Fulacht fia in Tubbrid

On low-lying poorly drained grassland. There are six fulachtaí fia (OF042-004001-/006-) in this large field which has been recently ploughed (April 2012). This large field is bounded on the W by a stream running N-S and on the S by a second stream running E-W. A third old stream now dried up meanders across the field from NW to SE. The fulachtaí fia were located either side of this dried up stream or water channel. Two of the fulachtaí fia (OF042-004001-/002-) had been identified in 1988 (SMR File) and four new fulachtaí fia (OF042-004003-/006-) have been uncovered in the exposed ploughsoil. Prior to ploughing this fulacht fia consisted of a grass-covered horseshoe-shaped mound (L 13m; Wth 12m; H 0.5m) with central depression (L 3m; Wth 2m; D 0.6m) which was waterlogged at time of visit. The opening faces NW towards the nearby stream. One of six fulachta fiadh (OF042-004002-/006-). A fulacht (OF042-004003-) is located c. 40m to the NNW and four fulachta fia (OF042-004002-/006-) are located c. 50m to the SE. Ploughing also revealed the old course of a diverted stream which ran across the field from NW to SE with the fulachtaí fia located either side of this old river bed. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 16 January 2012