8 2 1 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 02/11/2006 NG 70 2 2 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 24/01/2007 NG 31 2 3 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medival bot- 08/12/2006 RW tle neck glass from cleaning over ditch 23 2 4 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 17/11/2006 NG 29 2 5 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 04/12/2006 NG 29 2 6 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 04/12/2006 NG 29 2 7 Ceramic Clay Pipe Bowl fragment 04/12/2006 NG 7 2 8 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 01/11/2006 NG 7 2 9 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 01/11/2006 NG 86 2 10 Ceramic Clay Brick Fragment of brick 06/03/2007 EMC from east side of Area 2 69 2 11 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 24/01/2007 NG sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware 32 2 12 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 14/12/2006 NG sherds - Pearlware (x1), Decorated slipware (x1) 18 2 13 Metal Iron Object Iron lump 15/11/2006 NG 1 2 14 Metal Iron Nail Broken in2pieces, 02/11/2006 AMB badly corroded - recovered from SW part of Area 1 33 2 15 Metal Iron Objects Iron nail 14/12/2006 NG 33 2 16 Metal Iron Lumps Iron lumps (x2) 14/12/2006 NG 2 2 17 Metal Iron Possible slag - 02/11/2006 AMB recovered from SW part of Area 1 27 2 18 Metal Iron Object Two pieces of iron 24/11/2006 JAC

104 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ Find # Find # Context # Find NMI Category Fabric Artefacttype Comments Date Initials 5 2 19 Stone Sand- Fragment Stone fragment 01/11/2006 NG stone? with possible scouring marks 4 48 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Fragment of bowl 02/11/2006 LG recovered from poss ditch in slot 11 3 48 2 Metal Iron Nail Very corroded - 02/11/2006 LG Recovered from poss ditch in slot 11 19 132 1 Metal Bronze? Object Possible bronze 13/11/2006 JM/JA lump 25 132 2 Metal Bronze? Object Two pieces of pos- 22/11/2006 IM sible bronze (cast off slag??) 22 132 3 Metal Bronze? Object Possible bronze 14/11/2006 IM mold casting (x2pieces) 24 162 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 21/11/2006 AMB/JC sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware 26 162 2 Metal Iron Object Probable agricul- 21/11/2006 AMB/JC tural tool fragment 26 162 3 Metal Iron Nails Iron nails (x3) 21/11/2006 JC&AMB 28 163 1 Stone Flint Worked One piuece of 29/11/2006 JAC flake worked flint - recovered from fulacht material 34 214 1 Stone Flint Flake Flint debitage from 20/12/1006 NG fill of possible metal working feature [213] 35 214 2 Stone Flint Flake Flint debitage from 20/12/2006 NG fill of possible metal working feature [213] 40 214 3 Metal Iron Knife Iron knife 05/01/2007 AMB 41 217 1 Stone Flint Flake One piece of flint 05/01/2007 AMB (possibly part of scraper) from fill of possible metal working pit [213] 42 217 2 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from fill 08/01/2007 AMB of possible metal working pit [213] 36 221 1 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from fill 05/01/2007 AMB of possible metal working feature [220] 49 222 1 Metal Iron Wedge Iron tool 16/01/2007 RW 39 242 1 Metal Iron Lump iron lump 05/01/2007 JAC

105 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report Find # Find # Context # Find NMI Category Fabric Artefacttype Comments Date Initials 47 263 1 Ceramic Pottery Body Post-Medieval 25/01/2007 RW Sherd sherd - Glazed red earthenware 45 265 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 11/01/2007 JA 44 265 2 Metal Iron Object Possible blade from 09/01/2007 AMB fill of linear feature [264] 85 278 Metal Iron Furnace Furance base from Base fill of ditch [376] - slot 8 61 285 1 Stone Flint Flake One small reduc- 18/01/2007 JL tion flake recovered from base of wall [291] in W half of structure 60 285 2 Stone Flint Flake One small pos- 18/01/2007 JL sible flint flake (debitage) 53 285 3 Glass Bottle? Fragment Post-Medieval 18/01/2007 JL 54 285 4 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 5 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 6 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 7 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 8 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 9 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 10 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 57 285 11 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL 65 285 12 Ceramic Pottery Handle Post-Medieval 19/01/2007 sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware 56 285 13 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 18/01/2007 JC sherds (6) - Transfer printed ware (x3), Deco- rated slipware (x1), Creamware (x1), Stoneware (x1) 64 285 14 Metal Iron Lump Iron lump 19/01/2007 JC 51 285 15 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail 18/01/2007 JC 51 285 16 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail 18/01/2007 JC 51 285 17 Metal Iron Object Possible blade 18/01/2007 JC fragment 58 285 18 Metal Iron Nails Iron nails frag- 18/01/2007 JC ments (x3) 58 285 19 Metal Iron Nails Iron nails (x3) 18/01/2007 JC 63 285 20 Metal Iron Object Possible blade 19/01/2007 JC fragment 50 285 21 Metal Iron Object Possible horseshoe 18/01/2007 JC fragment

106 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ Find # Find # Context # Find NMI Category Fabric Artefacttype Comments Date Initials 62 285 22 Stone Lime- Fragment One possible cut 18/01/2007 JC stone? stone associated with construction of wall [291] 286 1 Metal Iron Blade Blade fragments (x3) 68 296 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 23/01/2007 AMB sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware (x1), Stoneware (x1) 67 296 Bone Object Piece of animal tooth? 76 297 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Bowl fragment 06/02/2007 RW&IM from linear feature [296] 71 307 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 29/01/2007 JC/JAC sherds (x4) - Trans- fer printed ware 74 307 2 Metal Iron Nails Horseshoes nails 29/01/2007 JC&JAC (x2) from right back leg of horse skeleton from cut [301] 73 307 3 Metal Iron Horseshoe Horseshoe from 29/01/2007 JC&JAC right front and back legs of horse skeleton from cut [301] 73 307 4 Metal Iron Horseshoe Horseshoe from 29/01/2007 JC&JAC right front and back legs of horse skeleton from cut [301] 314 1 Metal Iron Blade Iron tool 77 322 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 08/02/2007 JAC/DW sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware 79 327 2 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-medieval 07/02/2007 RW sherd from linear feature [323] - Glazed red earthenware 80 332 1 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from 08/02/2007 RW feature [331] 81 338 1 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from fill 12/02/2007 RW of ditch [382] - slot 6 82 359 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe One fragment 21/02/2007 JW&JC including part of stem and bowl 359 2 Metal Iron Iron Iron tool wedge

107 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report Find # Find # Context # Find NMI Category Fabric Artefacttype Comments Date Initials 84 361 1 Stone Flint Flake One annomolous 01/03/2007 IM flint fragment from fill at base of pit [375] 83 371 1 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 22/02/2007 JA 87 391 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Bowl fragment 06/03/2007 EMC 88 391 2 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval 06/03/2007 JAC sherds - Transfer printed ware (x1), Pearlware (x1) 37 U/S 1 Stone Flint Flake Flint debitage from 20/12/2006 LD vicinity of NW corner of main trough within fullacht fiadh [183] 38 U/S 2 Metal Lead Disc Disc of lead. From 20/12/2006 LD SE corner of site 12 U/S 3 Metal Iron Chain Iron chain -re- 07/11/2006 NG covered from trial trench 2 by bridge 14 1 DISCARDED 08/11/2006 NG 15 1 DISCARDED 08/11/2006 NG 6 2 DISCARDED 01/11/2006 NG 30 2 DISCARDED 04/12/2006 NG 75 2 DISCARDED 01/02/2007 JC&JAC 21 130 CHANGED TO 16/11/2006 IM/JA SAMPLE # 294 20 131 CHANGED TO 16/11/2006 IM/JA SAMPLE # 295 43 256 DISCARDED 08/01/2007 JAC 66 256 DISCARDED 08/01/2007 JAC 46 273 DISCARDED 12/01/2006 JM 171 276 DISCARDED 15/01/2007 JAC 52 285 DISCARDED 18/01/2007 JL 55 285 DISCARDED 18/01/2007 JL 59 285 DISCARDED 18/01/2007 JL 72 307 DISCARDED 29/01/2007 JC&JAC 78 322 DISCARDED 06/02/2007 DW/JAC 48 222 Metal Iron Furnace CHANGED TO Base SAMPLE # 296

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Appendix 5 Plant remains

By Penny Johnston

Introduction This short report details the results of plant remains analysis from Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (E2414). The site comprised a post-medieval structure, a habitation area, a drainage system, a ditch a metal-working area, two large pits and a burnt mound/fulacht fiadh.

Methodology The samples were collected on site as bulk soil and were processed using machine-as- sisted floatation (following guidelines in Pearsall 2000). The floating material (or ‘flot’) from each sample was collected in a stack of geological sieves (the smallest mesh size was 250mm). When all the carbonised material was collected the flot was then air-dried in paper-lined drying trays prior to storage in airtight plastic bags. The samples were scanned under low-powered magnification (x 10 to x 40) using a binocular microscope. Nomen- clature and taxonomic order follows Stace (1997).

Results The results of preliminary scanning are presented in Table 1 at the end of this report. A total of 65 samples were scanned. Plant remains were present in 38 of the samples. The identifications are presented in Table 2. Plant remains were present in samples from Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11. They were most common in samples from Groups 2, 3 and 4 and this analysis will concentrate on material from these groups.

Group 2 (Fulacht fiadh/burnt mound) The burnt mound deposits and associated features at Ballinglanna North 1, contained charred plant remains. These included the burnt mound deposit (C.163) and the fill of a well (C.230) and a post-hole (C.225). This result is relatively unusual because charred seeds are not common finds in fulacht fiadh/burnt mound deposits. Studies of plant remains from 132 burnt mound sites indicate that cereal remains were recorded at less than 8% of examined sites. The remains were always preserved by charring and were recorded in very small quantities (IADG 2007). At three burnt mound sites excavated along the route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown (Ballinglanna North 1, Kildrum 1 and Kilshanny 3), charred seeds were recovered in small amounts. The charred remains from Ballinglanna North 1 were more frequent than at the other sites and included a moderate portion of charred cereal grains. The cereals were predominantly barley (83% of identifiable grains), but a significant portion of rye (13%) was also found along with a small percentage of wheat (2%) and oat (2%). The presence of oat and rye is surprising, as these two cereal types do not become common in archaeological deposits until the medieval period

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(Monk 1986, 34) and burnt mound deposits are usually considered to be Bronze Age in date. As the site at Ballinglanna North 1 was subject to quite a significant amount of later disturbance it is possible that these seeds are later and re-deposited.

Group 2

Wheat 2% Oat Rye 2% 13%

Oat Barley Rye Wheat

Barley 83%

Group 3 (Large pit to the west of the burnt mound) The material from Group 3 was primarily from a large pit C.268 to the west of the burnt mound contained a moderate quantity of cereal grains. Oat was the most common cereal type in these deposits, representing 55% of the identifiable cereal count. Rye was also present (26%), as was barley (19%). The recovery of small amounts of slag from the deposits in these pits suggest that these were used as a repository for waste from metalworking (a metalworking area classified as Group 4 was located some metres to the east). It is possible that the seeds from this deposit were also associated with metalworking. However, the assemblage from this part of the site was predominantly made up of oat, while the assemblages from the other areas of the site, including the metalworking features, were predominantly made up of barley. The percentage breakdown of the material from this pit therefore distinguishes it from the plant remains found in the other areas of the site.

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Group 3

Rye 26%

Oat Oat Barley 55% Rye

Barley 19%

Group 4 (Metalworking area) The material from Group 4 was associated with an area of metalworking located to the east of the burnt mound deposits. These were taken from contexts C.214, C.242, C.256 and C.265, three pit fills and one fill of a linear feature. The plant remains from these deposits were primarily barley (97% of identifiable cereal grains), where identifiable they were largely naked barley, and a small quantity of wheat (3%).

Group 4

Wheat 3%

Barley Wheat

Barley 97%

It is often recognised by archaeobotanists that charred cereals make their way into archaeological deposits as a result of being burnt as fuel. For example, Monk and Kelleher (2005, 93) briefly discuss the likelihood that some cereals from grain drying kilns came from fuel. The most usual fuel-types discussed are crop processing residues (such as chaff, weed seeds and occasional cereal grains) which can be used as tinder. However, cereal

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grains themselves can provide a reliable, heat-efficient source of fuel: an early medieval metalworking furnace in Co. Kerry (Deerpark Lispole 05E1097) produced large quantities of burnt oat grain from firing contexts (Johnston 2006). A large deposit of charred grain was also recovered from a site at Ahanaglogh in Co. Waterford (Brewer 2008, 146) and both sites demonstrate the possibility that surplus grain was used as a source of fuel. This may also be the case in the metalworking deposits found at Ballinglann North 1.

Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % scanned 4 11 High Low 100 6 13 Medium Absent 100 7 15 Low Absent 100 15 18 Low Absent 100 18 26 Low Low 100 20 31 High Low 100 21 40 High Low 100 32 12 Low Low 100 38 76 Medium Absent 100 40 44 High Low 100 40 34 Medium Low 100 40 226 Low Low 100 47 71 Medium Low 100 48 84 Low Absent 100 50 93 High Low 100 51 94 Low Absent 100 52 95 High Low 100 53 96 Low Low 100 54 97 Low Low 100 55 75 Low Low 100 55 96 Low Low 100 58 137 Low Low 100 59 128 Low Absent 100 61 138 Low Low 100 63 131 Low Absent 100 64 132 Low Absent 100 65 139 High Medium 100 98 188 High Absent 100 102 175 Medium Absent 100 103 177 Low Absent 100 107 182 High Absent 100 110 190 High Absent 100 111 189 High Low 100 112 196 High Absent 100 115 192 High Absent 100 126 222 Medium Low 100 130 216 Low Absent 100 131 214 Medium Low 100 144 ? High Absent 100 145 242 Low Low 100 149 256 High Medium 100 154 261 Low Absent 100

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Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % scanned 157 265 Medium Low 100 187 294 Low Medium 100 196 300 Medium Low 100 198 298 High High 100 217 132 Low Absent 100 225 339 Low Absent 100 234 352 Low Low 100 250 275 Medium Low 100 260 290 High Absent 100 261 377 High Absent 100 274 379 High Absent 100 275 380 Low Low 100 276 381 Low Low 100 277 386 Low Low 100 278 387 Low Absent 100 279 388 Low Absent 100 279 388 Low Low 100 281 337 Medium Low 100 283 339 Low Low 100 285 384 Low Absent 100 286 389 Low Absent 100 ? 163 High Medium 100 ? 134 Low Absent 100 Table 1: Scanned samples from Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (E2414)

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Group 7 7 11 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 Context 11 12 21 26 31 34 44 47 75 76 93 93 Sample 4 32 40 18 20 40 40 72 55 38 50 50 Hazelnut shell 46 23 4 6 6 1 1 2 fragments (Corylus avellana L.) Fat-hen (Chenopo- dium album L.) Indeterminate seeds from the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae) Black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve) Probable Sheep’s 1 sorrel (Rumex cf acetosella L.) Indeterminate seeds 1 from the Knotgrass family (Polygonaceae) Wild radish (Rapha- nus raphanistrum L.) capsule Indeterminate seeds from the mint family (Lamiaceae) Plantain (Plantago Burnt mound, metal- L. species) working area and post- medieval settlement Indeterminate seeds from the sedge family (Cyperaceae) Oat grains (Avena L. 1 1 1 2 9 species) Possible oat grains 1 (cf Avena species) Barley grains (Hor- 3 3 2 deum vulgare L.) Naked barley grains (Hordeum vulgare L.) Rye grains (Secale 1 cereale) Possible rye grains (cf Secale cereale) Rye rachis inter- nodes (cf Secale cereale) Wheat grains (Triti- 1 2 cum L. species) Wheat/Rye grains (Triticum/Secale) Indeterminate cereal 1 1 1 1 7 6 1 2 3 grains Indeterminate grass seeds (Poaceae) Indeterminate weed 1 2 seeds Table 2: Identified seeds from Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (E2414)

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Group 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 4 5 2 4 Context 95 96 96 97 137 138 139 163 189 214 222 226 242 Sample 52 52 55 54 58 61 65 ? 111 131 126 40 145 Hazelnut shell 16 fragments (Corylus avellana L.) Fat-hen (Chenopo- 1 dium album L.) Indeterminate seeds from the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae) Black bindweed 4 (Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve) Probable Sheep’s sorrel (Rumex cf acetosella L.) Indeterminate seeds 1 8 from the Knotgrass family (Polygonaceae) Wild radish (Rapha- 1 nus raphanistrum L.) capsule Indeterminate seeds from the mint family (Lamiaceae) Plantain (Plantago L. species) Indeterminate seeds 5 from the sedge family (Cyperaceae) Oat grains (Avena L. 2 1 5 1 species) Possible oat grains 1 (cf Avena species) Barley grains (Hor- 2 1 4 2 1 38 3 1 1 deum vulgare L.) Naked barley grains 1 (Hordeum vulgare L.) Rye grains (Secale 5 cereale) Possible rye grains 1 2 (cf Secale cereale) Rye rachis inter- 3 nodes (cf Secale cereale) Wheat grains (Triti- 1 1 1 1 cum L. species) Wheat/Rye grains 1 2 (Triticum/Secale) Indeterminate cereal 3 1 4 1 2 82 1 1 grains Indeterminate grass seeds (Poaceae) Indeterminate weed 1 1 seeds Table 2: Identified seeds from Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (E2414) continued

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Group 4 4 8 8 3 3 3 5 5 ? 5 5 5 Context 256 265 275 286 294 298 300 337 339 352 380 381 388 Sample 149 157 250 277 187 198 196 281 283 234 275 276 279 Hazelnut shell 1 5 5 1 2 fragments (Corylus avellana L.) Fat-hen (Chenopo- 1 dium album L.) Indeterminate 1 2 seeds from the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae) Black bindweed 2 5 1 (Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve) Probable Sheep’s 7 sorrel (Rumex cf acetosella L.) Indeterminate seeds 5 22 6 3 from the Knotgrass family (Polygonaceae) Wild radish (Rapha- 1 2 nus raphanistrum L.) capsule Indeterminate seeds 1 from the mint family (Lamiaceae) Plantain (Plantago 1 L. species) Indeterminate seeds from the sedge family (Cyperaceae) Oat grains (Avena L. 2 4 16 9 1 2 species) Possible oat grains (cf Avena species) Barley grains (Hor- 1 3 1 6 4 1 deum vulgare L.) Naked barley grains 27 (Hordeum vulgare L.) Rye grains (Secale 9 5 cereale) Possible rye grains (cf Secale cereale) Rye rachis inter- nodes (cf Secale cereale) Wheat grains (Triti- cum L. species) Wheat/Rye grains 2 4 (Triticum/Secale) Indeterminate cereal 1 1 2 16 7 1 grains Indeterminate grass 2 2 seeds (Poaceae) Indeterminate weed 2 1 1 seeds Table 2: Identified seeds from Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (E2414) continued

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References Brewer, A. Plant remains, pp.143 – 7 in Johnston, P., Kiely, J. and Tierney, J. Near the Bend in the River. Dublin, National Roads Authority.

IADG (Irish Archaeobotanists Discussion Group) 2007. Brewing and fulachta fiadh, Archaeology Ireland 21 (7).

Johnston, P. 2006 Analysis of Charred Plant Remains from Deerpark, Lispole, Co. Kerry (05E1097). Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Pearsall, D. 2000 Paleoethnobotany: a Handbook of Procedures. New York, Academic Press.

Stace, C.A. 1997 New Flora in the British Isles. (2nd edition) Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

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Appendix 6 Lithics report

by Dr. Farina Sternke

Introduction Eight lithic finds from the archaeological excavations of a prehistoric site in the townland of Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork were presented for analysis (Table 1). The finds are associated with the remains of a possible fulacht fiadh and possibly associated pits. Find No. Find Context Material Type Cortex Condition Length(mm) (mm) Width Thickn.(mm) Complete Retouch E2414:163:1 163 Flint Retouched Artefact No Lustred 30 25 8 No right edge direct semiabrupt E2414:214:1 214 Flint Retouched Artefact? No Patinated 13 11 5 No distal direct semiabrupt E2414:214:2 214 Flint Retouched Artefact No Patinated 6 16 7 No distal direct abrupt E2414:217:1 217 Flint Natural Chunk E2414:285:1 285 Flint Debitage E2414:285:2 285 Flint Debitage E2414:361:1 361 Flint Debitage E2414:US:1 U/S Flint Blade Yes Burnt 27 10 3 No No Patinated Table 1: Composition of the lithic assemblage from Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414)

Methodology All lithic artefacts were examined visually and catalogued using Microsoft Excel. The following details were recorded for each artefact which measured at least 2 cm in length or width: context information, raw material type, artefact type, the presence of cortex, artefact condition, length, with and thickness measurements, fragmentation and the type of retouch (where applicable). The technological criteria recorded are based on the terminology and technology presented in Inizan et al. 1999. The general typological and morphological classifications are based on Woodman et al. 2006. Struck lithics smaller than 2 cm were classed as debitage and were not analysed further. The same applies to natural chunks and pebbles. The condition of macro tools was not noted, as they are rarely affected by the elements due to their raw material composition.

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Quantification The lithics are seven flaked pieces of flint and one natural chunk of flint (Table 1). Four artefacts are larger than 2 cm in length and width and were therefore recorded in detail. The natural chunk is misleading in it nature since it has been damaged by plough action and looks like a flaked artefact; however, it is clearly not.

Provenance The artefacts were recovered from a layer associated with burnt mound material, three pit fills and a layer associated with a structure (Table 2).

Find Number Context Description Type E2414:163:1 163 Layer, Burnt mound material Retouched Artefact E2414:214:1 214 Pit Fill Retouched Artefact? E2414:214:2 214 Pit Fill Retouched Artefact E2414:217:1 217 Pit Fill Natural Chunk E2414:285:1 285 Layer associated with structure Debitage E2414:285:2 285 Layer associated with structure Debitage E2414:361:1 361 Pit Fill Debitage E2414:US:1 U/S Unknown Blade Table 2: Context Information for the Assemblage from Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414)

Condition: The lithics survive in variable condition. None of the artefacts is complete. The lustre observed on 1 artefact (E2414:163:1) is a direct result of their exposure to heat, i.e. they did not directly come into contact with fire, but where perhaps strewn around a hearth. All artefacts are patinated and blade E2414:US:1 is burnt and bears the remnants of cortex.

Technology/Morphology: The worked artefacts represent two types of flaking products, three retouched artefacts and one natural piece of flint (Table 3).

Type Amount Blade 1 Debitage 3 Retouched Artefact 3 Natural Chunk 1 Total 673 Table 3: Assemblage Composition from Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414)

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15 Width

0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Length

Blade Retouched Artefact

Figure 1: Dimensions (mm) of the Blades, Flakes and Retouched Artefacts from Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414 Blades The blade (E2414:US:1) measures 27 mm long, 10 mm wide and 3 mm thick. It is burnt and heavily patinated and was produced using a direct single platform technology with a soft stone. It is a classic Early Mesolithic blade which may have been re-deposited and represents a residual Early Mesolithic component. Debitage The presence of three pieces of debitage suggests that a limited amount of knapping took place at the site. Retouched Artefacts: The three identified retouched artefacts (E2414:163:1, E2414:214:1 and E2414:214:2) are a fragment of a convex end scraper or micro disc scraper which was produced on a bipolar flake and two miscellaneous retouched artefacts, one of which (E2414:163:1) may have been used as a convex end scraper or side scraper. Dating: It can be divided into two groups: (1) one blade associated with the Early Mesolithic and (2) three retouched artefacts produced on bipolar flakes which date the Early Bronze Age.

Conservation Lithics do not require specific conversation, but should be stored in a dry, stable environment. Preferably, each lithic should be bagged separately and contact with other lithics

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Comparative Material The size and composition of the assemblage is typical for Irish burnt mounds. Recent excavations in the south-east of Ireland revealed a similar pattern of very small assemblages found in associated fulachta fiadh, e.g. the N25 Waterford By-Pass (Woodman 2006). These assemblages are dominated by the use of beach pebble flint which is often worked using the bipolar method or a very simple platform technology (see also O’Hare 2005). The Early Mesolithic is reminiscent of those recently recovered at Gortore (E2410), Co. Cork.

Discussion Flint is available in larger and smaller nodules along the Cork coast or in the glacial tills. The use of a limited single platform and bipolar technology on small to medium sized pebbles is in parts the result of this availability. The majority of these flint nodules are rather small pebbles with an average dimension of 4-6 cm and often only permit the use of a bipolar or scalar technology to efficiently reduce the nodule achieving a maximum outcome, i.e. the largest possible amount of suitable and usable blanks. The result is the regionally dominant split pebble scalar (Late Neolithic) and bipolar (Later Neolithic and Bronze Age) character of the south-western lithic assemblages. Given the technological composition of the Late Neolithic/ Bronze Age component of the Ballinglanna North 1 assemblage, i.e. predominantly production debris, it is safe to assume that they were produced at the site. Similarly, the Early Mesolithic blade was probably produced at or nearby the site.

Summary The eight lithic finds from the archaeological excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414), Co. Cork are seven flaked pieces of flint and a natural chunk of flint. The flaked assemblage contains one blade, three retouched artefacts and three pieces of debitage. The assemblage is dominated by an Early Bronze Age typological and technological component which includes the fragment of a possible micro disc scraper. In addition, a residual Early Mesolithic element in the assemblage comprising of one blade was recovered, but may have been re-deposited. Together with the discarded retouched tools, the recovered debitage and blade represent waste from lithic production and the immediate use of lithic tools at the site, possibly in predominantly domestic activities connected with the possible fulacht fiadh. This site makes an important contribution to the evidence for prehistoric settlement and land use in the area between the Funchion and Awbeg rivers in north Co. Cork.

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References Inizan, M.-L., M. Reduron-Ballinger, H. Roche and J. Tixier 1999. Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone 5. CREP, Nanterre.

O’Hare, M. B., 2005. The Bronze Age Lithics of Ireland. Unpublished PhD Thesis. Queen’s University of Belfast.

Woodman, P.C. 2006. The significance of the lithic assemblages from the archaeological excavations on the Waterford By-Pass. Unpublished Report for Headland.

Woodman, P. C., Finlay, N. and E. Anderson, 2006. The Archaeology of a Collection: The Keiller-Knowles Collection of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland Monograph Series 2. Wordwell, Bray.

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Appendix 7 Archaeometallurgical residues by Dr T.P. Young

Abstract The assemblage from Ballinglanna North 1 is unusual in many respects and provides a unique insight into iron production on a large scale in early medieval times. Two 14C dates are relevant to the iron working activity – both with calibrated ranges spanning the late 7th to mid 9th centuries. The residues are almost entirely from the smithing of iron. The smithing hearth cakes (SHCs) are large (the average weight for an SHC in the assemblage is the largest, 2854g, for any assemblage yet investigated by the author). The SHCs are of very variable weights, with no strong clustering, and with weights ranging up to 9.3kg. The high weights strongly suggest that the site was a specialist bloomsmithing operation, and with 260kg of slag recovered from the fraction excavated, the activity was clearly undertaken on a large scale. Although the weights of the SHCs were very variable, the internal textures exhibited were rather constant. Coarse, equant grains, funnel- shaped vesicles and a rather diffuse-appearing upper margin to the crust of the SHC, which passes up into a “clotted” slag texture, were all common characteristics, the recognition of which was enhanced by the similarity in the preservation of much of the assemblage. Similar textures do occur on other sites, but it was the regularity of occurrence of the texture which was unusual at Ballinglanna North. The residue assemblage is apparently homogeneous, creating an impression of a large volume of waste which ended up in various cut features. There were no certain features of metallurgical origin, which may indicate that the smithing was undertaken outside the excavated area, or just possibly, that it was conducted on waist level hearths, not the usual floor-level hearths. The one exception to the homogeneous residue assemblage was the fill of pit [c255] which contained a small quantity of possible iron smelting slag. Much of the assemblage (90% by weight) was recovered from the fill of a ditch running approximately parallel to the modern stream. The large quantity of large, similar, bloomsmithing slag cakes suggests a level of activity above that of typical early medieval iron production sites in Ireland, and is more reminiscent of sites in Britain some 600 years younger than Ballinglanna, when bloomsmithies adopted water power. It is possible the ditch represents a leat supplying power for water hammer (and even bellows). In such a model the slag in the ditch should be viewed as dump material entering the leat on its disuse. Unfortunately the slags on their own are not capable of distinguishing the harnessing of water power, which would require the recognition of actual structures. No water powered bloomsmithy of this period has been recognised in Ireland, but all the major components of the technology would have been available in contemporary corn mills.

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Methods All investigated materials were examined visually, using a low-powered binocular microscope where necessary. For microscopic residues a general statement of the nature of each assemblage was recorded (Table 1). As an evaluation, the materials were not subjected to any high-magnification optical inspection, nor to any other form of instrumental analysis. The identifications of materials in this report are therefore necessarily limited and must be regarded as provisional.

Results Description of the dense smithing slags The most abundant components of the assemblage were smithing hearth cakes (SHCs), with a total weight of 235kg (of the total assemblage of approximately 260kg). The outline statistics of the weight-frequency distribution for those SHCs which were intact, or sufficiently intact for their original weight to be estimated, are given in Table 2. The mean weight, 2854g, is the highest mean weight for an Irish SHC assemblage to date. The larger SHCs were relatively plano-convex, but the upper surface often showed concentric rings and the friable upper slag may rise centrally above the bowl rim. The largest cakes were about 300mm in diameter, with thickness of up to 140mm (of which the bowl comprised 100mm). The development of the crust within the bowl was variable, generally it was thick, but typically the crusts appeared to show a rather moderate grain size, with apparently equant crystals, with a vesicular texture, including some large tubular/conical vesicles. The crust typically graded into more open-textured slags above. Very few of the large SHCs showed evidence for a smooth, blown patch on the top, and shiny upper surfaces were only seen in fairly small cakes. These features were so common that those SHCs showing these features are indicated by a “t” (for typical) in the catalogue (Table 1) and the facies summary (Table 3). This type of SHC represented only 1 out of 20 SHCs below 1500g, but 20 out of 28 of those over 3000g. The 29 SHCs identified as having the “typical” texture had an average weight of 4.1kg. The 36 SHCs for which this texture was not identified (which may include examples with the texture but which was not identifiable in the particular state of preservation of the sample) had an average weight of 1.8kg. Thus smaller SHCs may show rather more conventional features. There is an occurrence throughout the assemblage of a small proportion of reddened material. Some of this is clearly from oxidation of the proximal lip of the SHC through impingement of the air blast on the top of the SHC. The reason for this is unclear – it may be because of upward growth of the slag accumulation, but equally the changing geom- etry of the blast produced by the erosion of the tuyère tip during use may also play a part. Some of the reddened material shows a red (haematised?) glaze on “normal” SHC material, in some cases covering fracture surfaces in the slags. This oxidation may be hap- pening at the extraction stage, rather than during normal use.

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One slag facies which commonly shows haematisation are the dense slag flows which are generated just below the tuyère. Not only are there flows alongside of the tuyère, but in some instances lobate flows on the proximal face of the SHC. One well preserved SHC shows a 40mm deep bowl (in the “t” fabric described above), with 15-20mm of more open-textured slag above. At the proximal end a raised slag mass with dense prilly slags rises 70mm above the bowl top. This presumably indicates that the base of the tuyère lay at about 130mm above the base of the bowl. Isolated sub-tuyère flowed slags are grouped with hte “other smithing slags” in Table 3, as are charcoal-rich masses attached to tuyère tips. One common feature of the SHCs at Ballinglanna is the occurrence of “tool-marks”. These are developed as ridges or flanges on the underside of the larger SHCs. They are interpreted as the product of fluid slag settling into the holes created by the use of a poker, or similar tool, to lever the SHC out of the hearth while it is still hot. Where most strongly developed, these ridges can extend beyond the limits of the main slag bowl, giv- ing the slag cake a palmated appearance in plan.

Description of the tongues The assemblage contains several examples of slabby lining slags similar to material described elsewhere (e.g. Young 2009a) as pro-tuyère tongues. In this assemblage several examples show apparent attachment zones to tuyère faces. Of the 7 items listed in the database as tongues (not including small fragments of probable tongues), there are just 4 that mesh entirely with typical tongues (with weights of 116g ,120g, 158f and 160g), the other 4 are substantial larger (with weights of 368g, 438g and 456g). These larger masses may perhaps be better considered as lining-rich SHCs.

Description of tuyères Small fragments of tuyères occurred widely, but there were only a five fragments which gave useful morphological data: [c278] 50mm wide flat base [c381] 200mm effective diameter over 60° segment [c381]110mm high? [c222] 160mm diameter based on 60° segment [c285] flat bottomed Plus part of a tuyère margin embedded in the proximal end of a slag block: [c222] 160 diameter based on margin in slag If all of these observations were taken from identical objects, then the best fit for the face of the tuyère would be transverse, approximately 120mm high, 170mm wide, with a flat (or very gently curved) central zone to the base and a gently-curved top. Alterna- tively, there may be a variety of tuyères present, with a more circular cross section, with diameters between 110 and 200mm, Although this is a very small sample, it does appear more likely from the material that the tuyères were quite small and the 200mm diameter

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reflects a less-strongly curved part of a small object rather than the general curvature of a large one. None of the tuyère sherds preserves information about the bore.

Description of the indeterminate slag The indeterminate slag category embraces several distinct slag classes, all of which lack clear morphological criteria to all interpretation. In particular this category includes fragments of vesicular slag without morphological criteria which might have allowed them to be recognised as SHC fragments had they been larger. The category also includes most slag fragments smaller than 20mm diameter.

Description of the iron ores A very small quantity of iron ore was recovered from the residues. Two pieces of botryoidal goethite ore, with a brown dense ore with yellow cavity fills/coatings were probably fragments of bog ore. A single piece of red coloured ore appeared more homogeneous and may have been a similar material, or just possibly a claystone ironstone, that had been roasted. There was no evidence that these materials had been brought on to the site delib- erately, but it may be significant that all three fragments came from the same pit [c213], which lies very close to pit [c255] which yielded possible smelting residues.

Description of the flow slags Items categorised as “flow slags” are those slags with evidence for lobate or prilly flow, but which cannot be recognised as being sub-tuyère flows (i.e. either the low flow lobes, often with a concave top to the aggregated lobes, that shows along the underside of the tuyère, or the stacked lobate slag that occurs down the proximal side of some SHCs). Rather this category includes flowed blebs and prills, particularly prills with a more circular cross section than the sub-tuyère flows, and prills which were clearly descending vertically. This type of flow slag is very rare at Ballinglanna North, with the only significant occurrence being in the fill [c256] of pit [c255]. Here the prills are delicate and a sieved sample contains both prills and “coffee bean spheroids”. The “coffee bean spheroids” are droplets of slag that have cooled against a fuel particle, creating a dimple in their surface. They are typical of, but not unique to, the basal pits of slagpit smelting furnaces. The same context contains a large block of internally prilly charcoal-rich slag. This assemblage could be generated in a smithing hearth, but there is a possibility that it represents a smelting assemblage from the basal pit of a slag pit smelting furnace.

Distribution of the residues The residues occur mainly in the large ditch, with a concentration close to the area of the slag-filled features to its east. The ditch appeared to have received slag-rich deposits during two phases separated by almost sterile silts. There appeared to be no significant difference between the slag assemblage of the different phases of fill in the ditch.

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The adjacent features, pits [c213] and [c255] contained slag. Neither feature was recorded as showing evidence for in-situ burning, but the concentration of features in this area, close to the maximum quantity of slag within the adjacent ditch, raised the suspi- cion that this might be the focus of metallurgical activity. The fill of [c255] contained an assemblage of delicate flow slags that might possibly be a smelting assemblage. The pit was truncated by linear (furrow?) [c260] so its morphology was unclear. The fill [c256] contained large stones, so clearly was not a primary in-situ smelting residue, but might conceivably have been a mixture of a stone-rich backfill with some surviving residue. Nearby pit [c213] also shows a stone-rich upper fill [c214], but this overlies a darker deposit [c217] that might just possibly be an in-situ context. The residue assemblage from the upper fill [c214] contained mainly identifiable smithing slags, which are supplement- ed by the only smithing micro residue assemblage form the site. The lower fill [c217] contained a small assemblage of rather blebby slags of indeterminate origin, together with a single piece of flow slag. Pit [c220] was also recorded as containing slag, but none found in the collections. Other features in the SE part of the site are interpreted as significantly post-dating the metalworking and in general contained small quantities of slag similar to that in the ditch, as did a couple of contexts associated with the post-medieval building. In the SW of the site, west of the ditch, there were two large pits, apparently with indications of in-situ burning. A small quantity of slag was recovered from one of these structures [c268]. The undercut profile of the pit and the central pad of stones, more closely resembles a small well than any metallurgical feature (which are never so deep). It is suggested that the “in-situ” black deposit, may not have been from burning but may perhaps have been either organic material or manganese wad associated with waterlogged conditions.

Interpretation Dating of this site hinges on two 14C dates (from the metallurgical phase), one from the primary slag dump [c338] within the ditch and the other from a deposit [c299] low in one of the SW pits (wells? – see above). The dates are very similar: [c338] = cal AD 684-784/ 787-827/839-864; [c299] = cal AD 664-782/789-811/ 847-854. The slag from this site is dominated by SHCs of rather variable size, but of distinctive and relatively constant texture. These SHCs are typically large – the assemblage of SHCs as a whole has an average weight of 2.8kg (the highest mean weight for an assemblage yet recorded in Ireland), for those identified as having the distinctive texture the average rises to 4.1kg! SHCs of such large size have been associated with the processes of bloom consoli- dation (bloomsmithing; Young 2009). The raw bloom produced in a bloomery furnace requires significant reworking in order to transform it into usable iron. Often the focus

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of that process is seen as closing of gaps in the bloom and the expulsion of excess slag and charcoal clasts – and indeed this is an important initial stage, but bloomsmithing also involves the reworking of the iron (typically be repeated heating and hammering to draw the iron out into bar, or more rarely, sheet form). This working of the iron not only works to clean the iron of major impurities, but also to draw-out and align the slag inclusions, which have such a strong influence on the mechanical and forming properties of the finished iron. There appear to be, very broadly, four styles of SHC assemblage from early medieval Irish sites (Table 2). There are those sites which appear to be concerned almost entirely with the end of use of iron (e.g. Coolamurry, Navan). Such assemblages are dominated by large numbers of small SHCs, particularly those of less than 600g and reflected by weight-frequency distributions with around 90% of the SHCs with weights below 1000g. The inclusion, even within these assemblages of a small proportion of SHCs with weights above 2000g (typically interpreted as from bloomsmithing) has been proposed (Young 2009) as representing the frequent distribution of iron to smiths in the form of unfinished iron – requiring further working before use. A second group of sites have evidence for iron smelting as well as smithing (e.g. Gort- nahown 2, Carrigoran, possibly Parknahown 5, Clonmacnoise WWS and Woodstown 6). These sites show a decrease in the proportion of SHCs at the small end of the distribution, with both more large cakes and an increase in size of the largest. The maximum SHC size varies from 3.5kgs at Gortnahown 2 up to 6.3kg at Woodstown. A related group of sites shows no indication of the presence of iron smelting, but has evidence for a wide range of activity, suggesting that iron was processed on the site from raw bloom through to final artefact. This group includes Clonmacnoise NG and Clonfad. At Clonmacnoise smelting was demonstrably undertaken in the area (e.g.at the Clonmac- noise WWS site) and it is assumed that primary smelting took place at Clonfad, or in an adjacent area of the monastic estate. The fourth group of sites (e.g. Borris, Lismore/Bushfield 1 and Ballinglanna North 1) shows little or no sign for the end-use of iron, such that the proportion of SHCs below 500g falls below 20%. They show a very high proportion of SHCs above 1000g – typically 60% or more. These sites appear to have been specialist bloomsmithing sites. The sites show little similarity in terms of what is known of the context of the metalworking, although the residues at Borris also occurred mainly in a large ditch (which gave a 14C date on animal bone from its lower fills of 7-8th century and 9-10th century for a bone from its upper fill). Lismore/Bushfield 1 yielded most of its SHCs from a single undated pit associated with a ringfort containing a 6th-7th century cemetery. Of the three sites, not only are the SHCs larger at Ballinglanna, but there also appears to be much more slag in total. At Borris, although multiple smithing hearths were located close to a major linear ditch, the slag recovered amounted to approximately 200kg from 100% excavation of 105m of the ditch, compared with the approximately 15% excavation of the 65m length of ditch at Ballinglanna which yielded 235kg.

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Despite their differences, these sites indicate a degree of specialisation within the chaîne operatoire of iron production. The geographical segregation of bloomsmithing from both smelting and the end use of the iron is something which is seen not uncommonly. Various factors may drive the segregation: in some instances it may be a need to spread the load of charcoal production across the countryside, in some instances (particularly in the later medieval period) it may reflect the adoption of new technologies for the hammers, either olivers (mechanical treadle hammers) or water-powered hammers, but it may frequently reflect the use of a fixed permanent forge, often near habitation, for the smithing, while the smelting moved through the woodlands, following the charcoal production. In this instance, the reasons behind the focusing of bloomsmithing on this one local- ity are unknown. However, it may be significant that the segregation appears more extreme in this case than elsewhere. The large size of the SHCs suggests that large blooms, or pieces of blooms, were being worked on a regular basis. The possibility that the ditch was associated with a water-powered hammer should be considered. No other site in Ire- land (or probably in western Europe) has evidence of such technology at this period, but that does not mean it did not exist. The early adoption of water power for corn mills in Ireland means that the major components of the technology were well-established. If the ditch is functionally related to the metalworking, then he filling of the ditch by slag is unlikely to be contemporary. Slag-rich fills might indicate primary dumping into a disused ditch, secondary clearance involving the levelling of slag dumps into the ditch on the abandonment of the site or possibly collapse of slag into the ditch. The latter interpretation was adopted by the author for a medieval water- powered bloomery in the English West Midlands (Cinder Mill, Chorley, Shropshire), where it is believed that decomposi- tion of a timber lining to the tail-race allowed collapse of the adjacent slag dumps into the watercourse (author’s unpublished data). On the other hand there are examples where metalworking has taken place within a ditch (e.g. Navan, Woodstown 6). At Woodstown iron smelting was undertaken within the butt-end of one of the segments of one of the major enclosure ditches and the ditch was rapidly filled with smithing waste, possibly following clearance of an adjacent smithy. The detailed interpretation of the features to the east of the ditch is not possible at the current level of information. There is a slight hint that [c255] might have been a smelting furnace, but the lack of smelting slags from the other features might imply that if it is a furnace it is not coeval with the other features on the site. The pit [c213] might be an elongate smithing hearth, but the evidence is far from clear. The large pits to the west of the ditch are more likely to have been wells than to have been directly associated with the metalworking.

Evaluation of potential The slags from Ballinglanna are of enormous significance, representing largest scale specialist early medieval bloomsmithing operation yet found. The similarity of texture of a large proportion of the material has the potential to allow recognition of slag from a

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particular process technology, which can feed back into recognising that process at other sites. The apparent level of homogeneity in the assemblage is remarkable, and will allow closer interpretation than for more mixed assemblages. It is recommended that a full analysis of a suite of SHCs is undertaken, to character- ise the large “typical” bloomsmithing slags and establish their genetic relationship to the smaller SHCs. Whether the bloomsmithing operation was entirely manual, or whether it had a component of water power is not known. The answer to that fundamental question must come, if possible, from the interpretation of the archaeological features. If water-powered, the site would be unique in Ireland at the current level of understanding.

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References YOUNG, T.P. 2005. Metallurgical Residues from Clonmacnoise, Part 1: Evaluation of material from the waste water treatment works (02E1407). GeoArch Report 2005/08. 29pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2006. Evaluation of archaeometallurgical residues from Carrigoran, Co. Clare (98E0338). GeoArch Report 2005/18. 12pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2007. Evaluation of metallurgical residues from the Navan Inner Relief Road project, Site 1 (06E274), Co. Meath. GeoArch Report 2007/09. 10pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008a. Archaeometallurgical residues from Coolamurry 7, 04E0323. GeoArch Report 2006/10. 46pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008b. Evaluation of archaeometallurgical residues from Moneygall, Co. Offaly, 06E0321. GeoArch Report 2008/10. 15pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008c. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical residues from the M7/M8 Contract 2: Lismore-Bushfield 1 (E2220). GeoArch Report 2008/27.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008d. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical residues from the M7/M8 Contract 3: Trumra 4 (E2281). GeoArch Report 2008/33.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009a. Archaeometallurgical residues from Clonfad 3, Co. Westmeath (A001: 036 E2723). GeoArch Report 2008/17. 173pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009b. Archaeometallurgical residues from Ballykilmore, Co. Westmeath, E2798, GeoArch Report 2009/16, 81 pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009c. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical residues from the M7/M8 Contract 1: Parknahown 5 (E2170). GeoArch report 2009/21. 21pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009d, Ferrous archaeometallurgical residues from Woodstown 6. GeoArch report 2009/22. 66pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009e. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical Residues from the M8/N8 Cullahill-Cashel: AR36 (E2941), GeoArch Report 2009/31, 17 pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009f. Evaluation of archaeometallurgical residues from the N8 Fermoy- Mitchelstown, Gortnahown 2, Co. Cork, (E2426). GeoArch Report 2009/41, 41

YOUNG, T.P. (forthcoming) . Chapter 6. Exploiting the bog: iron production and metalworking in: N6-N52 NRA Monograph.

131 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 86 9267 propn 100 60 indeterminate dense slags dense indeterminate slag blebby of smallscrap masses rounded in slags dimpled dense glassy slag of lobe area tuyère massesfrom slag dense prilly lobate scraps slag fragment SHC crust thick all types of scraps slag top dark smalltongue, gravelly slightly fragments SHC material lobed of accumulations and flowsblebs and dense 65x50x15mm SHC tiny possible in crust thick 60mm to up with 80mm, bowl with (200)x(250)x140mm, SHC, is Proportion centre. near high piled concentrically-ridged, layers upper centre, maximum a value - approximate SHC partof upper “coralline” fragments slag SHC thincrust thick deformed slightly from block notes top) on lump raised a thickness is of (most tongue 75x70x40mm fragments slag 3 1 2 1 2 6 1 17 1 13 15 1 1 1 6 no 1 11 184 28 180 6 242 140 436 344 116 1425 288 86 5560 324 322 1065 weight 160 270 t t t topsoil layer transference layer transference layer transference layer transference 6 slot over cleaning of patch of cleaning burning 4 slot c126, ditch ditch c126, slot 4 slot c126, ditch feature 1 2 2 2 2 6 19 130 129/130 context 37 57 78 123 173 124 12 294 294 sample

132 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 1620 orig propn 30? propn 60x100x40mm, small tongue, dark glassy top with gravelly material stuck on on stuck material gravelly with glassydark top smalltongue, 60x100x40mm, below dimpled dense, thickness), of (most SHC crust thick medium-sized of centre from block slag vesicular dense fragment slag charcoal-rich tongue a for dense too - below prills pendent and top on dimples with sheet slag fragment? slag vesicular SHC crust moderate from block fragments slag rusty weathered open-textured, vesicular, nub slag dense fragment crust thinnishSHC SHC thincrust fairly of side proximal from piece notes flow slags dense sherds tuyère flow? dense elongate slags blebby lining-influenced in area from possibly - irregular and below top smoothish with block slag large tuyère? of front fragments SHC fragments slag other sherd tuyère vitrified pieces slag lump slag brown prilly finely sherd tuyère flake and debris, flats, hammerscale,slag slag spheroidal notes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 17 1 1 1 no 12 6 1 3 1 6 13 1 5 1 assm no 158 486 122 198 102 100 962 186 28 56 272 weight 170 72 92 20 506 522 408 46 232 196 weight t t 4 slot c126, ditch feature between ditch in silting dumps c162 layer modern c213 pit feature 131 context 134 162 214 context 295 sample ? 79 131 sample

133 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 428 orig propn 100 propn tips tuyère slagged heavily mainlydark glassy blebby material, tongue of pieces all SHC probably - rusty fragments slag dense claystone roasted a possibly - fragment ore iron prills horizontal flowedmaroon dense slags impressed density low rustyfragment slag filled voids yellow with botryoidal goethite, brown pieces, ore iron 70x70x60 SHC, spherical almost small, possible smallexamples from be all may fragments, SHC scraps slag prills blebby poor hasstone top, prilly slightly and sides charcoal-rich masswith 100x120x110mm surface upper? into embedded fragment SHC crust thick a probably - slag rusted highly dense lip bowl blown maroon-surfaced dense bleb slag nail iron around corrosion flow lobe neat irregularrusty blebs slag accretion sandy heavy with pieces small slag notes notes 2 5 5 1 3 2 1 2 1 4 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 25 14 no no 294 274 692 10 34 36 12 46 428 498 108 48 1040 592 100 20 32 4 192 348 weight weight

c213 pit c213 pit c213 pit c213 pit c213 pit feature feature 214 214 214 217 217 context context 133 148 150 147 151 sample sample

134 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 2617 1160 propn 60 70? thick crust SHC fragments SHC crust thick sherds tuyère vitrified deeply SHCs partof upper the from slag vesicular of pieces material lobate glassy maroon density low tuyère of side from sherd flows slag maroon dark dense scraps slag more then crust, then base, hassofter deformed, base, markson tool with SHC c60% possibly upper, porous crust, thick in vesicles tubular with SHC dense medium-sized from piece deformed strongly fragment SHC conventional top on slag lining upstanding with SHC, conventional large of fragment large been have must original - SHC thincrust a flangemarginof from SHC crust thick moderately partof fragments SHC flowsheets slag dense more slightly allbut crust, bowl, deep 70mm with SHC of centre from fragment than typicalvesicular slag, vesicular marks in tool enormous with block slag large 120x110x80mm of out or into going thisis if clear not but margin, one on shows bowl of edge the externalto markswere tool maybe or SHC, entire almost maybe piece-so the mainbowl top on slag vesicular 50mm to crust - SHC crust thick of centre from block SHC crust thick marginof from block on slag open more of 65mm with deep 30mm material bowl-like shows piece of edge high-piled the just thisis fragments, tuyère red of lots including top, SHC larger much notes 15 3 23 3 1 5 14 1 1 1 1 1 1 +bits 16 2 1 1 1 1 1 no 3140 166 1680 164 20 94 426 1570 812 256 1180 424 1240 1085 162 748 1430 818 530 674 weight t t t t t ditch 376 ditch 376 ditch 376 ditch feature 222 222 222 context 134 143 143 sample

135 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 5560 orig 150 propn 50 propn 100 - part of probably fractured and failed tuyère tip. Like others has coarse white in white hascoarse others Like tip. tuyère failed fracturedand probably partof materials siliceous other some quartz but mainlywhite tabularshape, of clusions fabric sandy very a in set too, Ballykilmore) (cf texture nest” “wasps ball with rounded sherds SHC crust thick flow slag dense fragments slag various slag lining-influenced strongly-lobate of fragments top concentric slightly , SHC crust thick deep but small, (140)x(140)x100mm fillbowl, gradational to 40mm than typical,to vesicular crust more slightly , fragment SHC crust thick top the on material of 45mm to up with extraction during rejoined and broken fragment SHC crust thick 45mm to crust fragment SHC crust thick fragment SHC notes irregular with slagshigh piled crust fragment, SHC crust thick out extending flow lobes horizontal with bowl thin slag rather from block large rough inside rim, near fragment SHC crust thick fragments tuyère flow prills dense fragments crust thick 70x60x25mm smallSHC possible smallflow be just may these but - SHC similardense of fragment possible puddles fragments slag indeterminate notes 1 1 6 1 10 2 1 1 1 1 1 no 1 1 1 2 5 4 1 1 23 no 156 66 1215 80 604 96 2780 1390 1085 1165 116 weight 1050 1990 620 126 64 403 150 92 302 weight t t t t t t t t 376 ditch feature 376 ditch feature 222 context 222 context 143 sample 143 sample

136 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 4933 3320 540 propn 60 30 60 200x(150)x100mm (of which bowl 50mm) part of large SHC with hollow blown blown hollow with SHC large partof 50mm) bowl which (of 200x(150)x100mm less probably 60% maximum of lip, raised strongly and glassy centre smooth SHC crust thick very of centre from block large with thissite) for (unusual shiny dense SHC, hollow-topped deeply of edge SHC outside 100mm extending mark tool blade-like SHC of edge marksfrom tool of pair fragments SHC crust thick with fragments SHC fragments SHC other sherds tuyère blebs mainlyrounded - pieces small slag slaglining dimpled of blebs top the on base tuyère curveof shows set flows1 - lobate in slag dense influencedon slag surface,lining on impressions with slag charcoal-rich of lump 60x60x90mm tongue large probably surface- from probably - flowed base slightly very with slag charcoal-rich of fragment tuyère the below fragments slag SHCs crust thick of fragments sherds tuyère little very 30mm) bowl which (of cakecrust (110)x(120)x60mm thick partof smooth base bowl, depressed in crust of top on slag missing edges with smallSHC possible 30mm) bowl which (of 95x75x40mm base markson tool irregularone) larger part of smaller be could (though of form dense a probably - glasscentre through of sheet masswith prilly dense 70x90x70mm tongue from probably surfaces - blown maroon rounded with fragments slag dense SHCs dense of lip blowing fragment SHC surface blown smooth one with slag porous notes 1 1 1 1 5 6 5 6 17 3 3 1 1 22 9 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 no 2950 1650 973 354 332 1465 836 76 452 54 186 368 112 716 1010 22 996 324 438 244 346 146 weight t t t t t t t ditch 376 ditch 376 ditch 376 ditch feature 222 222 222 context 143 159 159 sample

137 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig orig 134 5063 3308 propn propn 100 40 60? - - rounded dense slag blebs, probably flow lobes from below tuyère below from flow lobes probably blebs, slag dense rounded notes area tuyère from flow lobes density low one base, on impressions and top smooth with slag of sheet 60x60x20mm dense right own its in smallSHC a be could or tongue dense a be could end, broken bowl entire crust, outer distinct thin(5mm) with SHC (160)x(100)x100mm culminatingcor in up, vesicular more becoming slag vesicular filledquite with typesthincrust to related be thiscould - than 40% more no allinetop, fragment SHC Concavo-convex, 40mm. to crust 70mm) bowl which (of (150)x(130)x80mm base markson smalltool bowl, in slag rough of amount variable so - “crust” lower to edges hasflown lobate material, SHC of irregularlump cake larger a marginof from lump be could but smallSHC, entire be could base clinkery, concentric, Top front. tuyère skimof to attached slag semi-conical neatness - tuyère under back horizontally directed flow lobes crude of series a top Mass75x120x80mm, diameter. 160mm c probably tuyère top, to increasing degrees 70 forward inclined face tuyère hearth, into degrees 45 tipped probably horizontal to 80x50x35mm base, on lobes glassy top, dimpled sheet slag lining - smalltongue bowl deep all fairly - fragments SHC seen much so not similarbut probably - fragments SHC others but fragments, SHC be may some surfaces - dimpled with lumps slag nubs be to seem top smooth with smallSHC twistedmarginof to granular slag part,more lower in vesicles tubular with 60mm to crust dense (110)x(140) top, on 60mm elon with thinlayer by overlain 45mm, to crust dense with SHC wide of block (lobes?) voids unroofed gate notes 6 no 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 2 5 1 1 1 no 314 weight 70 134 2025 688 1335 208 740 120 1565 470 666 236 1985 1230 weight t t t t t t feature 376 ditch 376 ditch 376 ditch feature context 222 222 222 context sample 159 159 159 sample

138 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 368 1020 300 300 orig 5767 8085 propn 100 100 100 100 propn 60 100 - dense crust to 35mm with open textured slag on top on slag textured open with 35mm to crust dense 35mm to crust dense fragments SHC tuyère marginof hangingfrom density, variable very with surfaced slag maroon sheet slag flown,mirror-finish perfectly be could - gravel and glassy with top SHC plano-convex 100x100x20mm neat but lobate slightly base flat a asclassed tongue, moder with SHC incomplete slightly 60mm) bowl which (of 110x130x80mm upper porous and crust thick ately sherds tuyère rough and top dimpled smooth with SHC dense conventional 90x95x30mm base SHC from probably fragments slag flows parts of others lip, good 1 slags, dense skinned smooth slag reddish dense of prill descending delicate sheets slag dense maroon lobate and dimpled complex notes dimples with flowedsheets and blebs low-density to high- slice 60° from diameter 160mm c sherd tuyère maximum) is cakecrust (proportion thick large of end proximal broken fragment SHC crust thick fragment SHC to marked more becoming top depressed hasslightly SHC 335x280x80mm surfaceslightly upper end, proximal near triangular widest plan end, in proximal of hint hasslight base crust, of top on thinlayer very with ringed, concentrically axis along points low multiple notes 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 11 1 11 6 1 2 no 13 1 2 1 4 1 no 682 654 268 136 22 368 1020 250 300 442 298 4 60 weight 238 246 3460 782 226 8085 weight t t t t 376 ditch 376 ditch feature 376 ditch 376 ditch feature 222 222 context 222 222 context 174 174 sample 174 296 sample

139 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 1570 5430 propn 100 100 fine-scale flow slag assemblage - could be smelting but these are very finefilms, very are these but smelting be could - fine-scaleflowassemblage slag beans coffee and prills base on prills and lobes with slag charcoal-rich of block arrangements delicate flow in slags brittle, dense, of smallpieces fragment SHC scraps slag scraps slag sherd tuyère fragment slag indeterminate as side proximal to deepens bowl SHC, 60mm) bowl which (of 140x140x80mm lifts likewise top smallpieces in but tongue likeglassy material lobate scraps slag flows and Prills blebs. flow in slags dense scraps slag slags lobate dense flow lobes of hints show some slags, textured open fragments SHC sherd tuyère but parts corroded, upper with twisted and slightly thinnishSHC, large crust 180x280x140mm intact otherwise notes assm. 1 63 1 4 3 1 1 1 2 2 64 c150 2 6 6 1 1 no 156 478 328 182 26 28 26 24 1570 78 56 310 710 122 532 812 44 5430 weight t t pit c255 pit c255 pit c255 pit c260 linear c264linear c264linear c274 trench slot fill of c268 firepit possible dump 1st 376 ditch feature 256 256 256 261 265 265 275 277 278 context 129 152 152 155 158 160 251 170 85 sample

140 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 3205 orig 3773 5723 2153 3867 propn 100 propn 75% 65 85 60? - - - forward inclined tuyère fragment with flat base over 50mm flat with over base fragment tuyère inclined forward bowl, to lobes separate two and top coralline with SHC wide large 250x200x60mm notes base lumpy 35, crust lobed, possibly cake top pc 190x140x90, crust. 40mm half of lower in vesicles tubular large with typical a SHC marginof marksexit tool large very twocake with to slag coralline of rim raised Strongly distal edge under ing crystalline slagopen 50mm, to crust thick with SHC dense 160x(160)x100mm top on assess to ficult notes top on coralline 40mm, to crust bowl, crust thick of piece large fragments SHC looks - base markson tool multiple extraction, on deformed strongly SHC large be partial could with fill.coralline bowl But open with SHC large of 65% like 290x160x140mm compressed, laterally SHC thincrust somewhat from block fragment SHC SHC an partof upper massgranular- slag deformed tuyère of piece containing irregularlump slag top, irregular micro-blebby (80mm) crust thick very with SHC of block large dif proportion (130)x(150)x100mm bottom, at dimpled to side on smooth base gravel with nub slag rounded tip tuyère massfrom slag partof ap tongue 110x90x50mm attached, tongue large with face tuyère flatbottom tuyère to oblique pearsvery fragment SHC crust thick scraps slag 1 1 no 1 1 1 no 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 200 3205 weight 2830 1205 1830 weight 2245 568 3720 534 64 644 280 2320 90 302 456 390 58 t t t t t t t ditch 376 slot 8, 1st dump 1st 8, slot 376 ditch feature ditch 376 slot 8, 1st dump 1st 8, slot 376 ditch dump 1st 8, slot 376 ditch ditch) (Wof layer feature 278 context 278 278 285 context 287 sample 287 287 181 sample

141 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 1879 orig 274 propn 70 propn 100 - notes fragments SHC iron sheet of piece fragmented and corroded irregu fill more is bowl of 60mm upper vesicles, hastubular basal 25mm SHC, lar, both both layers characterised by very coarse crystals - top slightly lobate slightly crystalscoarse very top - by characterised layers both both lar, SHC broken of piece large sherd tuyère fragments SHC block slag weathered very (80)x35mm 120 blasted, fracturedand been have to seems that crust SHC flowncrust remelted 30mm, to crust microprilly, base dish-topped, slightly places in sides down flow lobes reddish with dense flow lobes reddish with dense flow lobes reddish with dense ceramicvitrified notes crust thick with SHC of end proximal probable crust thick fairly with fragments SHC fragment SHC open-textured probable fragments slag assorted top blown smooth with fragment SHC crust thick finegrained very fragments SHC crust thick interior coralline then thincrust, - fragment SHC thincrust top maroon blown smooth with fragment SHC dense SHC smalldense possible 90x65x40mm, no 2 4 1 2 4 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 no 1 3 1 22 1 9 1 1 1 weight 366 28 1315 1020 52 1035 676 534 206 100 216 8 weight 592 498 492 818 400 2230 233 116 274 t t t t void feature void (top layers of ditch?) of layers (top void c313 cut feature c313 cut 309 context 309 314 context 314 202 sample 218 205 sample 205

142 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 3680 1505 1285 8250 1629 4880 2050 5987 2688 propn 50 100 100 90 70 75 100 75 40 - indeterminate slag fragments slag indeterminate 45mm bowl top, irregular on SHC crust thick (180)x(110)x60mm bowl which (of 190x180x100mm light, probably so weathered rather SHC, proxi on raised irregular, base charcoal holes, with top dished slightly 50mm) bowl into slope even with malside base smooth, top SHC, neat very dished-topped slightly 130x160x65mm organics some with both smooth, SHC thincrust from block crust, thick with SHC large very 90mm) bowl which (of (230)x(230)x140mm top on concentrically-structured possibly include to rising bowl, on material dimpled deeply with SHC conventional fairly area proximal raised within fragment crust angled small45° crust crystallinethick material, open is above 55mm, bowl SHC, thick 140mm centre SHC fragments sheet slag twisteddimpled bits dimples with rusty 30mm slag,slab charcoal rich mm 40 60mm, to bowl dense (170)x170x130mm top glass on green and by overlain thick, 20mm crust conventional with SHC 170x140x70mm proximal glass at green with top dimpled ashy rusty, with material charcoal-rich cake layer double good really a - end raised by judge (to top lobate coarsely and crudely with SHC crust thick very plano-convex thick, 100mm fragment 190x210mm dividers?) raised and bowl deep with SHC 60mm) bowl which (of (130)x(120)x90mm side proximal fragment SHC notes 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 no 164 1840 1505 1285 648 7425 1140 1055 224 174 3660 2050 4490 1075 554 weight t t t t c328 pit 2nd 6, slot c382, ditch dump dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch (underwater) dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch (underwater) dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch (underwater) dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch (underwater) feature 329 337 338 338 338 338 338 context 219 220 222 259 273 273 273 sample

143 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig orig 2495 5138 propn propn 40 40 curved block of lining slag with large inclusions large with slag lining of curvedblock flow slags dense notes flow slags show to appears one - slagged heavily some and vitrified sherds, tuyère below lobe slag maroon density low fragments SHC fragments slag indeterminate raised haswispy typical type,allcake of crust top - plano-convex deep 70mm rough base charcoal impressions, and lobes hollow and dimpled top voids, rounded large with slag dense incredibly of end rounded Clonfad at blocks dense really the of Reminiscent too. end on dimples possible total - slag dense high-piled thinnishcakeand crust with of centre from slab thick 60mm crusts thick fairly with fragments SHC fragments tongue probably - blocks dimpled prilly in slag lining fragment SHC probably - lump slag dimpled SHCs parts of upper probably crystalline- coarsely fragments slag open-textured 50mm, to crust tubular-vesicular normal is base SHC, biconvex half like a looks not there stopped have may - material rough of slab inclined strongly is upper maximum is 40% open? bowl of rest leaving over, arched crust in olivine bladed large very with smallSHC of crust from fragment scraps slag margin the near from probably - top irregular on 60mm slag with crust 10mm so - prilly are layers upper the internally base, dimpled planar SHC, large a of tuyère? below just from be may smallcake from be cake, could conventional fairly of end from fragment tuyère near from slag dense lobate notes 1 7 no 12 1 6 37 1 1 1 3 2 1 19 1 1 4 1 1 1 no 132 54 weight 252 28 328 594 998 896 846 912 172 58 578 2055 142 70 630 342 82 weight t t t t feature 2nd 6, slot c382, ditch dump 2nd 6, slot c382, ditch dump c340linear feature context 339 339 341 context sample 223 265 230 sample

144 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 1710 3488 orig 3870 816 propn 40 80 propn 50? 100 - edge of thick crust SHC (110)x(90)x55mm SHC crust thick of edge not proportion so deformed but 40mm, to crust , fragment SHC crust thick clear of end proximal just possibly slag, porous of 50mm by overlain bowl 20mm SHC weathered very but SHC, layer double possible lump slag vesicular lump slag vesicular lump slag vesicular notes lump slag vesicular irregularcake crust with crust,thick 30mm) bowl which (of 140x140x80mm base on mark surface,tool upper on crystalterminations in top smooth with SHC transverse 40mm) bowl which (of 140x110x70mm con top, on slag tap fluid,like very almost - flat hollow create to strangefolds base microdimpled below, ventional top, coralline base, microdimpled SHC, crust thick fairly of centre from block unknown proportion crystalline coarsely and slag vesicular homogeneously grey of block folded top blown with SHC smalldense of centre fragment thincrust notes margin tuyère to attached slag lobate dense fragment slag iron around concretion SHC? deformed hot a possibly - features real no slag, vesicular of block large “coralline thicknessof large into thicknessgradingup crust medium with SHC deformed bit a looks cake180x190x80mm missing, of top material”, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 no 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 no 1 1 1 684 1375 398 622 2855 2790 110 106 178 weight 22 1935 816 730 858 302 372 weight 102 22 86 t t t linear c372 linear dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch feature dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch linear c370 linear feature 359 381 context 381 371 context 256 263 sample 263 254 sample

145 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 2394 1065 132 3167 4127 1986 propn 80 100 100 45? 75? 70? - grey vesicular slag vesicular grey slag vesicular grey high. piled slag cake with biconvex 50mm) bowl which (of 150x110x100mm deformation some probably form, plano-convex crystallinehascoarse Bowl top, cakecrust thick large of centre from block halfslag, porous half prilly nub, above slag porous with crust thick grained coarse very with SHC deformed smallthickish SHC crust from block slag grey vesicular deformed but SHC, complete probably 130x100x70mm material charcoal rich more on rest which crust above top lobate with block firedceramic oxidised degree 60 by judge (to tuyère diameter 200mm of face lower to attached slag blow side, the on layer outer in turnspale fired,Alljust oxidised parthere). fragment SHC top black glass lobed plano-convex, tongue, dense or smallSHC 65x80x20mm, flatof pad bowl, 60mm deep, 120mm originally, diameter 160 SHC, deep very stone? with contact at hints side proximal on slag lining top. on lobes raised hollow with bowl, plano-convex dense thick with SHC on slag of pile thick 40mm to up with thick 50mm bowl fragment, 180x160mm smooth vesicles, Tubular base. on locally 10mm to up and end proximal at top seen where lobes to top blown with planar crust of top (50mm?) crust diffuse rather into base SHC, crust thick seen cake not of top but side one on slag raised crystalterminations, deformed top, on high piled 35mm, to crust slightly with SHC biconvex apparently 50mm) bowl which (of 170x120x100mm top charcoal rich and base lobate notes be may but tip, bulbous to curving out of appearance some preserved, not hole artefact 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 no 286 14 1915 812 302 468 382 370 1065 788 42 608 352 132 1425 3095 1390 446 1300 weight t t t t dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch feature 381 381 381 context 263 263 263 sample

146 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 344 orig 3685 1900 propn 100 propn 100 100 - fragment from the base of charcoal-rich slag cake, base strongly prilly cake,strongly base slag charcoal-rich of base the from fragment partlyinfilled proximally, top smooth dished with smallSHC 110x80x30mm maroon base, microprilly notes marginfragment SHC to alsohasextraadhering thin crust top, lobate slightly with SHC crust thick base partof vesicles tubular with cake sized fragment medium around surface,surfacecurves somewhat maroon - bowl to lip blown intensely mainbowl? partof been have not may it hinting piece of edge 60mm to up crustsvariable SHCs, typicalcrust thick type of of fragments possibly - layer upper flow-lobed dense showing SHC crust thick of fragment remelted? be may or tuyère near from SHCs larger of edge or top either probably most - fragments slag textured open slag of lump dense rounded fragments slag about irregular to crust slightly 230x230x75mm, pieces, 3 into broken SHC on slag charcoal-rich of rise bowl, big the of fill most little in rather with 25mm direction blowing of hint marginprovides one slag of scraps lump SHC crust thick 50mm to crust SHC, crust thick of centre from lump large partlyprilly irregularlump, 60mm to crust fragment, SHC crust thick tool-marks. underside large of because slag palmate slightly 160x170x70mm, sur upper of most over covered and hard blown but SHC standard a Probably glaze maroon unusual very in face notes 1 1 no 1 1 1 1 6 1 8 1 6 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 no 368 344 weight 136 504 636 194 2685 578 2400 472 140 3685 90 714 1385 304 800 1900 weight t t t t t t feature dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch feature context 381 381 381 context sample 263 263 263 sample

147 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 3000 2008 1105 3125 4080 orig propn 70 70 100 40 50 propn - regularly textured slag textured regularly fragments of thick crust SHCs crust thick of fragments marks tool with thick 50mm base plano-convex crust thick (160)x(150)x85mm, top on little base, on bladed coarse fracture surfacesuggesting very with smallSHC (100)x160x50mm crystals SHC large from lip lump slag dense deformed maybe irregular very SHC, 120x120x70mm fragment SHC scrap slag lumps raised some base, on tool-marks , 30mm crust fragment, 130x140x70mm difficultassess to proportion flatSHC, wide top, on tool large with base rough SHC, around lip rubbly raised 60mm) (to crust thick marks(130)x(120)x90mm below crust thick “blisters”, with top cakemarginfragment, deformed probably but below, item similarto cake, rather marginof gently is lip edge, towards 0 to 25mm thinscrustfrom margin, SHC partof equant large with coralline coarse shows but internally missing top dimpled, crystals olivine notes gently is lip edge, towards 0 to 25mm thinscrustfrom margin, SHC partof equant large with coralline coarse shows but internally missing top dimpled, crystals olivine ir more of 60mm by overlain crust tubular-vesicular thick with10mm block open-textured rubbly overlying with 60mm, crust thick very with block curious not proportion extraction, during side one to and off pushed possibly slag determinable notes 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 no 1 1 1 no 954 2100 1205 302 224 1105 458 10 1260 2040 694 428 670 weight 670 402 2955 weight t t t t t t t t dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch feature dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch feature 381 381 context 381 context 263 263 sample 263 sample

148 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 7193 2531 6972 propn 70 80 50 - - slab with proximal margin of moderately dense SHC, with this continuation of of thiscontinuation with SHC, dense moderately marginof proximal with slab attachment. tuyère towards up continuing maincrust SHC of centre margins,from broken probably two material, SHC open-textured SHC crust thick of centre from block massive inside material vesicular highly with bowl around crust irregular5mm cakecrust fragment thick flat to surface descending tuyère, of base to attached slags prilly glaze maroon in covered and reheated and broken SHC, crust thick of fragment fragments SHC crust thick lump slag brown rounded fragments slag quantity large open, fairly bowl vesicles, tubular large very with 40mm to crust hashori thisarea top, bowl above 70mm rising side proximal on material of irregular with smooth bowl surfaceof upper slag, prilly rather of layers zontal 15-20 of layer top a with layer, slag superficial the in blisters and depressions piece instructive very a - microdimpled finely base mm, irregular with mate SHC crust thick 70mm) bowl which (of 160x(120)x100mm top smoothish on lumps rialin crust thick incredibly with SHC 110m) bowl which (of (170)x(150)x140mm difficult proportion usagecycles, equal roughly two, been have to appears which rough. maximum a figure. Top probably is 50% assess - to fragments SHC hammerscale no but fragments slag magnetic some tuyère for height suggests110mm face, partof with tuyère large of side slagged by overlain 20mm to crust multi-focus with SHC large of centre from block slag charcoal-rich open porous of 50mm notes 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 11 1 1 1 8 assm. 1 1 no 764 1315 2530 470 680 98 750 996 246 434 5035 2025 3485 550 258 1000 weight t t t t t t t dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch 7 slot c378 ditch dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch (underwater) feature 381 381 381 381 384 context 263 263 263 276 272 sample

149 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report orig 884 494 orig 1065 propn 100 70 propn 100 - kenn in hearth and upper slag moved on extraction, proportion not identifiable not proportion extraction, on moved slag upper hearth and in kenn saucepan-shaped slag block, possibly whole squeezed SHC squeezed whole possibly block, slag saucepan-shaped base markson tool SHC, crust thick of centre from block worn SHC smallconventional of 70% probably (60)x(90)x35mm SHC smallconventional from fragment SHC? conical of tip possibly - lump slag rounded notes shapes various in dimples and flow lobes with slag dense fragments slag layer deep by overlain 5mm, to crust SHC, thincrust very of end proximal of rings rustyconcentric with end crystals proximal olivine exposed, platy with slag blebby smooth bro slag, open 50mm by overlain 40mm to crust with SHC from block large lobate slightly and body charcoal-rich with SHC steep-sided 100x120x70mm, top notes 1 1 1 1 1 no 6 4 1 1 1 no 884 706 346 156 130 weight 266 142 528 1365 1055 weight . “t” = typical SHC texture, = microresidue assemblage assm from sieving t feature dump 1st 6, slot c382, ditch (underwater) feature context 384 context sample 272 sample summary catalogue 1: context by and sample Table

150 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report - Young Trumra Carrigoran, from Ballin glanna 1 North 65 86 9267 2854 17% 22% 78% 42% 300- 400 2009c; - Clonfad Young Lismore/ Lismore/ Bush 1 field 23 426 4390 1737 4% 39% 61% 13% 500- 600 Gortnahown, 2005; from 5 from Young Borris Borris (AR36) 88 154 7440 1618 22% 41% 59% 16% 200- 300 from Parknahown assemblages Scheme 2006; The Clonfad 381 60 11000 1302 30% 61% 39% 9% 300- 400 . . Water Young residues from Waste - Clon macnoise (WWS) 38 5540 1087 39% 68% 32% 8% 300- 400 Carrigoran - blacksmithing Clonmacnoise 2008b; Woods 6 town 140 68 6310 1060 40% 71% 29% 7% 200- 300 2009d; Young dominantly . Young from being from as Clonmacnoise Clonmacnoise (NG) 258 54 7815 762 52% 78% 22% 3% 200- 300 Moneygall Woodstown 2009f; interpreted are Trumra Trumra 4 57 92 3163 727 47% 75% 25% 2% 100- 300 . Young progress; - in from 2 work Parkna 5 hown 89 86 2898 567 70% 84% 16% 0% 400- 500 Parknahown and - author’s Gortnahown the Carrig oran 18 3866 553 72% 89% 11% 6% 100- 200 2007; - Carrigoran from site Young Money gall 22 114 1800 527 55% 95% 5% 0% 200- 300 from Moneygall, - 1 . - Graveyard Site Gort na hown 2 90 78 3450 519 67% 91% 9% 2% 100- 200 Navan, New - Navan Na van 17 60 2990 507 82% 88% 12% 0% 100- 200 2008a; - Coolamurry, Clonmacnoise from Coola murry 41 2588 386 83% 95% 5% 0% 100- 200 Young, 2008d, from . Comparison of SHC assemblages, ordered mean by SHC weight Young assemblages from

SHC count SHC SHC min. SHC wt SHC max. SHC wt SHC mean SHC wt % <500g % % <1000g % % >1000g % % >3000g % Modal 100g 100g Modal interval 4 Coolamurry 2 Table Assemblages ordered by mean SHC weight Clonmacnoise,Trumra, Woodstown, Clonfad, Borris, Lismore/Bushfield and Ballinglanna North are interpreted as including bloomsmithing residues 2009a; Borris (AR36) from 2009e, Young Lismore/Bushfield 1 from 2008c, Young Ballinglanna North 1 this study The

151 ISSUE 10: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237 Archaeological Excavation Report

SHC t SHC tongue lining smith indet. tuyère flow total slag slag slag

278 13635 10960 0 0 582 90 200 0 25467 338 10109 13601 0 132 0 992 252 82 25168 381 39653 34077 0 0 400 3006 650 0 77786 384 1365 4805 0 0 0 0 666 0 6836 {5005} primary 64762 63443 0 132 982 4088 1768 82 135257 dump total

{5006} large dump 46782 18504 926 150 2224 2898 1062 1000 73546 [c222]

{5007} intermediate 0 1028 0 20 0 408 72 262 1790 silting [c134]

129/130 5884 0 0 0 0 322 0 0 6206 130 486 2027 158 0 0 522 0 0 3193 131 0 328 0 0 0 214 0 0 542 337 0 1505 0 0 0 0 0 0 1505 339 3965 2520 172 0 0 70 0 0 6727 {5008} secondary 10335 6380 330 0 0 1128 0 0 18173 dump total

Ditch context void 3320 2867 0 0 0 840 8 522 7557 314

214 (pit [c213]) 0 3350 274 0 0 176 294 82 4176 217 (pit [c213]) 0 0 0 0 0 540 0 4 544 256 ([pit [c255]) 0 0 0 0 0 634 0 328 962 {4001} metallurgical 0 3350 274 0 0 1350 294 414 5682 pits total

261 (linear [c260]) 0 182 0 0 0 26 0 0 208 265 (linear [c264]) 0 0 0 0 0 52 26 0 78 {4002}?plough fur- 0 182 0 0 0 50 26 0 258 rows total

230 (linear [c340]) 342 630 0 0 82 0 0 0 1054 254 (linear [c370]) 1375 1020 0 0 0 0 0 0 2395 256 (linear [c372]) 684 0 0 0 102 22 0 0 808 329 (pit [c328]) 0 1840 0 0 0 0 0 0 1840 {6001} & {6002} 2401 3490 0 0 184 22 0 0 6097 drainage total

275 1570 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1570 285 390 366 456 0 0 58 0 0 1270 structure total 1960 366 456 0 0 58 0 0 2840

152 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

SHC t SHC tongue lining smith indet. tuyère flow total slag slag slag

{3001} pits ([c277] 812 0 0 78 0 1298 44 432 2664 pit c268)

1 0 0 0 0 0 184 0 0 184 2 436 0 0 0 242 698 0 0 1376 6 0 0 116 0 0 0 0 0 116 19 0 1511 160 0 0 558 0 0 2229 162 0 0 0 46 0 232 0 196 474 309 1020 2350 0 0 0 0 52 0 3422 unstratified & misc. 1456 3861 276 46 242 1672 0 196 7801 total

overall totals 131828 103471 2262 426 3632 13812 3326 2908 261665 Table 3: distribution of residue classes by context and context groups/subgroups. Possible fragments of iron ore and iron metal are excluded from this summary. SHC t = SHC with “typical” texture

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Appendix 8 Animal remains report

by Margaret McCarthy

Introduction Archaeological investigation at Ballinglanna North 1 revealed evidence of a range of features dating to the Late Bronze Age, a fulacht fiadh, the early medieval period, a substantial ditch and associated metalworking area and a 19th century structure and a group of linear drainage features associated with the nearby Glencorra stream. The sample of recovered faunal material is small with the majority of the bones coming from a single pit (C331) although this collection consists entirely of indeterminate pieces of burnt bone. No animal bones were recovered from the fulacht fiadh deposits and two partial skeletons were found in pits associated with post-medieval pottery. Animal bones were found in negligible amounts in deposits within a 19th century stone structure and also in the linear drainage features. Sample sizes throughout are very small and the quantities involved do not allow for a detailed analysis of diet and economy during the late-medieval and post- medieval periods in this area of North Cork. The results are summarised below in Table 1 and are described by each context grouping identified by the excavators.

Context Type No. Of Bones Medieval metalworking and ditch 83 Post-medieval animal burials 162 19th century stone structure 15 Linear features 7 Pit – C331 80 TOTAL 347 Table 1: Distribution of animal bones across the major feature groupings

Medieval metalworking Three fills of the ditch extending north-south across the site and associated with medieval metalworking produced a total sample of 83 animal bones. These were mostly burnt with the largest individual sample (84%) coming from fill (C338). Identified bones from this deposit include sheep/goat, cow and domestic goose and all of the remains are totally calcined from being in contact with intense heat. Sheep/goat are represented by two lower teeth, the proximal portion of a humerus and a small piece of a scapula. The humerus is fused proximally indicating that this particular individual was at least three years of age at slaughter. There is one cattle tooth and the midshaft lateral portion of a tibio-tarsus is identified as goose, probably domestic. The remainder of the bones from this fill are not determinate to species and consist of 17 fragments from a medium-sized animal such as sheep, 18 fragments from a large-sized individual and 29 indeterminate bones. A total of 11 bones were recovered from ditch fill (C381) and all of these represent indeterminate

154 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ burnt fragments. Just two weathered fragments of bone from a large-sized animal, probably cow, were found in fill (C162).

Animal burials The partial remains of an adult horse skeleton along with horseshoes and nails were recovered from a pit (C357) that cut one of the linear features associated with the Glencorra stream. Post- medieval pottery from the fill of the burial provides possible dating evidence for the skeleton but this may have been introduced during backfilling of the pit. The burial is more likely to be recent in date as it cuts one of the linear features associated with the 19th century redirection of the Glencorra stream. A total of 112 bones were recovered from the burial pit including most of the major long bones, skull, verterbrae, ribs and peripheral elements. The withers height of the individual was established from measurements taken on complete long bones. A partial skeleton of a young calf was recovered from another pit (C320). No dating evidence was advanced for this feature though from the fresh condition of the bones, it would appear that the burial is recent in date. The remains presumably represent a natural fatality with the calf being buried here in relatively recent times. A total of 50 bones were collected including loose teeth, fragmented skull, pelves and most of the long bones and peripheral elements. None of the epiphyses have fused to the long bones and from the size of the elements it is estimated that the individual was less than six months of age at death.

Structure 1 A small sample of just five animal bones was recovered from a modern occupation deposit (C285) inside Structure 1. Two of these are identified as cattle long bone fragments, the remainder are not determinate to species. The foundation trench for this building also contained some poorly preserved fragments of bone, including a cattle tooth, the distal end of a cattle tibia, three large mammal fragments and 10 indeterminate fragments of bone.

Linear cuts – 19th century These 19th century linear trenches are interpreted as possible drainage features associated with the re-direction and straightening of the Glencorra stream. A cow tooth was recovered from one of the linears (C354) and six eroded fragments of post-cranial bone from a large-sized mammal, probably cattle, were found in linear (C366/C372).

Pit – C331 This pit produced one of the largest samples of animal bones from the site but the 80 tiny fragments are totally calcined and none can be taken either to species level or classified into a size-grouping.

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Appendix 9 Finds catalogue

Clay Pipes

Stems

Stem (E2414:2:4) L. 18.1 mm, D. 9.4 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:5) L. 20.07 mm, D. 6.6 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:6) L. 23.2 mm, D. 9.3 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:7) L. 23.5 mm, D. 7.9 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:8) L. 21.5 mm, D. 8 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:9) L. 24.5 mm, D. 6.7 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:10) L. 35.7 mm, D. 9.3 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:11) L. 41.1 mm, D. 7.9 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:2:8) L. 51.6 mm, D. 9.1 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:2:9) L. 27.2 mm, D. 8.1 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:285:4) L. 24.2 mm, D. 10.1 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:265:1) L. 27.7 mm, D. 8 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:1:2) L. 42.5 mm, D. 8.5 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:1:3) L. 67.5 mm, D. 10 mm. Incomplete. Flat spur present. Probable dating: 19th Century.

Stem (E2414:2:5) L. 31.6 mm, D. 11.2 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2414:2:6) L. 25.4 mm, D. 7.2 mm. Incomplete.

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Bowls*

Bowl Fragment (E2414:48:1) L. 23.5 mm, W. 14 mm. Incomplete.

Bowl Fragment (E2414:359:1) L. 37.8 mm, W. 14.6 mm, D. (of stem) 10 mm. Incom- plete. Final part of stem present. Part of the lip present. Dating: 19th Century. Cfr. Lane 1997a, pag. 229.

Bowl (E2414:2:7) L. 31.3 mm, W. 14.5 mm. Incomplete. Lip missing. Spur present. It seems to be a large straight-sided spurred bowl. Probable dating: 19th Century.

Bowl (E2414:297:1) L. 42.6 mm, W. 20.09 mm. Incomplete. Lip almost completely missing. Flat spur present. Large bulbous bowl, trimmed on the rim. Probable dating: 19th Century.

Bowl (E2414:391:1) L. 38 mm, W. 19.1 mm. Incomplete. Lip missing. Small spur present. Large straight-sided bowl. Dating: Post-1800.

* The diameter considered is the maximum diameter of the bowl. When the bowl lip is present the diameter is taken on the rim of the bowl.

Bibliographic References

Lane 1997a. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Skiddy’s Castle and Christ Church, Cork – Excavations 1974-77”, Cork 1997 (pages 224-238).

Lane 1997b. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Excavations at North Gate – Cork 1994”, Cork 1997 (pages 102-105).

Lane 2003. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Excavations in Cork City, 1984-2000”, Cork 2003 (pages 248-251).

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Metal Finds

Nails Nails (E2414:1:7) Fe. Average L. 49.5 mm., average Th. (of shank) 9.6 mm. Two incomplete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, sub-rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:2:14) Fe. L. 27.5 mm., D. (of shank) 7.3 mm., D. (of head) 16.2 mm. Incom- plete (broken in 2 parts). Shank straight, sub-circular in section. Flat sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:2:15) Fe. L. 97.5 mm., Th. (of shank) 9 mm., D. (of head) 23.4 mm. Com- plete. Shank slightly bent, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:48:2) Fe. L. 26.9 mm., Th. (of shank) 7 mm., D. (of head) 15 mm. Incom- plete (final part of shank missing). Shank straight, rectangular in section. Flat sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nails (E2414:162:3) Fe. Average L. 52.3 mm., average Th. (of shank) 8 mm. Three incomplete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:217:2) Fe. L. 43 mm., Th. (of shank) 7.8 mm., D. (of head) 17 mm. Complete. Shank straight, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded. Conserved.

Nail (E2414:221:1) Fe. L. 72.5 mm., Th. (of shank) 9.5 mm., D. (of head) 15.2 mm. Ap- parently complete. Shank straight, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded. Conserved.

Nail (E2414:285:15) Fe. L. 31.9 mm., Th. (of shank) 5.7 mm., D. (of head) 10.09 mm. Complete. Shank straight, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:285:16) Fe. L. 45.3 mm., Th. (of shank) 11 mm. Incomplete. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Headless. Very corroded.

Nails (E2414:285:18) Fe. Average L. 26.8 mm., average Th. (of shank) 9.1 mm. Three incomplete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nails (E2414:285:19) Fe. Average L. 64.3 mm., average Th. (of shank) 13.5 mm. Three incomplete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:332:1) Fe. L. 57.4 mm., Th. (of shank) 8.6 mm., W. (of head) 22.3 mm. Com- plete. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Head rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

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Nail (E2414:338:1) Fe. L. 55.5 mm., Th. (of shank) 7.9 mm. Incomplete. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Headless. Very corroded.

Horseshoe Nails (E2414:307:2) Fe. Average L. 25.7 mm., average Th. (of shank) 6 mm., average D. (of head) 8.4 mm. Two complete nails. Shanks straight, sub-rectangular in section. Flat sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Other Objects Metal fragments (E2414:132:2) Fe. Average L. 21 mm., average Th. 7.3 mm. Two fragments, possible bronze. Irregular in shape. Corroded.

Casting mold (E2414:132:3) Fe. Average L. 44.45 mm., average Th. 22.1 mm. Two fragments, possible bronze. Irregular in shape. Corroded.

Disc (E2414:u/s:2) Pb. D. 24.3 mm., Th. 2.9 mm. Complete. Circular in shape and slightly corroded. Possible seal or gaming piece? Conserved.

Bar (E2414:2:18) Fe. L. 60.09 mm., W. 12.6 mm., Th. 6.1 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron ring (E2414:1:5) Fe. Maximum D. 42 mm., minimum D. 21 mm. Complete. Sub- circular in section. Corroded.

Iron Chain (E2414:u/s:3) Fe. L. 220.7 mm., W. 30 mm., D. (of rings) 6.7 mm. Incom- plete. Part of chain. Three links present. Rings sub-elliptical in shape and circular in section. Corroded.

Horseshoe (E2414:307:3) Fe. L. 160.5 mm., W. 150.1 mm., Th. 17.5 mm. Complete. Very corroded.

Horseshoe (E2414:307:4) Fe. L. 160.2 mm., W. 140.9 mm., Th. 15 mm. Complete. Very corroded.

Lumps (E2414:1:5) Fe. Average D. 38.4 mm. Three iron lumps sub-circular in shape. Corroded.

Lump (E2414:2:1) Fe. L. 38.3 mm., Th. 23.2 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Slightly corroded.

Lump (E2414:2:13) Fe. L. 38.3 mm., Th. 23.2 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Corroded.

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Lumps (E2414:2:16) Fe. Average L. 55.5 mm., average W. 22.5 mm., average Th. 14 mm. Two iron lumps sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Lump (E2414:242:1) Fe. D. 22.6 mm. Sub-circular in shape. Corroded.

Lump (E2414:285:14) Fe. D. 36 mm. Sub-circular in shape. Corroded.

Iron Tool (E2414:162:2) Fe. L. 150.7 mm., W. 110.4 mm., Th. 11.4 mm. Incomplete. Possible part of an agricultural tool of some kind. Sub-triangular in shape with a hook on the top. Slightly bent. Very corroded.

Iron Knife (E2414:214:3) Fe. L. 61.8 mm., W. 16.6 mm., Th. 7.5 mm. Incomplete. Pos- sible blade. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded. Conserved

Iron Wedge (E2414:222:1) Fe. L. 80 mm., Th. 40.08 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Probable part of a tool. Corroded. Conserved

Iron Wedge (E2414:359:2) Fe. L. 61.33 mm., Th. 10.71 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Probable part of a tool. Conserved.

Iron Blade (E2414:286:1) Fe. L. 51.97 mm., Th. 01.61 mm., L. 29.61 mm., Th. 02.53mm., L. 17.28 mm., Th. 11.59mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Three fragments. Conserved.

Iron Object (E2414:265:2) Fe. L. 57.7 mm., W. 13 mm., Th. 8.4 mm. Possible blade fragment. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron Object (E2414:285:17) Fe. L. 56 mm., W. 13.9 mm., Th. 10.05 mm. Possible blade fragment. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron Object (E2414:285:20) Fe. L. 67 mm., W. 21.6 mm., Th. 8.4 mm. Possible blade fragment. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron Object (E2414:285:21) Fe. L. 67 mm., W. 21.6 mm., Th. 8.4 mm. Possible horseshoe fragment. Sub-rectangular in section, bent and slightly U-shaped. Very corroded.

Blade (E2414:314:1) Fe. L.72.30 mm., W. 18.18 mm., Th.4.81 mm. Possible knife. In- complete. Triangular blade. Conserved.

Modern Glass A total of 6 glass fragments were found on site. Three of them (E2414:1:1, E2414:2:1-2) and a bottle neck (E2414:2:3) presumably belong to the same bottle (col.5GY 4/1). An-

160 Ballinglanna North 1-E2414 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/ other fragment (col.5G 6/2) from C.285 is a possible glass bottom. Part of a blue glass bottle neck was also recovered from C.371. They can all be considered modern (18th/19th Century).

Modern Pottery Thirty modern pottery sherd in total were recovered from site.

Glazed red earthenware Ten sherds in total. Three body sherds and one rim sherd from topsoil (C.1). One bowl rim sherd and one body sherd from C.2. Two handles from C.285. One body sherd from C.296. Two possible plate fragments from C.322. One body sherd from C.327.

Pearlware Two sherds in total. One handle from C.2. One plate rim sherd from C.391.

Creamware Only one rim sherd from C.285 (crem and brown slip).

Decorated slipware Two sherds in total. One body sherd from C.2, decorated with a leaves motif in pink and light green. One rim sherd from C.285.

Stoneware Two sherds in total. One cup handle from C.285. One body sherd from C.296.

Transfer printed ware Eleven sherds in total. Three body sherds from C.1, decorated in brown. Three body sherds from C.285, decorated in brown, green and purple. Four plate body sherds in blue decoration from C.307. One body sherd from C.391.

Salt glazed ware Two sherds in total. One base sherd and one body sherd from C.162.

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Co.No. Find No. Type Dating Form 1 4 Glazed Red Earthenware (x4) 18th/19th Bowl Transfer Printed Ware (x3) 19th/20th Plate 2 11 Glazed Red Earthenware (x2) 18th/19th Bowl 12 Pearlware 19th Cup Decorated Slipware 19th Plate/Cup 162 1 Salt Glazed Ware (x2) 20th Jugs? 263 1 Glazed Red Earthenware 18th/19th Bowl 285 12 Glazed Red Earthenware 18th/19th Jugs 13 Decorated Slipware 19th Plate Transfer Printed Ware (x3) 19th/20th Plate Creamware 19th Cup Stoneware L19th/20th Cup 296 1 Glazed Red Earthenware 18th/19th Bowl Stoneware L19th/20th Plate? 307 1 Transfer Printed Ware (x4) 19th/20th Plate 322 1 Glazed Red Earthenware (x2) 18th/19th Plate? 327 2 Glazed Red Earthenware 18th/19th Plate 391 2 Pearlware 19th Plate Transfer Printed Ware 19th/20th Plate

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