Burnt mound in Tullahedy

One of three burnt mounds identified during the monitoring of topsoil stripping for the N7 Nenagh Bypass. A mound (diam. 19m x 23.5m E-W; D c.0.7m), known as Site A, of which three-quarters was excavated and the remainder preserved. Excavations revealed seven clay-lined troughs, areas of cobbled surfaces and post and stake structures. One trough had a post at each of its corners and a cobbled surround. The NE area of the site was distinct in having two separate clay surfaces; these produced worked chert, flint and a perforated stone bead, which came from the upper layer, the latter being similar to beads found at the Neolithic site at Tullahedy. The lower of the two clay layers produced two possible microliths. There was evidence for a hearth and structural evidence in the form of stake-holes. All of this activity was sealed by a succession of burnt clay stone layers that formed the mound. Within the later burnt mound strata, deposits of fine, yellow sand and a deposit of small iron objects mixed with burnt animal bones were found. Large amounts of iron slag were deposited in the mound surface when the site was abandoned. (O'Brien 2000, 290) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008