Metalworking site in Drinnanstown South

Identified in 2001 through the monitoring of topsoil-stripping on the E slope of Boston Hill (OD 538 feet) to facilitate the expansion of a quarry (Excavations 2001, No. 638, 01E0916: www.excavations.ie). Archaeological deposits were uncovered in seven areas: Area 1 (Designated KD017-052----), Area 2 (Designated KD017-050----), Area 3 (Designated KD017-051----), Area 4 (Designated KD017-053----), Area 5 (Designated KD017-054----), Area 6 (Designated KD017-055----) and Area 7 (Designated KD017-056----). According to the excavator (SMR file), 'Following discussions with the client, it has been established that quarry works will not impact upon Areas 2 to 7 for an estimated 30 years. It may therefore be possible to provide archaeological mitigation for these areas in the form of preservation in situ.' In Area 3 (KD017-051----), the archaeology was contained within an area of 3,750m2. There were at least 28 features, many of which appeared to be related to metalworking activities: a number of large pits with in situ burning around the edges and fills of charcoal-rich soil, containing large pieces of both iron and copper slag. It is probable that a full range of metalworking features, including pit furnaces, smelting furnaces and charcoal-burning pits, are represented in the area. The features appear to be sited along the same contour, their distribution curving in an arc around the south-eastern slope of he hill. This suggests that they were deliberately placed to avoid the prevailing south-west wind and to exploit maximum direct sunlight. No datable ceramics were uncovered and the slag revealed provides only a terminus post quem. With iron slag present the metalworking features could date from the Iron Age, although similar techniques remained in use until medieval times; therefore a broad date of between 500 BC and AD 1500 could apply. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011