Charcoal-making site

The National Monuments Service's description

On the lower SW-facing slopes of Knockoe hill, S of Mount Leinster on the western flanks of the Blackstairs Mountains. In very rocky terrain, steep hillslope strewn with granite boulders. This portion of the hillside is planted with coniferous forestry. There are extensive views to the W, overlooking the Aughnabrisky River valley to the S-SW.
One of a number of charcoal-making platforms (CW023-035---- to CW023-039----; CW023-041---- and CW023-042----) on this hillslope suitable for mound kilns, identified by Michael Monahan and Edward Butler. It consists of a roughly oval level platform (dims. 11.3m NW-SE; 7.7m NE-SW). The rear NE portion of the platform is cut into the natural slope (H 1.1m) and has some stone revetment. The SW edge (H 0.9m) is defined by scarp with a revetment of small granite boulders, which in turn rests on a slightly wider revetted platform (H 0.4m; Wth 1.1m). The SE edge is scarped with some boulders. The NW edge has been truncated by a forestry drain.

See attached photographs:
CW023-041----_01 Platform from NW with ranging-rod in interior
CW023-041----_02 Platform from W with ranging-rod in interior
CW023-041----_03 Platform from S with ranging-rod at base of revetment

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 23 May 2022