House — Neolithic in Richardstown (ardee By., Richardstown Par.)

Initially exposed during small-scale quarrying and subsequently excavated (Excavation Licence No. 99E0526). An area measuring 15m x 30m was excavated. The earliest phase of activity on the site was represented by the remains of a sub-rectangular plank-built structure, most likely a house. Three sides of the foundation trench were excavated while the fourth had been destroyed by quarrying. The excavated part of the structure measured 11.4m by 7.54m with the longer axis orientated NNW-SSE. Six large postholes were identified inside the structure, a further three were excavated along the line of the foundation trench and up to three immediately outside the structure. The entrance or doorway appeared to be at the SW end and was indicated by a gap in the trench with two large postholes at either side. A small hearth was identified immediately inside the doorway on the left. A number of artefacts diagnostic of the Neolithic period were recovered from the excavated features, including flint blades and a polished stone axe head. A Bronze Age furnace (LH017-114----) cut through part of the structure and two pit burials (LH017-115---- and LH017-115001-) were excavated immediately to the N. (Byrnes 2000, 221-2) Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 29 June 2012