Hut site in Ballynacallagh

In pasture, on a slight elevation beside the rocky seashore, on the SE-facing slopes of a small island, Ilanebeg, overlooking Dursey Sound. This subrectangular hut site (L 5.3m E-W; Wth 3.6m N-S), defined by grass-covered stone walls (av. Wth 1.2m), is divided into an E and W area by an internal partition and has traces of opposing entrances on its N and S walls. Test excavations were carried out in 2003 in the SW quadrant of the hut site (Breen 2003b; 2006, 36). Excavation uncovered the remains of the internal drystone partition wall that divided the hut into a small featureless W area and a main area where a hearth was located. According to Breen (2006, 36), the material culture was dominated by Iberian pottery and tiles, probably reflecting the community's involvement with the continental fishing industry. This hut site is associated with a small U-shaped structure, located directly to the N, which is open to the W. Another hut site (CO126-030004-) is c. 10m to the S. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009