Structure — peatland in Ballydaly

This site is formed of a deep distribution (Wth 2.8m min.; D 0.85m min.) of roundwoods, brushwood and twigs, orientated NW-SE, in the lower levels and base of the drain. The NW end of the distribution consists mainly of light brushwood. Towards the SE, however, the elements tend to be larger and include roundwoods (diam. 0.065-0.11m). In this area, there are small concentrations of twigs and the wood is generally densely packed. Throughout the deposit, all elements tend to be irregularly laid with no discernible structural cohesion. Given the depth of the deposit, the site may incorporates multiple features. A number of artefacts have been recovered from the SE end of this site. These include two pieces of a perforated, alder shaft (92E148:09a-c), an alder barrel lid (92E148:11), an ash vessel base (92E148:12) and a number of ash stave fragments (92E148:313a-e). Evidence for woodworking within the site is limited to a single metal-cut wedge point and a split timber. Wood species include birch, alder, ash, willow and oak. It sits in well-humified Sphagnum peat. The site has been radiocarbon dated to 196 BC-AD124 (Beta-118041). The site is the most S of seven sites in close proximity in a 19m long stretch of this drain face, including SMR OF015-168---- c. 1.6m to the NW which occurs at the same level and is comparable in form. This site has produced a dendrochronological date which is significantly younger and may suggest that multiple features are contained within both sites. The sites are conceivably associated although the wood appears discontinuous in the drain face. 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