Ring-ditch in Ballydavis

During archaeological monitoring conducted on the Portlaoise Bypass an extensive Iron Age complex and associated features were discovered in the townland of Ballydavis. A full-scale excavation followed during the period May-Nov. 1995. The site lay atop a low knoll (130 OD), some 4km north-east of Portlaoise town. The approximate area covered was 250m x 130m. The complex consisted of four ring-ditches, seven furnaces, and a series of pits and post-holes. Site 2 consisted of a smaller ring-ditch which measured 8m in diameter. It lay some 40m to the east of Site 1. It was sealed under a layer of cobble-like stones. The ditch measured 0.7m in depth and had a maximum width of 1.5m. Its entrance faced south-east and measured 1m in width. Finds from the ditch include four fragments of stone bracelets, part of an iron blade and one fragment of bronze. Animal bones were also found in the ditch. In proximity to Site 2 a series of shallow pits were found. One of these yielded a bronze fibula. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007