Structure — peatland in Ballydaly

A substantial band (Wth 3.95m; D 0.63m) of roundwoods and mixed brushwood near the bottom of the drain face and in the drain base. The NW end of the site seems to incorporate two layers. The substructure is composed chiefly of brushwood (Wth 0.92m; D 0.27m min.), 3-4 pieces deep, with no distinct structure apparent. It may have been used to provide partial support for the overlying structure, if both are contemporary. The overlying superstructure (Wth 2.53m; D 0.21m) consists principally of a layer of light and heavy roundwoods with brushwood up to 5-6 pieces deep. A number of split timbers are also recorded within this layer. To the SE, the wood appears to be more irregularly deposited and is comprised of a mixture of roundwoods, brushwood and twigs (L 3.1m; D 0.63m), up to twenty pieces deep. A vertical peg is recorded in this area. The quantity of brushwood diminishes towards the SE where the site appears to dip. Various pieces show evidence for woodworking with a metal tool and include a number of split timbers. Wood species are dominated by birch, with willow, oak, hazel, ash, Pomoideae and alder also recorded. The site sits in well-humified Sphagnum peat. A timber from the upper part of the NW end of the site was dendrochronologically dated to AD 619±9 or later (Q9288). This date is significantly older than a radiocarbon determination from the lower level of SMR OF015-169----, 1.6m to the SE, which occurs at a comparable depth in the peat. The discrepancy in dates may indicate that both sites include multiple features constructed over a considerable period of time. It is one of seven sites in close proximity in a 19m long stretch of this drain face, including SMR OF015-165---- 3.6m to the NW. 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