Excavation

Discovered in 1986 during construction of Bruff-Mallow gas pipeline (Gowen 1988, 136-40). Occupation site, possibly related to Rathmore Castle (14287) c. 90m to W. Excavated area (7.5m x 4m) produced 23 features. Largest feature was shallow depression (F23) (4.6m x max. 1.2m; D 0.5m); this was filled with large burnt stones overlaid by black soil, possibly burnt in situ; three groups of stake and small post-holes just inside SE edge. Arc of four shallow pits (F6, 8, 10, 14) to E and NE of F23. Feature F14 (1.85m x 1.5m; D 0.54m), vertical-sided and flat-based, contained some charcoal and burnt clay in fill; F8, immediately to NW, was a sunken hearth (1.8m x 1.5m; D 0.3m); F10 and F6 to NW (both 2.4m x 0.7m; D c. 0.2m) had clean uniform fills. Pits cut by at least three phases of linear features at varying alignments which were mostly interpreted as agricultural in origin. Finds included fragment of rotary quern, and corroded bronze and iron. 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