Habitation site

The National Monuments Service's description

Identified in 2002 during monitoring of topsoil-stripping along the route of the Kildare Bypass, and subsequently archaeologically excavated (Ó Maoldúin 2002. Excavation Licence No. 02E0541). A substantial number of pits and post- and stake-holes extended over a distance of c. 70m along the route of the bypass, and while most were seemingly random features, with no obvious interrelation, two foci of activity were identified. A concentration of stake- and post-holes was observed on the E side of the site: one of the post-holes contained a large, well-preserved sherd of a prehistoric vessel with incised decoration. Nearby was a possible hearth, comprising two inter-connected, shallow, bowl-shaped features containing some charcoal and ashy material and evidence of in situ burning around the edges. Three flint flakes were also found here. A small isolated pit lay 30m to the W, and contained five sherds of poorly preserved pottery, similar in type to that recovered to the E. To the W and S, four pits constituted another focus of activity. All contained charcoal-rich soil and fire-cracked quartz stone, indicative of possible fulacht fiadh material.

Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy

Date of upload: 09 January 2013

References

Ó Maoldúin, R. 2002. Preliminary Report Archaeological Excavation French Furze, Tully East Site 11, Kildare Town Bypass, Co. Kildare. 02E0541. Early Bronze Age structures and associated features. V. J. Keeley Ltd. Unpublished report, National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin.