Metalworking site in Ballykeoghan (ida By.)

In gently sloping pasture beside a seasonal turlough. A metalworking site excavated in 2006 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme. (Excavation licence no. E2502). Removal of deposits of anvil residue and charcoal-rich soil revealed three large shallow pits and several stake-holes which may represent the remains of a smithy. Several small hearths were also found outside the remains of an earth-built structure (c. 2.5m x 3.5m). Material tested yielded calibrated radiocarbon dates of 1471–1665 AD and 1785–1792 AD. (Laidlaw 2009, 254, no. 998; Laidlaw 2010) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 18 September 2013