Burnt mound in Ballyline

During unlicensed archaeological monitoring groundworks for Coillte in advance of a new forestry road. During topsoil stripping areas (overall diam. c. 27m N-S; c. 11m E-W) of dark charcoal rich deposits mixed with heat fractured stones were noted, where were interpreted as the possible remains of a burnt mound (Hanbridge and Shanahan 2023, 20). It is possible that the mound extended further westward under a sunken rectangular concrete water trough (ibid. 20-21). The deposits were preserved in situ under terram which was covered by a layer of crushed shale stone and a top layer of 804 graded stone (ibid. 21).   Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Burnt mound in Ballyline is a Bronze Age ritual or industrial site, characterized by charcoal-rich deposits, likely associated with heat-related activities such as cooking, metalworking, or ceremonial practices. Its discovery provides insight into early land use and human activity in the region.