Cremated remains in Hill OF Rath

Discovered prior to construction of the M1 motorway in 2000 (Excavation Licence No. 00E0535, Area C). Excavation revealed a complex of activities including a fulacht fia, cremations, a number of ditches and a metal working site. The fulacht fia (LH024-058001-) took the form of a burnt spread of material with a trough beneath it. Six cremations (LH024-058002-) were uncovered. Three of them contained sherds of pottery including Western Neolithic, Beaker and grooved ware pottery. Seven ditches (LH024-058003-) were recorded, three were straight, two curved and two L-shaped. Two sherds of Bronze Age pottery were recovered from the latter. One of the L-shaped ditches enclosed an area which probably functioned as a metal working site (LH024-058004-). Three pits were excavated containing charcoal and slag. Evidence for a smelting spread, furnaces and possible flues was uncovered. This complex was partially excavated to facilitate road development. (Duffy 2002, 231) Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 26 June 2013

Cremation burial associated with a fulacht fia and ditches, likely dating to the Early Bronze Age. The site reflects domestic and ritual activities typical of early Irish farming communities.