Burnt spread in Russagh

Testing was carried out as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway. The site was identified during testing undertaken by Yvonne Whitty of IAC Ltd in July 2005 (A016/029). The site was excavated in February 2006. Two excavation areas measuring 10m by 10m each were opened. The site consisted of a possible hearth or pit and a burnt spread. The hearth or pit was 0.38m long, 0.4m wide and 0.19m deep. The primary fill was burnt clay and the upper fill was a rich charcoal deposit. The burnt spread was 2.5m long, 1.6m wide and 0.03m deep and comprised burnt clay and charcoal. No finds were recovered during the course of the excavation (Bennett 2010, 572-3). Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision : 10 November 2010