Enclosure in Conva

Cropmark of fosse of trapezoidal enclosure (c. 25m NE-SW; c. 17-20m NW-SE) abutting or cut by SW side of enclosure (13736), visible in aerial photograph (CASAP, July 1989); part of complex of enclosures (13736,13522) and pits (13854). Investigated by Doody (1995, 30-31; Enclosure 3) using a combination of topographic and geophysical survey and excavation as part of the Discovery Programme's, Ballyhoura Hills Project. One cutting was excavated at NW side. This revealed that at least on the NW, enclosing element was a pair of fosses, 1.4m apart, inner fosse not being visible in aerial photograph. Inner fosse (Wth 1.6m at surface, 0.6m at flat base; D 0.63) asymmetrical: NW side sloped steeply, while SW side had distinct step 0.3m above base; fill was mainly result of natural silting. Outer fosse (Wth: 0.9m at top, 0.38m at base) had regular sloping sides, flat base (D 0.42m); homogenous fill with high silt content. Several other features noted in cutting: linear feature (min. L 1.8m; D 0.1-0.2m; long axis NW-SE) cut by outer fosse; pit (0.55m x 0.28m; D 0.17m), filled with silty sand containing some heat-shattered stones, was partly cut by inner fosse; linear feature (Wth 0.94m; max. D 0.12m), possibly cultivation furrow, 3.48m NW of inner fosse; two stake-holes (diam. 95mm and 190mm; D 120mm and 65mm respectively) close to inner fosse; third stake-hole (diam. 100mm; D 80mm) in area between outer and inner fosses; short trench, like a foundation trench, with four stake-holes in its base. According to excavator, it seems that this enclosure was cut by perimeter fosse of larger subcircular enclosure (13736) and therefore predates it (ibid., 35). 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