Enclosure in Ballintotty

Situated on the E-facing slope of a U-shaped river promontory. Excavations were undertaken here in advance of a major road construction scheme. The site took the form of a U-shaped river promontory, defended by a fosse and earthen bank on the landward side. It measured 65m x 50m and was split into two parts by the erection of a second bank within the site itself. The fosse measured 5-6m in width and up to 1.5m in depth. The bank had maximum dimensions of 8m in width and 2m in height. A causewayed entrance (Wth 3m) was located at SW and was defended by a possibly stone-fronted gate-tower. A metalled and roughly paved roadway led through the outer enclosure to a gateway in the second bank leading to the inner part of the enclosure. The outer enclosure contains the remains of a house (TN021-094001) of which only the ground floor survived to a maximum height of 1.8m above foundation level. There was a cross-wall creating two rooms at ground-floor level. The partial remains of a spiral staircase were found within a projection in the north wall. Adjacent to this, and adjoining the western wall, was the base of a small latrine tower. The entrance to the house was on the ground floor but was only accessible along a narrow path between the house and the inner bank. The inner part of the enclosure revealed possible evidence of two smaller buildings constructed on timber sill beams. The enclosure and all buildings were contemporary and were dated on the grounds of direct association with glazed 13th-14th century pottery and Henry III coins. (Logue 2000, 188) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008