Structure in Johnstown (ratoath By., Dunshaughlin Par.)

Structure D (int. dims c. 5m E-W; c. 1.5-2m N-S), 10m E of the enclosure, is defined by a slot-trench or drip gully (Wth c. 1m; D 0.1-0.2m) at N and S, with openings at E (Wth c. 2.2m), partly occupied by a pit, and W (Wth c. 1m). A C14 date of 3623-3357 cal. BC dating it to the early Neolithic was derived from charcoal in the N trench, so it pre-dates all the other features in the excavated area. Whatever its function it is probably responsible for all the flint and chert recovered from the later features. (Elder and Ginn 2009, 6-7, 14-16) Several pits were distributed around the excavated area, both within and outside the enclosure, but they produced little material and this was mostly flint. Three features, one inside and two outside the enclosure but not relating directly to other features, are identified as hearths. Four gullies extended through the excavated area and seem to relate to the outer enclosure fosse. (ibid. 2-9) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 9 December 2021