Barrow - ring-barrow

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on top of Knockloon Hill. A ring-barrow partially excavated by the Irish Fieldschool of Prehistoric Archeology (NUIG) in 2018 (Ó Maoldúin 2020). Excavation revealed a sequence of activity stretching from the Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age to the modern day. The Chalcolithic/EBA activity identified was funerary in nature, comprising depositions of small deposits of cremated bone accompanied by artefacts including a small white flint barbed and tanged arrowhead. Four white flint flakes were also found on the barrow possibly representing one knapping episode. The excavation of the barrow ditch may have contributed to the raising of the interior however the majority of upcast material appears to have been used to construct the external bank. A standing stone was erected centrally at some point. Prior to excavation just a small portion protruded above the grass. More cremation deposits were placed around this, apparently as late as the 6th-9th century AD. Other activity that occurred on the barrow during this time appears to have included feasting and possible glass bead production. Radiocarbon dates will follow to determine the sequence of fills in the ditch and the activity in the centre of the barrow.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 13 October 2020

References

Ó Maoldúin, R. 2020 Preliminary report on archaeological excavations of barrow CL016-037 and associated geophysical anomalies on Knockloon Hill, Leamaneh North, Co. Clare. (Licence no. 18E0300) Unpublished report. Submitted to the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.