Burnt mound in Curraghleha West

Archaeological testing (Licence No. 19E0339) was undertaken by Laurence Dunne in early November in 2019 as a part of Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA). Testing comprised of the excavation of seventeen 2.0m wide test trenches with a total length of c.2000m. The first burnt mound (BM1) [KE029-328----] with a maximum exposed dimensions of c. 7.0m x 9.0m (N-S) and a depth of c.0.50m, was recorded in test trench T1 (centre point ITM coordinates: E 486491, N 613119). The second burnt mound (BM2), measuring c.8.0m x 7.50m, was revealed in trench T17 (centre point ITM coordinates: 486407, N 613136). Additionally, a small shallow deposit of burnt mound material was noted in the NE end of test trench T16. Nothing of archaeological interest was recorded in any of the other trenches and no artefacts were recovered during testing. Excavation was undertaken of two of the three features that were discovered during the previous testing (BM1 in Area 1 and the burnt mound material spread in Area 2). The second burnt mound (BM2) was preserved in situ by changing the development layout and avoiding any impact to the monument by the construction works (Dunne 2021). See attached photographs courtesy of Laurence Dunne Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Laurence Dunne Date of upload: 9 May 2022

Burnt mound in Curraghleha West is a Bronze Age ritual or industrial site, dated to approximately 2500–800 BCE. Its significance lies in providing evidence of prehistoric activity, possibly related to heat-treated stone use in cooking, feasting, or ceremonial practices.