Field system in Killeisk

At the W tip of the droveway there are some ditches running off to the SW (respecting the potential bank on the S side of the S droveway ditch) that probably form a field of similar 'triangular' shape to the annex (visible 20m x 15m) inside LMA. These 'triangular fields or annexes are probably animal pens / corrals. Of note is that the ditches forming these enclosed areas are generally very slight. Even with an associated bank, they would in no way prevent a cow breaking out. Therefore, thse ditches could actually be bedding trenches for planted blackthorn hedging (the hedging is started off elsewhere and when big enough the c1m high plants are transferred direct to the bedding trench - the plants being placed very close together). present form) ditched field boundary, c.3m wide x 1.5m deep. This irregular boundary (not a townland) is shown on the 1835 survey and is unusual in a wider layout of rectangular grid fields. This boundary cuts the possible EM field system and could be medieval at the earliest. This boundary could have originally been the limit of the Lissanisky Demesne / settlement estate, which would account for its preservation and large size. As such it is likely to date to the same period as Lissanisky Castle, Church and Settlement (pre-1600). Running into the NE section of the ringfort ditch are two orthogonal / rectangular based fields / ditches. Present interpretation of these ditches is that they are drains and post-date the ringfort use. The first field (SE) consists of a space visible 20m x 35m with the W side formed by a gully forming a straight edge NW-SE along the ringforts curving ditch. The drainage gully forms a 'T' junction with a NE-SW gully that does not run as far as the ringfort ditch. General lack of features in this space. To the north of the SE field is a second ditch continuing the NW-SE axis, running from the ringfort ditch to the N LMA. This ditch has a causeway section in the middle to allow (human) access to the NE field. Other short, parallel itches of limited extent are located in the area adjacent to the ringfort ditch. The space formed by the NE ditch is 25m x 30m and in the NW corner is a group of pitting containing 'burnt mound' style material. Otherwise this area is relatively free of features. At a later stage the NE-SW ditch is redug to connect to the ringfort ditch. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008