Kiln

This corn-drying kiln was discovered in 1999 during topsoil stripping in advance of the construction of the Little Island to Ballincollig gas pipeline. It was situated on the lower slopes of a NNW-SSE ridge. Excavation revealed a complete kiln comprising a lintelled flue (L 1.7m NE-SW; max. Wth 0.8m; max H 0.6m), an open-topped bowl (max. diam. 1.62m), a stoke-hole and a fire-pit. In an unusual development, according to the excavator (Clinton 2000, 23), the flue and bowl were positioned in a P-shaped configuration. The floor level of the flue maintained a relatively even profile. Five lintels remained in situ, though these had been severely damaged by the weight of heavy machinery. The bowl was almost circular in plan with outwardly battered sides, resulting in the diameter at floor level being reduced to between 1.2 and 1.26m. According to Clinton (ibid.), the original height of the bowl measured 0.8m. A loosely set cobbled layer was situated at the base of the bowl. A deliberate arrangement of large rocks had been placed at its junction with the flue. According to Clinton (ibid.), these probably acted as a crude filter that prevented flying embers from entering the bowl. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009