Road — class 3 togher in Edercloon

This togher (L 6.25m min.; Wth 3.05m max.; D 0.2m), orientated E-W, was predominantly composed of transverse roundwood (diam. 0.06-0.16m; L 2.76m max.). At both ends the roundwood was closely and regularly laid, however, the central area was composed only of irregularly laid, fragmentary brushwood (diam. 0.02-0.05m; av. L 0.2m). Along the N edge were well-spaced longitudinal large brushwood and roundwood (L 3.4m max.). Four pegs, set at angles of 45-90º, were set along the S edge. Occasional scattered fragmentary brushwood and roundwood at both sides of the togher resulted in a maximum width of 3.05m, however, the real surface width was approximately 2.5m. The wood was in good condition, although that at the W end was degraded due to the presence of a large field drain. Woodworking evidence indicated the use of metal tools, possibly of both bronze and iron. The species used included hazel, ash, willow and birch. The E end abutted the central portion of another togher (LF004-014----). An unfinished alder tool handle was recovered from this area. A further togher (LF004-033----) lay 2.2m to the W. Radiocarbon dating revealed a date range of 800-420 cal BC (Wk-20199) (Moore and O’Connor 2009a, 26-7, EDC 19). Compiled by: Mary Tunney based on data kindly supplied by Caitríona Moore. Date of upload: 26 August 2011