Enclosure in Castlefarm (fontstown Ed)

In 1995, archaeological test-trenching (Mullins 1995, 1-20: Excavation Licence No. 95E0209) in advance of a proposed development revealed the existence of a large ditch and a bowl-shaped feature. In 1998, subsequent archaeological monitoring (ibid 1998 1-23: Excavation Licence No. 95E0209 ext.) of groundworks associated with the development revealed the curving line of the previously identified ditch as well as the existence of two further ditches that were external to the first. The ditches appeared to curve concentrically, from NW to SE, and become progressively less substantial towards the outer perimeter. The inner ditch was the largest (Wth 3.3m; D 1.5m), the central ditch was slightly narrower (Wth 1.5m), while the outer ditch (Wth 1.2m; D 0.35m) was both narrowest and shallowest. A distance of 4-5m separated the inner and central ditches, but the distance between the central and outer ditch was c. 16-20m. It was estimated that if the ditches followed a circular course, the diameter of the area enclosed would be c. 100m. Fifteen discrete features, formed by deposits of charcoal-rich material were also identified, both inside and outside the possible enclosure. One feature was excavated and comprised a pit that was broadly bowl-shaped in profile (D 0.2m) and subcircular in plan (diams. 0.6m; 0.4m). The fill consisted mainly of charcoal mixed with silty clay, and there was slight oxidisation of the soil at the edge of the feature. A sample of charcoal returned a radiocarbon determination of 3970-3710 BC (95% confidence level). Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 17 December 2012