Field boundary in Fermoyle (dunkerron South By.)

The ruined remains of two stone enclosures, a hut and a number of associated walls are located in peat-covered terrain below the ridge that joins Knocknagantee and Finnararagh mountains. Loughs Eagles and Coomnacronia are located on either side of the ridge, and the site affords extensive views S along the Sneem river valley to Kenmare Bay. A circular stone enclosure (KE090-009001-) with internal diameters of 12m N S x 11.6m E-W is located at the N end of this complex. It is partly overlain by later walling, particularly at W, and a modern enclosure abuts its internal face at SE. The enclosure wall survives to a maximum height of .5m and is on average 1.5m wide. It consists of a rubble core faced externally and internally with large flat slabs. Intermittent boulder-like slabs, set on edge, flank both its inner and outer faces. An upright slab, 1.2m high, defines the N side of a 1.1m wide entrance gap, while two smaller uprights form the other side. The poorly preserved remains of a small, circular hut (KE090-009002-) are located 15m to S. The enclosed area measures 2.5m in diameter and contains a scatter of loose stone. The drystone walling is set in rough courses with some uprights, and survives to a height of .2m; it is .5m wide. About 40m SE of the enclosure is a similar site (KE090-009004-), which is overlain almost completely by a modern enclosure of kidney-shaped plan. The original walling is only visible at S, where it isfaced on both sides, and measures 1.5m wide and is up to .7m high externally. Stone-built field boundaries extend to E from the latter enclosure. They survive in a partially collapsed state, and on surface inspection appear to be linked with it. They are composed of roughly laid courses thin slabs, with uprights set at intervals. They disappear in places beneath the peaty ground surface, but elsewhere stand up to .7m high and .5m wide. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 47. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013