Sheepfolds

In rough hill pasture, on the lower N-facing slopes of The Paps of Dana. A partially collapsed circular drystone-built hut (3m E-W; 2.5m N-S), the substantial lower courses of which suggest that it was a hut site which was modified as a sheepfold. The wall (T 0.7m; H 1m) is highest along the W arc but decreases in height to 0.2m at the entrance at E. A small opening at the base of the wall at NW leads to a drystone-built annexe (c. 1m x 1m) roofed with slabs which also support part of the hut wall. The remains of a wall extending outwards from the hut wall at SE may have served as a lead-in for sheep. The function of an external stone-covered depression along the S arc and an accompanying low earthen bank is unclear. The site of a possible hut site (KE068-168----) lies c. 40m to the WSW. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 31 January 2011