Excavation

Located on a gentle E-facing slope. These features were identified in Stage (i) testing (11E0247) of possible routes for a re-directed section of the N60 at Oran (O’Hara 2011). The remains of sixteen pits, three probable hearths, two post-holes and some stake-holes were subsequently completely excavated (E004890). An area of almost 1200 square metres was opened and the features were exposed in the yellow sandy clay subsoil. The pits varied from small (dims 0.44m x 0.25m; D 0.08m) to large (dims 2.74m x 1.65m; D 0.35m) and were usually filled with black, grey to brown sandy clay or silt with charcoal flecks. No pattern was discernible, not even intercutting amongst the pits. Few artefacts were recovered, but amongst them was an iron nail from the largest pit. The three small hearths (dims: 0.23m x 0.22m; 0.44m x 0.4m; 0.2m x 0.15m) were shallow spreads of fire-reddened silty sand or clay. There were five E-W furrows, some cutting the pits. No absolute dating is available yet but the nail would suggest a medieval date, although not all the features might be contemporary. (O’Connor and Murtagh 2018) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 24 November 2020 O’Connor, J. and Murtagh, F. 2018 Post-excavation Assessment Report, Carroweighter 5. N60 Oran Realignment Road Project. Licence: E004890. Final unpublished report, IAC