Structure — peatland in Ballydaly

An intricate band (Wth 5.86m; D 0.52m) of predominantly light brushwood, twigs and occasional roundwoods in the drain face. The distribution of wood is irregular and discontinuous. The wood varies in its level in the peat and it is possible that multiple features are represented in this area. At the NW end of the site, the deposit consists of an irregularly laid layer of mixed brushwood and twigs up to eight pieces deep. A number of upright elements may represent pegs. The centre of the site is comparable in form but slightly less compact and has less brushwood. The SE end of the site again contains heavier components up to eight brushwood pieces deep and a number of light roundwoods are recorded. A single upright element is also noted in this area. The site appears to taper towards its SE edge. A small number of pieces show evidence for woodworking with a metal tool. Throughout the site, the most predominant wood species identified was birch, with alder, willow, ash, hazel, oak and Pomoideae also recorded. The site is situated in moderately humified, woody Sphagnum peat with Phragmites. It lies 5m NW of SMR OF015-166---- and 0.25m above SMR OF015-141---- and is one of seven sites in close proximity in a 19m long stretch of this drain face. The site lies 0.33m below, and therefore predates (92E148:5) a leather shoe of Later Medieval type. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 1996. 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