Hut site

The National Monuments Service's description

In a hollow in uneven rough pasture, within an extensive multiperiod field system (CL010-064001-) and c. 122m to the SSW of Cahercommaun cashel (CL010-064003-). Listed as ‘Occupation site – prehistoric’ in the RMP (1996). This hut site was excavated by D. Blair Gibson in 1986 (Gibson 1987) as part of the Cahercommaun Archaeological Research Project, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of many small unenclosed hut sites around Cahercommaun cashel. It was given the identification number C-221 in that project and the hut site (CL010-064002-) was described as comprising three features: C-221 A, a subrectangular ‘enclosure’ (L 6m; Wth 4m / diam. 8m) defined by a collapsed stone wall; C-221 B, a subcircular depression (diam. 5.75m) immediately to the SW, with a notably stone-free interior surface and bedrock cupmarks directly to the SW; and C-221 C, a ‘clochán’ which was considered of later date, located 7.5m to the SW of C-221 B. The excavation concentrated on C-221 A. This was found to be associated with two field systems, possibly of different dates. A large amount of artefacts were recovered – almost exclusively stone tools but also some pottery (ibid.). Not visible at ground level during an inspection in 1999.

Reference
Gibson, D.B. 1987 Teeskagh. In C. Cotter (ed.), Excavations 1986: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 12. Bray. Wordwell.

Compiled by: Conn Herriott and Gearóid Conroy

Date of upload: 6 March 2023