Hut site

The National Monuments Service's description

New site identified by John Cronin & Associates (JCA) under Licence No. 16E0127 prior to wind farm development in Grousemount, Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry by ESB Wind Development Ltd. The remains of rudimentary hut site, constructed adjacent to a large boulder northeast of the proposed BP-F location at ITM Grid co-ordinate 508585, 568745. Situated on a gently-sloping but very rocky patch of hillside 40m south-west of confluence of two small streams (which ultimately flow west down to the Roughty river). The vegetation cover in this rocky patch is characterised by grass and heather because the soil is relatively dry. However, outside this rocky patch the ground is waterlogged and characterised by sedge and moss vegetation. The structure consists of a roughly square patch of ground enclosed on the north and south sides by arranged stones, and on the east by aforementioned large boulder. Opening on the west looking downslope. The south side is formed by a long stone with a couple placed stones at either end. The north has several arranged stones. Dimensions: Internal: 2m (EW) x 1.8m (NS); External: 2.5m (EW) x 2.8m (NS); Int. wall height: 0.2m; Avg. wall width: 0.5m. This structure is likely the remains of a shelter that was used by herders of livestock before a farmstead was established 500m to the west in the 19th century, by the Roughty river. The upper portions of the walls and the roof were probably made of peaty sods and/or wattle.

See attached photograph courtesy John Cronin.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by John Cronin

Date of upload: 7 April 2022

References

Cronin, J. et. al. 2018 Grousemount Wind Farm, Kilgarvan, County Kerry Preliminary Final Archaeological Report. Excavation Licence: 16E0127. Prepared by: David Murphy and Dr. Eugene Costello, John Cronin & Associates On behalf of ESB Wind Development Ltd. Unpublished report.