Ceremonial enclosure in Ballymount Great

An aerial photograph (FSI 2 262/1) taken in 1971 shows cropmark evidence for a large oval enclosure (165m E-W; 102m N-S) confined to a field W of the ruinous buildings at Ballymount Great. The E end of the enclosure has been disturbed by a track which crosses the site on a N-S axis. Located eccentrically on a slight prominence in this enclosure is a stepped barrow (DU021-015003-). Excavations in 1982, prior to roadway construction revealed one inner fosse (dims. Wth 4.5m; D 1.7m) and a denuded external earthen bank (Wth 6.8m; H 0.4m). Finds at base of fosse fill included animal bones and iron objects namely a socketed tool, a tanged knife and iron slag. A horse-skull lay in a primary position in the fosse indicating a possible ritual deposit. Final silting of the fosse took place in the 9th century AD (Stout 1998, 145-154). Further investigations were undertaken in 1997 to examine the eastern part of the enclosure threatened by the proposed Luas Line. The only finds recovered were animal bones and two sherds of Medieval pottery. Excavation of the main enclosure ditch in 2002 demonstrated the existence of a medieval re-cutting of this feature and possible evidence for an entrance (O Néill 2004, 125). Compiled by Geraldine Stout