Burnt spread in Johnstown

In tillage. On an elevated position on a S-facing slope, above a tributary of the Whelansbridge River (O’Donovan 2023). There are excellent views to the S and W (ibid.). Identified during archaeological monitoring in advance of afforestation. A charcoal spread (dims. 10m x 5m) incorporating burnt stone (stones measuring c. 0.12m to 0.03-4m) (ibid.). A separate oval-shaped area (dims. 3-4m) of grey clay, clearly different from the natural brown silty clay of the field, was identified 5m to the E of the charcoal spread (ibid.). This was interpreted as a house site or a craft production area (ibid.).