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Charcoal-making site in Rathcrogue

Charcoal-making site

What is recorded here

Mistake and correction belong to every place. The first answer sounded like death, but the second answer is a workshop where people made charcoal for fire, metal or food. Rathcrogue keeps both answers because human judgement first saw shadow and shape, then measurement and patience changed the meaning. The pit is not a tomb, but it is still a record of hands, heat and purpose.
Excavated in advance of construction of the N9/N10 Kilcullen-Waterford Road (Excavation Licence number E2591, Site C). A large circular shaped pit (L 1.9m; Wth 1.8m; D 0.8m) which contained large quantities of charcoal. Originally interpreted as a cremation pit. Post excavation analysis failed to produce human bone hence it was concluded to represent a charcoal production pit, a kiln or some other form of agricultural activity taking place in the vicinity. (Doyle T. 2009, 20) References: Doyle T. 2009 N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown. Archaeological Services Contract No. 4 - Resolution, Prumpelstown to Powerstown. Final Report on archaeological investigations at site E2591, in the townland of Rathcrogue, Co. Carlow. Unpublished report, Headland Archaeology (Ireland) Ltd., Cork Hughs J. (2009) 'Rathcrogue Bronze Age settlement site' in I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2006: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 48-9 (201). Bray. Wordwell Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 10 November 2010

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What survives
Recorded monument

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