Settlement platform in Robinstown (fartullagh By., Carrick Par.)

Excavated between 1990 and 1992 (licence nos. 90E0057, 91E0063, 92E0056). On investigation in 1990, this monument, designated Platform 1 (Brady 1991, 56, no. 119), was described as follows: ‘The site is distinguished as an ovoid concentration of loose stone, measuring 13m x 16m in diameter. With the exception of a slight slope along the eastern side, the site is flat. Two narrow cuttings were made across the site, revealing it to consist of a natural core of limestone drift, the underlying glacial till of the region. A rough stone surface, revetted with larger stones around its perimeter, was laid over part of it, forming the platform. There was no evidence for any structures erected upon it and the excavation did not recover any artefacts of visible faunal or floral remains.’ (idid.). During the second season of excavation in 1991 it was found that ‘The site is simply, but carefully, constructed by laying down stone surfaces over an area of naturally deposited glacial till, and consolidating this ovoid area with a rough boulder perimeter. The northern half of the platform received special attention with the laying down of a metalled surface and the construction of at least one, and possibly two, circular structures, 4m x 5m and 3m in external diameter respectively. The former has been sampled. No occupation debris or related features were noted. The working surface in the southern, landward, side of the platform consists simply of a rough scattering of rounded stones. No artifacts, bone fragments, charcoal or other related objects were found in contexts contemporary with the construction and occupation of the site. A number of modern artifacts were recovered from later levels, both in the sod and immediately below it.’ (Brady 1992, 47, no. 129). The final season of excavation took place in 1992 at the end of which c. 70% of the platform had been investigated. During this season a narrow trench was extended ‘into a 2nd platform which abuts the site on its northern, lakeward side (Platform 2). The aim of this season's work was to investigate the indications of internal divisions on Platform 1, and to ascertain its relationship with Platform 2. The presence of 2 small circular stone structures on Platform 1 was confirmed but their remains were too denuded to realise their function. The metalling observed in the north-eastern quadrant in previous seasons was identified in the north-west where it merged imperceptibly into the less ordered, more casual surface that makes up the working surface elsewhere on the platform. A portion of the enclosing perimeter revetment was identified along the northern side. The cutting extended into Platform 2 to the north indicates that both platforms were constructed at the same time. This portion of Platform 2 did not reveal any structural features other than a lightly made perimeter of stones loosely clustered together.’ (Brady 1993, 61, no. 180; Farrell and Brady n.d., 6) Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 31 January 2013