Fulacht fia in Butlerstown Little

A large spread (25m N-S; min. 10m E-W) of heat-shattered stones and charcoal-enriched soil was discovered during archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping along the route of the Caherlag-Ballincollig Bord Gáis Eireann pipeline and was excavated in 1999. Excavation revealed an elongated oval trough (4.62m E-W; 1.4m N-S; D 0.45-0.55m) with straight sides and a flat bottom. Stone-lining was found at the E and W ends of the trough. A roughly horseshoe-shaped kerbed hearth (1.3m x 1.1m) lay at the E end of the trough with the open end facing the trough. Around the NE side of the trough was the remains of a stone surface. A circular pit which cut through the S edge of the trough and which was contemporary with it was interpreted as a possible roasting pit. (Coughlan 2000a, 23) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009