Metalworking site in Kilrathmurry

In 2002, archaeological monitoring (Licence No. 02E0433) of topsoil-stripping took place in advance of gravel-extraction works. The site is north-west of Ballykane Hill, on the summit of which a previously unrecorded ring-barrow (KD003-026----) was also discovered and archaeologically excavated. Three features of archaeological potential were identified and subsequently excavated (Licence No. 02E0513: www.excavations.ie). Feature 1 was a subcircular hearth, measuring 0.28m north-south by 0.3m by 0.11m deep, which had been burnt in situ. The feature had gentle to more steeply sloped sides in the south and east, leading to a concave base, which sloped southward. It contained a dark brown, charcoal-enriched, silty clay fill, which was mottled with lenses of burnt orange clay and contained very few iron slag inclusions. Evidence of oxidised subsoil was present along the upper, southern edge of the feature. Feature 2 was subcircular, measuring 0.48m north-south by 0.5m by 0.19m deep, and had an irregularly shaped base, with two distinct depressions in the east and west edges. Oxidisation of the subsoil had occurred throughout the base and sides, suggesting in situ burning. The upper fill comprised a mid-brown silty clay, which was charcoal enriched and contained pockets of orange burnt clay subsoil. This fill contained abundant iron slag and bloom inclusions. Beneath this was a black, smooth, charcoal-enriched, silty clay with frequent charcoal pieces and iron slag inclusions. Feature 3 was a subcircular cut measuring 0.5m north-south by 0.38m by 0.14m deep. The sides were steeply sloped, and the base was undulating, with a slight slope eastward to its deepest point. Evidence of in situ burning was present as oxidised subsoil along the north-west and south-east sides. The feature contained an upper fill of dark brown, charcoal-enriched, silty clay and an underlying fill of smooth black, charcoal-enriched, silty clay. Both fills contained iron slag fragments. The high quantities of iron slag found in these features, relative to their size, suggests that they may represent smithing hearths and are unlikely to be isolated pits. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011