Platform in Caherconnell

In rough pasture with outcropping limestone bedrock on a S-facing slope overlooking Kilcorney Valley and c. 15m E of the entrance to Caherconnell cashel (CL009-030010-). A mound of mid-sized and large limestone slabs with occasional upright stones was completely excavated in 2022 by Noel McCarthy (Licence number 22E0226) as part of the Caherconnell Archaeology Field School under the direction of Dr. Michelle Comber and then rebuilt. The platform was not indicated or named on any OS maps and its function was unknown. Excavation revealed a platform (H up to 0.8m) with a rectangular footprint (4m E-W; 3.1m N-S) comprising two layers of quite large flat suboval slabs at its centre, creating a level surface in concert with an underlying bedrock plinth. The upper layer of slabs was contained within a suboval ring of mid-sized slabs. Two large prostrate slabs on the western side of the platform would originally have stood upright, suggesting a façade of upright stones on this side. A number of chert scrapers were found and stone knapping debris, consistent with activity at the Early Bronze Age structure (CL009-030011-) located c.40m to the south, while fragments of a decorated bone comb and a medieval style nail, draw clear parallels with material found within Caherconnell cashel itself. None of the finds could be reliably attributed to the construction or use of the platform. The purpose of the platform remains uncertain. 2022 Caherconnell, Co. Clare Preliminary archaeological excavation report 2022 – Platform and doline. Licence number 22E0226. Unpublished report submitted to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.