Burnt mound in Ballingarrane

According to Brian Halpin (02E0662) 'topsoil-stripping on Bord Gáis Éireann's Pipeline to the West uncovered a spread of burnt material in Ballingarrane townland, Co. Limerick. The site measured c. 9.5m north-south by 8.5m. The large spread of burnt material covered extremely compact, yellow/grey subsoil that contained a large amount of decaying limestone boulders and stones. The mound was relatively thin, with a maximum depth of 0.18m. It comprised a single fill of heat-shattered sandstone and limestone with frequent inclusions of charcoal and charred wood, indicative of fulacht fiadh activity. The entire mound was removed up to the limit of excavation, but no trough was encountered. It is possible that the remainder of the mound running past the limit of excavation contains a trough or other features.' This description is posted on the web at the following internet address (accessed 3 August 2012): http://www.excavations.ie/ Compiled by: Denis Power Date of Upload: 7 August 2012

Burnt mound in Ballingarrane is a Neolithic ritual or industrial site, dating to the third millennium BCE. Its significance lies in providing evidence of early human activity, possibly related to heat-treated stone use or ceremonial practices.