House

On level break in W-facing slope, found during 1986 construction of Bruff-Mallow gas pipeline (Gowen 1988, 116-128); truncated by grading. Circular house (diam. 9.5m) defined by external gully (max. Wth 0.3m; max. D 0.3m) and concentric ring of 11-12 post-holes 1.2m inside gully. Gap to SSW; possible setting for sill beam (max. L 2.18m; Wth of 'beam' 0.15m) outside gap interpreted as porch structure. Some floor surfaces survive in interior; hearth slightly W of centre. Four large internal pits (max. size 1.6m x 0.8m; D 0.55m) may have been used as further roof supports. Internal trench (L 3.8m; Wth 0.55m long axis N-S) to E of centre may have been setting for lightweight wall or partition, burnt in situ; two post-holes, one near N end, one at S end, appeared integral to it. Further post-hole continued line of trench to S; deposit containing heat-shattered stones and burnt material covered trench, post-hole and extended to E at right-angles. Excavator suggests that if trench was not used as internal partition, it could, together with its burnt overlay, represent separate rectangular structure extending to E. Iron Age/Early Christian date suggested, based on structural evidence (pers. comm. M. Gowen). Pits and hearth (CO025-09902-) c. 25m to S; further occupation (CO025-107---) c. 525m to S. 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