Burnt mound in Tullahedy

One of three burnt mounds identified during the monitoring of topsoil-stripping for the N7 Nenagh Bypass. A roughly circular mound (diam. C.22m x c.26m E-W; D 1.5m), known as Site B, of which approx. half was excavated and the remainder preserved. Excavation revealed evidence of multi-phase occupation. Hundreds of stake-holes in an arc may have enclosed the original habitation, which in turn was sealed by a marl and peat deposit. The remains of a structure were found at the south-west of the site, consisting of a series of large, sand-filled post-holes. There was similar evidence at the north-east area for post-holes, as well as pits. This was followed by three phases of activity. The primary phase had associated finds of wood, antler/horn, footpaths, cobbled surfaces, stone hearths, burnt spreads and a trough. The second phase, separated from the first by a sealing layer, may have been associated with an encircling ditch. The mound at this level had metal and burnt bone fragments, possible ore-stained burnt stones, a ring-headed pin, a rotary quern fragment, hone stones, rubbing stones and worked bone. A sandstone kerb/revetment was placed around the edge of the mound in the final phase. A deposit of iron fragments in the SE of the mound was associated with this phase. (O'Brien 2000, 290) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Burnt mound in Tullahedy is a Bronze Age ritual or industrial site, characterized by a mound of heat-shattered stones and charcoal. Its significance lies in providing insights into prehistoric land use and possible ceremonial activities in the region.