Structure — peatland in Clonin,toberdaly

A complex (dim. 71m min. E-W x 18.26m min. N-S; D 0.66m min.) of archaeological deposits identified in five drains and on the adjacent field surfaces. The complex (Wth 18.26-9.47m; D 0.66-0.19m) consists of a large area, approximately 1200m2, with numerous wooden deposits whose general orientation appears to be NNE-SSW. Some deposits are regularly laid and exhibit a distinct structure, others are dispersed and irregularly laid. Overall, the material is unevenly spaced and alternates from very dense, sometimes multi-layered, deposits to widely spaced, sparse deposits. The complex is located at the W edge of an extensive area of natural wood and incorporates what often appears to be natural wood (i.e. tree trunks, stump and root material). The extent of the archaeological complex may therefore be much greater. This site is radiocarbon dated to 2576-2294 cal. BC (UCD 0210). A number of deposits incorporate parallel tree trunks (diam. 0.24m max), along with roundwoods (diam. 0.07-0.2m), mixed brushwood (diam. 0.015-0.06m) and split timbers. Other deposits are less substantial in composition, utilising light brushwood and twigs almost exclusively. Upright elements, set between 45-80°, are evident at a number of locations and some of these may have functioned as pegs to secure the structures. The wood is generally in good condition but has suffered machine damage and desiccation where it has been exposed. The site occurs in poorly consolidated, well-humified Sphagnum peat mixed with wood, twigs, bark and pine cones. There is a dense collection of sites (SMR OF010-430----, SMR OF010-431----, SMR OF010-434---- and SMR OF010-415----) in the drain to the S at a comparable level. Both SMR OF010-430---- and SMR OF010-431---- consist of elements regularly aligned towards the direction of the complex and it is highly conceivable that they are related to it. A flint arrowhead, (01E0663:4) found ex situ on the field surface, was approximately 6m E of the E extent of the site. SMR OF010-432---- is approximately 0.3m above this site but its association is unclear. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011