Habitation site

The National Monuments Service's description

During the course of research excavations centered on the north entrance (Cutting 9) of the middle enclosure of Dún Aonghasa (GA110-039----) two focal areas of occupation were identified, one to the W of the entrance passageway, the other to its E. The earliest habitation appeared to have been in and around a bedrock hollow (F990) in the E zone. The excavated parts of this feature, a depression (3m N-S; 1.2m E-W) with a narrow rock-cut gully along its S edge, appeared to be enhanced natural dips. The N end of the dip extended down under the terrace of the enclosure wall. Although no associated built structures were evident, it appeared that it formed part of a living space. Animal bone, dispersed limpet shell, charcoal fragments and five sherds of cooking ware were recovered from its fill. A possible hearth (F966) was identified to its SE. Later features uncovered towards the end of this primary phase of settlement included a paved pathway that was laid to the W of the hearth and ran in a NW direction towards the hollow. A later fragment of double-faced walling (L 1.8m; W 1.05m; H 0.22m) was also uncovered to the E of the hollow. It ran N-S and continued in under the wall terrace (Cotter 2012, vol. 1, 242-6; vol. 2, 243).
To the W of the entranceway a paved surface marked the earliest occupation material; slight charcoal staining and a few scraps of burnt animal bone provided evidence of a hearth (F988). Three carefully placed limestone slabs may have been associated with it. A sample of animal bone from the associated horizon produced a radiocarbon date of 1260-920 cal. BC (ibid., vol. 1, 235-9).

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 23 June 2020

References

Cotter, C. 2012 The western stone forts project. Excavations at Dún Aonghasa and Dún Eoghanachta. 2 vols. Dublin. Wordwell Ltd.