Enclosure in Conva

Cropmark of fosse of subcircular enclosure (c. 60m N-S; c. 50m E-W), with possible annexe to SE, visible in aerial photograph (CASAP, July 1989); part of complex of enclosures (13522,13737) and pits (13854). Investigated by Doody (1995, 26-9: Enclosure 1) using combination of topographic and geophysical survey and excavation as part of the Discovery Programme's Ballyhoura Hills Project. Fosse exposed in three cuttings; excavated only in NW cutting. Excavation revealed U-shaped fosse with slightly rounded base (Wth 3m at surface, tapering to 0.5m at base; D 1.8m); sides steeply cut, descending to step c. 0.6m above base at NW side and c. 0.25m above base at SE side. Fill of fosse comprised layers of dumped refuse and natural silting; burnt animal bones were recovered. Second cutting at SW side of enclosure revealed evidence of an internal bank in the form of a spread of redeposited boulder clay which partially covered the fosse. Deposit of large stones also overlay the fosse here and 'may represent the remains of a stone revetment against the bank or some other structure which was subsequently levelled into the partially infilled ditch' (ibid., 28); a furnace bottom was found in this deposit. Three post- or stake-holes cut into bank here 'were rich in charcoal and may represent the remains of uprights which had been burnt in situ' (ibid., 29). Part of a post-built structure was recorded outside the fosse to SE: five post-holes extended across the cutting in a NE-SW direction but due to the restrictive nature of the cutting the overall ground plan of the building was not apparent. Radiocarbon dating evidence from enclosure was problematic and inconclusive. Circular enclosure (13522) within S half of interior, which appears to be stratigraphically later in date; rectangular enclosure (13737) immediately to SW, which appears to be stratirgaphically earlier; complex of pits (13854) to NW, SW and S, several within the interior of the enclosure. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009