Metalworking site in Ballydowny

Discovered during archaeological excavations in advance of the construction of a housing development in 2002 (Kiely 2004c, 218-9). An oval hearth, with a linear feature (3.2m x 0.9m x 0.29m) at its SW end, was considered by the excavator to have been probably used for smithing. Slag and tuyere fragments were recovered from the fills of the hearth. A small truncated pit, possibly a second hearth, contained slag and charcoal in its fill. It was 4m to the NE of the oval hearth. Cereal grains and arable weeds were recovered from the pit. Two stake holes were also located c. 4m to the E of the hearth. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 31 January 2011