Enclosure in Ushnagh Hill

The second enclosure discovered by geophysical survey on the W summit of Uisneach measures 23m in diameter and appears as a narrow, discontinuous band of enhanced magnetic values, 0.5-1m in width. It is likewise interpreted as the slot-trench of a palisaded enclosure, although the possibility that it represents the remains of a roofed timber building – while less likely – cannot be ruled out. The geophysical evidence suggests that it underlies, and therefore predates, the 35m enclosure (WM024-059001-), and also St Patrick’s Bed (WM024-059----), to the E. As such, it may be the earliest archaeological feature yet discovered at Uisneach. A significant number of pit-type features were recorded inside and around the enclosure. One of the largest lies at the approximate centre of the enclosure and is surrounded by an arc of possible post-pits on the N (Schot 2016). Compiled by: Dr. Roseanne Schot Date of upload: 08 May 2019