Metalworking site in Farrankelly

Metalworking furnace in area 3A was excavated in 2020 under licence 17E0292 by Muireann Ní Cheallacháin for IAC Archaeology during construction phase of residential development by Cairn Homes PLC. Excavation was carried out in Area 3A 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). Monument consisted of a 'small metalworking furnace was recorded within the main foci of activity at Area 3A. The furnace was circular in plan and contained four fills. The stratigraphy within the furnace indicated that the feature was re-used as a smelting furnace as there is a non-oxidised fill sealing the base of the feature. The in-situ oxidisation was recorded as a 0.1m wide ring of burnt clay surrounding the upper fills. The main fill of the furnace contained frequent chunks of charcoal and metalworking waste in the form of slag, while the upper fill contained similar inclusions but to a lesser extent' (Ní Cheallacháin and Spencer 2020, 34-5). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 10 November 2020