Field system in Barnastooka

New site identified by John Cronin & Associates (JCA) under Licence No. 16E0127 prior to wind farm development in Barnastooka, Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry by ESB Wind Development Ltd. Relict wall enclosing a large plectrum-shaped area which measures, at its maximum, 156m SW-NE and 96m NW-SE (general ITM grid co-ord. 505618, 571311). The area is found on sloping ground approximately 150m NW of the wedge tomb (NICH33) and contains patches of drier grassy ground as well as sedge and moss-covered peat. The relict (possibly prehistoric) wall which defines the enclosed area varies in height and preservation. In the east, it appears to be partly or entirely covered by peat growth, while in the north-east there is no actual wall, the enclosure instead being defined by a straight rock outcrop which runs SW to NE for 80m. The wall is most visible on the western and southern sides, where in places it measures 0.6m high and 0.6m wide. It is of rubble construction with slabs laid domino-style on one another along some stretches. Along other stretches, however, it amounts to little more than a line of stones. It is interpreted as a ‘settlement enclosure’ due to the fact that five hut sites and one small livestock pen were identified within it, all abutting the inside of the enclosing wall. It may also have served to enclose an area of cultivable ground (under better climatic conditions) and/or herds of livestock that belonged to occupants of the huts. Indeed, on the western side there is a corral-like entrance into the enclosure. A further relict wall extends west from this point to at least 505469, 571301. A possible cairn measuring 2.5m by 1.75m was identified on a slope approximately 10m south of the settlement enclosure’s south-western limit (ITM 505620, 571306). See attached photograph courtesy John Cronin.