Field boundary in Baile Iarthach Theas (cléire)

In undulating rough pasture, on cutaway bog with occasional outcropping rock, on the W side of Clear Island. The remains of relict stone field boundaries (T 0.4-0.6m; max. H 0.8m) extend over a roughly rectangular area (c. 200m NE-SW; c. 70m NW-SE) to the NE of Foilnalunga. The main NE-SW relict boundary, which is set on the underlying mineral soil, consists of mainly upright slabs set at irregular intervals along the line of the wall. Walls branching off the main boundary to the NW and SE are less distinct and are largely indicated by low banks. It is likely that the smaller stones between the taller upright slabs were removed to build the more recent walls to the E and S. This is especially evident towards the NE end of the main wall where stone walls enclose more recently created fields. Some stones were also used to make turf stands for stacking turf beside the main NE-SW wall. The practice of placing upright slabs at intervals along stone walls is especially evident throughout Clear Island. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009