Enclosure in Bray

On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. Excavation of an early medieval settlement in 1999 (Hayden 2000a, 111) revealed the remains of the N arc of an enclosure. The arc, evident NW-NE, measured 1-2m in width and consisted of an 'external trench which held large upright stones revetting a core of sod and stones of varying sizes, with a stone lined inner face set partly in a less continuous and shallower scarped trench' (Hayden 1999, unpublished excavation report). A possible entrance (Wth 1.5m) was recorded at the NE and the excavator noted that it pointed towards an old routeway, known as Bóthar na Scairte (ibid.). The remains of numerous hut sites, built in at least six successive phases, were found in the area immediately S of the N arc of the enclosure. Although no evidence of the enclosure was found elsewhere 'the successive levels of the houses had suggested that the settlement was enclosed' (Hayden 2000a, 111). The enclosure predates the hut sites (KE087-025008-, KE087-025015-) of Phase III and has been assigned to Phase II (see hut sites KE087-025017-, KE087-025016-) but may also be associated with the hut sites in Phase I (see KE087-025007-, KE087-025018-) (Hayden 1999, unpublished excavation report). A corn-drying kiln (KE087-025006-) lies outside the enclosure c. 10m to the N. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011