Enclosure in Rathcormack

In Rathcormack, immediately to the S of a Church of Ireland church and graveyard (CO044-049001-, CO044-049002-) which may be on the site of the medieval parish church of Rathcormack. In 2000 a fosse (Wth 1.9m at top, Wth 0.67m at base; D 1.25m) with a fill of silty loam and occasional flecks of charcoal was revealed in two archaeological test-trenches which were dug in advance of a housing development (Cotter 2002d, 51). A low, barely perceptible ridge, enclosing a circular area (diam. c. 30m), was also noted at ground level inside the fosse especially NW-NE and this was interpreted as 'probably the remains of an enclosing bank (ibid.). Further testing took place in 2003 (Moloney and Gubbins 2003; Moloney 2006b, 72; 2007, 66) and the area was fully excavated in 2004 (Moloney and Kirby 2004). The excavation uncovered 'a series of ditches, anomalous arc-shaped features and an area of burning' (ibid. 6, fig. 3). In the 'primary fill of the large arc-shaped ditch' a sherd of 'green-glazed earthenware' was found which dated to the post-medieval period (ibid.). Also found in the ditch fill was a 'cereal grain assemblage' (ibid.). The excavators concluded that 'both artefactual and archaeobotonical evidence suggests a post-medieval date for activity at the site' (ibid.). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009