Kiln - corn-drying

The National Monuments Service's description

One of three corn-drying kilns (see CO067-087005-, CO067-087006-) uncovered in an early medieval enclosure (CO067-087----) during excavations along the N25 Youghal Bypass. The remains of this poorly preserved, NW-SE orientated, corn-drying kiln (L 5m), which was a keyhole-shaped type, comprised a flue and bowl. The bowl (1m NW-SE; 0.8m SW-NE; max D 0.2m), which was irregular and overall concave in shape, was situated at the NW end. An arrangement of three large, angular stones along the NW edge of the bowl may have represented the remains of stone-lining. The flue (Wth 0.4m; max. D 0.13m) was most intact at its S end where the partial remains of its original stone lining were still in situ. There was also some disturbed lining and patches of oxidised clay along its base. According to the excavators (Noonan et al. 2004, 37), the flue lining was considerably decayed and heavily oxidised, a sign of having been exposed to high temperatures. A fill of charcoal-rich, dark brown clay was found in both the flue and bowl. (Noonan 2003e, 29-30; Noonan et al. 2004)

The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009).

Date of upload: 22 December 2009