Furnace in Killanully

Within a rath (CO086-048----). Excavation was carried out in this area in 1992 prior to the commencement of an extension to a nearby limestone quarry (Mount 1992, 14-17; 1993, 10). A furnace within the rath was excavated and consisted of a deep circular pit with a flue which was dug into the boulder clay. The flue extended (L0.6m) to the SE from the furnace. The furnace pit contained five separate layers of fill which included a large quantity of iron slag and some animal bone. According to Mount (1992, 16), the furnace, along with the quantities of iron smelting slag and sharpening stones, points to the involvement of the raths' inhabitants in the production of iron artefacts. A small tanged iron knife found on the site may have been manufactured here (ibid.). (Mount 1992, 14-7; 1993, 10) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009