Structure in Ballyquirk

In an area prone to waterlogging although on the crest of a hill with panoramic views of the Blackstairs to the E and Slievenamon to the S. Excavated in 2008 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme (Licence no. E3864). Two roughly circular post-built structures, domestic activity evidenced by numerous pits, post-holes and stake-holes and three rectangular troughs (KK020-102----) containing burnt stone (one of which extends outside the road take at the NW of the excavation). Finds included a possible whetstone, a possible broken spindle whorl and two sherds of prehistoric pottery. The area was significantly damaged by modern field clearance. Structure 1 consisted of a group of 9 post-holes (diam. 5.2-5.7m) enclosing a roughly circular area. The spacing between the posts was very regular. A large oval pit was excavated off-centre within the structure and numerous other pits and stake-holes existed within it, a number of which may have formed an internal arc. A group of features adjacent to the E, centred around a large pit, may have been related. Structure 2, 27.5m to the E, comprised 8 irregularly spaced post-holes (diam. 5.7-5.8m). A large pit was excavated within the structure at NW and there was a possible entrance feature at SW. (Elliot 2009; Elliot 2010, 233, no. 877) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 November 2013