Burial in Cappydonnell Big

Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows. e barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. The north-west area of the enclosure (OF002021----) contained a number of probable plough furrows. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011