Excavation

Monitoring along previously untested and unresolved locations on the route of the recently constructed N8 Rathcormac-Fermoy Bypass uncovered three potential pits on a rise, c. 130m to the SE of a fulacht fia (CO044-106----). The easternmost pit (max. L 1.15m; Wth 0.9m) was suboval in plan and was orientated NE-SW. Two potential fills were recorded on the pit's surface: the uppermost deposit comprised scorched, sandy clay and this overlay a dark, blackish-brown sandy clay containing moderate amounts of charcoal flecks. A second smaller pit (0.6m N-S x 0.4m E-W) which was subcircular in shape was situated 3.5m to the WSW. This pit contained two fills: a mid-brown sandy clay containing occasional charcoal flecks and small sub-angular stones and a basal fill of a dark-brown sandy clay with moderate amounts of charcoal flecks. Incised sherds of prehistoric pottery were detected on the surface of this feature. Analysis confirmed that the sherds represented a cordoned urn dating to the middle Bronze Age and typical of a type used in funerary contexts. However, according to the excavator (Dunne 2005, 7), the absence of cremated bone and the presence of carbonised matter on the sherds suggests that the urn was used in a domestic context. A third feature (1.75m E-W by 1.6m N-S) was located 4.5m to the WNW and comprised an irregularly shaped spread of charcoal-rich material. (Dunne 2005; 2007a, 55-6) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009