Ring-ditch in Athlumney

Just outside the N angle of the rectilinear enclosure (ME025-079----) an arc of a ditch (L 15m; Wth 1.5m; D 0.54m) amounting to about a quarter of its total extent was excavated. Its N extent had been destroyed by quarrying but it does not return at the E edge where a narrow pit (L 1.5m; Wth 0.5m; D 0.15m) that could represent its continuation is cut by a later pit so its connection with the arced ditch cannot be established. Its main curve had a single fill of silty clay that contained some animal bones identified as sheep/goat, but no dateable material was recovered. Its location outside the possible entrance to the rectilinear enclosure suggests that they may be contemporary. (McQuade 2007, 14-15) See the attached plans from Hession (_01, _02) (2009, figs 5, 6) and McQuade (_03) (2007, fig. 5) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 31 March 2023 McQuade, M. 2007 Archaeological Monitoring and Excavation, Athlumney, Co. Meath. Licence: 97E0322ext. Unpublished report, Margaret Gowen & Co.