Fulacht fia in Milltown North

Excavated by Brian Halpin (02E0643) when 'topsoil-stripping on Bord Gáis Éireann's Pipeline to the West uncovered a fulacht fiadh in Milltown North townland, Co. Limerick. This site was the disturbed remains of a fulacht fiadh, with a trough and associated features. The site probably contained a large mound, lost through later agricultural activity. This was evident from traces of burnt material remaining in the baulk at the limit of excavation to the south of the site. The only visible remnants of the monument were the cut features that held the burnt material. Numerous natural undulations in the subsoil throughout the site also contained burnt material. A sub-oval trough measuring 2.3m east-west by 1.86m, with a maximum depth of 0.36m, was uncovered in the eastern area of the site. It had gently sloping sides and an unlined, flat base and contained numerous fills typically associated with a trough. All of the fills contained charcoal-rich material with heat-shattered stones throughout. Numerous other pits were excavated, all irregular in shape and containing frequent amounts of burnt material. The other features associated with the site do not seem to have a regular pattern or discernible function. In the centre of the site a highly irregular, sublinear feature emerged. It measured 10m north-south by 1.1m, with a maximum depth of 0.45m. It contained the same burnt material as the surrounding features and had a long channel running down its centre. Originally thought to have been a kiln, it was found to be a probable irrigation ditch on further investigation. Owing to the limit of excavation, this feature was only partially excavated.' This description is posted on the web at the following internet address (accessed 3 August 2012): http://www.excavations.ie/ Compiled by: Denis Power Date of Upload: 8 August 2012