Charcoal-making site in Gowlin

On a very steep NW-facing slope of Blackstairs Mountain, in coniferous forestry. There are extensive views SW-W-N overlooking the plain of the River Barrow. A charcoal-making platform, suitable for a mound kiln, identified by Michael Monahan and Edward Butler. It is similar to charcoal-making platforms (CW023-035---- to CW023-039----; CW023-041---- and CW023-042----) on the SW-facing slope of Knockroe hill, part of the Blackstairs mountain range, c. 6km to the NE. It consists of a roughly oval level platform (dims. 7.9m NE-SW; 6.8m NW-SE). The rear SE portion of the platform is cut into the natural slope (H 1.05m) and has been revetted with stones and boulders. The NW edge (H 1m) is defined by scarp with a revetment of two stone courses, which in turn appears to rests on a slightly wider revetted platform (H 0.35m; Wth 0.7m), though this may just be caused by collaspsed revetment. The NE edge is defined by a slight scarp with some boulders evident but the SW edge is not very clearly defined and was probably damaged by the tree plantation. See attached photographs: CW025-010----_01 From E with ranging-rod in interior CW025-010----_02 Front NW scarp in foreground, looking at rear SE scarp Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 25 May 2022