Burnt mound in Smithstown (gowran By., Dunbell Ed)

Identified as an anomaly (M2) on the geophysical survey (Murphy 2024; 24R0389) and confirmed by test trenching (Gallagher 2024; 24E0802). The mound (C23) was visible as a 9m arc of burnt stone and charcoal along the base of a trench, and it consisted of small sub-angular burnt stones, charcoal, and dark-stained soil (ibid.). Two small pits (KK024-172----) (C21, C22), (dims. 0.5mx 0.5m) filled with small, sub-angular burnt stones and charcoal were found c. 40m NW of the burnt mound (ibid.). They are likely to be associated with the burnt mound (ibid.).    Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Burnt mound, likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age. Such features are often associated with ritual or industrial activities, though specific significance in this case remains undetermined.