What is recorded here

Enclosure in Shanballymore Lower is a complex ditched site with a central circular fosse, a spiralling middle ditch, and a broad outer oval ditch. The radial lines between the ditches suggest small fields or ritual divisions rather than ordinary farming. It resembles early ecclesiastical enclosures elsewhere in North Cork, so the place may have served worship, gathering, or controlled use of land.

Cropmark of large complex enclosure visible in aerial photographs (CASAP, July 1989; CUCAP, AYP91). Central cropmark of fosse of roughly circular enclosure (diam. c. 30m) enclosed by second spiralling fosse which is in turn enclosed by outer oval fosse (diam. c. 150m). Area between two outer fosses and area of overlap of spiral fosse divided radially into small fields. Cropmark of possible ringfort (13171) to S in area between two outer fosses. Linear cropmarks adjacent to site may be levelled field boundaries. Very similar in morphology and size to early ecclesiastical enclosures at Bawnmore North (13876), Killeenemer (13882) and Lag (13889). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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