Hut site in Ballybrennan

Aerial photograph (GB91.DM.12) shows the foundations of four small irregular structures, probably hut sites (WM032-062001-/002-/003-/004-) set within a curvilinear enclosure (WM032-062----) defined by a bank. The low-level earthwork was photographed on 29th of May 1991. The above report has been compiled by Dr. G. F. Barrett and supplied to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. The fourth levelled hut site appears to be rectangular in outline and is only visible on the aerial photograph (GB91.DM.12) as a cropmark. The S section of this possible curvilinear enclosure is clearly visible on the aerial photograph and is indicated on the revised 25-inch edition of the OS 6-inch map but is not indicated on the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map. It is possible that this enclosure represents a post-medieval enclosing of the area of rock outcrop on which the house sites are located. This would explain the curvilinear shape of the field boundary as it was formed by running around the irregular shaped base of rock outcrop on which the house sites are located. On the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map a possible lime kiln is indicated 90m to the NNW and a cluster of dwellings indicated as 'Loughtown' are located 230m to the NW. A holy well (WM032-060----) known as Tober Patrick is located 520m to the W. An irregular shaped enclosure (WM032-063----) depicted on the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map is located immediately to the N of the hut sites in an area now covered with trees. It is possible that these hut sites represent a post-medieval clustered settlement associated with the nearby dwellings indicated as 'Loughtown'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 13 December 2010