Hut site in Point (dunkineely Ed)

Situated atop low rise of ground with good views in all directions are the possible poorly preserved remains of two hut sites (DG097A012002-) within a cashel (DG097A012003-). The hut site consists of a roughly square-shaped chamber (int. dims. 6m N-S ; 6.6m E-W) with slightly sunken interior defined by an sod covered wall (H 0.4m; T 1.3m) which is in the SW quadrant of what appears to be a circular cashel (DG097A012003-)measuring 25.8m in diameter. The wall footings of this cashel now survives as a poorly preserved earth and stone bank (Wth 2.8m; H 0.4m) with good evidence of stone facing on the inner and outer faces of the bank which are demarcated by low upright stones. The hut site has a possible entrance gap (Wth 0.8m) at ENE which is marked by a low orthostat which is set on edge. The gap between the hut site and cashel wall measures 6.5m on the SW side and 12.5m on the NE. Overall the monument measures 31m in diameter. A second hut site (DG097A012002-) now covered in briars is located adjoining the N side of the hut site. Examination of this hut site was impossible due to the dense cover of briars. The barely visible traces of two less substantial huts or animal enclosures can barely be seen in the E and N quadrants of the cashel. These less substantial buildings appear to have been built up against the inner face of the cashel wall. Originally there appears to have been two main hut sites with two smaller animal pens or small enclosures all of which was enclosed by a dry stone wall forming a cashel of which only the wall footings survive. This monument is one of a group of 4 monuments (DG097A013/014/015-) which are located close to each other. A hut site (DG097A015-) is located 45m to the S. This hut site is located inside an extensive field system. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of Upload/Revision: 02 May 2010