Megalithic Structure

Excavated by E. E. Evans in 1934. At NE end of cairn (LH004-032001-) was a primitive furnace, 'stoke hole' and flue used in iron-working. The structure consisted of an unlined furnace, using fused clay as walling. This type of bowl furnace probably had courses of stones added as heightening. Extending from the bowl was a flue (L c. 2m, Wth c. 0.3m) roughly D-shaped in section. The door of the furnace faced SW, obviously to catch the prevailing wind, and led to a small 'stoke hole' and a paved pathway (L c. 2m, Wth c. 0.3m) roughly D-shaped in section. The door of the furnace faced SW, obviously to catch the prevailing wind, and led to a small 'stoke hole' and a paved pathway (L c. 1.7m) of granite slabs. The excavator has suggested that smelting took place at the mouth of Cist 3 (LH004-032002-). (CLAJ 1935, 234-55) The above description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007