Structure — peatland in Kilbeg

Originally reported to the NMI by Mr. Tommy Kelly of Bord Na Móna, this site was investigated by Dr. Ellen O' Carroll (Licence ). This structure is located towards the south of Ballykeane Bog where 43 monuments including Road Classes 1, 2 and 3 toghers, post rows, peatland structures and a crannog (OF226-055---- were identified in a survey by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (IAWU) in 2003 . The site consisted of a circle of stakes with a row running through the centre from E to W. There was no obvious entrance gap as the posts were densely set with no significant gap that would indicate an entrance. The overall dimensions of the enclosed area was 2.10m by 1.80m. There were 39 stakes in all, and the upper portions of all had been removed through milling. Three small stones were also revealed by trowelling. Where visible stakes ranged from .6m to .8m in length and from .05m to .10m in diameter and from morphological observations it appeared that most were made of yew. Stakes were sometimes grouped in threes and fours, some with bark surviving. Toolmarks were recorded on a single sampled example made of yew. The toolmark facets were all small and concave measuring .025m in width and .055m in length indicative that a small metal axe or palstave had been in use. The site was dated to the Middle Bronze Age (Sigma 2 cal BC1511-1393) and the environmental evidence suggests that it was constructed in a raised bog peat environment. The identification of yew wood in the construction of a peatland structure is very rare and indicates that the site was of some significance. Recent pollen work in the midlands has shown that yew was present but rare in both areas until the 9th century AD after which it may have come close to extinction. The function of this peatland structure remains unknown but it may represent the basal portion of a platform.