Burnt mound in Knockaskeheen

In an area of marshy pasture. Identified during archaeological assessment and monitoring at the site of a proposed sewage treatment plant. Subsequently subjected to archaeological testing (Rooney 2000, Licence No. 99E0449) followed by full excavation (Fitzpatrick 2002, 'Site 1', Licence No. 00E0051). Initially identified on the surface as a roughly U-shaped low rise (c. 16m NW-SE; 7m NE-SW; H 0.5-0.75m), topsoil removal exposed an irregular spread (L 5.5m; Wth 3m) of small decayed yellow/orange heat-shattered stones, surrounded and partly overlaid by a layer of grey marl. No artefacts of archaeological significance were uncovered at this site. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 26 April 2023 References: Fitzpatrick, M. 2002 Knocknaranhy, Clare. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2000: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 32, No. 093. Bray. Wordwell. Rooney, F. 2000 Knocknaranhy, Clare. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 1999: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 17, No. 056. Bray. Wordwell.

A Bronze Age burnt mound; its function remains debated but may relate to ritual activity or heat-treated stone use. Significance lies in its contribution to understanding prehistoric settlement and land use in the region.