Kiln in Farrankelly

Large plectrum-shaped enclosure (WI013-127----) of possible late prehistoric date was excavated in 2020 under licence 17E0292 by Muireann Ní Cheallacháin for IAC Archaeology during construction phase of residential development by Cairn Homes PLC. Cropmark of large enclosure visible on Google Earth orthoimage taken 12/07/2013 which also shows the presence of two ring-ditches (WI013-128/129----) inside the enclosure which were also fully excavated. All of these features were excavated in Area 1A which also included the remains of a ploughed out burnt spread (WI013-131----), a flat cemetery (WI013-130----), a large enclosure ditch forming a plectrum-shaped enclosure, multiple token cremation burial pits, two ring-ditches (WI013-128/129---), and a large stone-lined kiln, as well as isolated pits, postholes and later agricultural features. Excavation was carried out in Area 1A following the identification of crop marks within the southwest corner of the proposed development a geophysical survey was carried out by Joanna Leigh in 2015 (Licence 15R0124). Detailed gradiometer survey in this area identified two clear circular ditch-type responses, correlating with the location of several curving crop marks, measuring c. 11.25m and 12.25m in diameter and several other responses of potential interest. The circular ditches appear to be contained within a larger ill-defined circular feature (possible enclosure). Following on from the geophysical survey, a programme of testing was undertaken in 2017 by Rob Lynch and Enda Lydon of IAC under licence no. 17E0292 (Lynch and Lydon 2017). Three areas of archaeology were identified in the testing assessment (Archaeological Areas 1–3). The remains are likely to be Bronze Age in date and are similar to other sites that have been recorded within the surrounding landscape. The core of Archaeological Area 1 comprises the two circular anomalies, an outer enclosure and associated features as identified in the geophysical survey and aerial photography in the southwestern portion of the site. Monument consisted of 'a large stone-lined kiln and large stone filled pit were recorded truncating the eastern extent of the large enclosure ditch. The kiln (C484) was oriented northeast– southwest with an elevated firing chamber located at the southwest and a lower drying chamber at the northeast. Large boulders were used in the construction of the flue and at least three un-mortared courses were recorded in the circular fire chamber. The stone lining showed evidence of being extremely heat affected which indicates that a large temperature was used in the kiln or that it was used over a long period of time. A single fill of charcoal and ash material was recorded in the flue lying above the in-situ oxidised base which possibly represents a last rake out; lying downslope from the firing chamber. The stony backfill lay directly on the oxidised surface within the firing chamber. Multiple stone tools including stone hones and hammerstones were recovered from the stone backfill. A probable in-situ stone baffle was identified separating the flue from the drying chamber and a single charcoal rich fill was identified within the drying chamber. A large sub-square pit was located directly abutting the kiln to the west and some of the primary stone rubble fill of the pit lay above the kiln. The fact that a lot of the stone rubble was heat affected suggests that the kiln and pit are contemporary and are associated with the same industrial activity' (Ní Cheallacháin and Spencer 2020, 22). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 10 November 2020