Metalworking site

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture on a SW-facing slope overlooking the valley of the Croanshagh River. The partly collapsed remains of a three-sided iron-smeltin furnace built into the slope at NE. The SW side is defined by a wall (T 2.4m; ext. H 6.7m; int L 5.1m) of uncoursed rubble with large stones at its base. The NW wall consists of two sections with a short protruding return marking the break between the two. The SW end of this wall (T 2m; H 1.8m; L 2.4m) is better built than the portion to the NE which is considerably narrower (Wth 1.3m) and appears to have been rebuilt as a field boundary. The NE wall (H 1.6m; L 6m) is well built. The site is covered with overgrowth and the interior and exterior to the SW are strewn with rubble. According to local information, slag has been found in the field to the S and SE. Charcoal, produced at a hut site (KE111-020----), two enclosures (KE109-089002-, KE109-059----) and two charcoal-making sites (KE111-004003-, KE111-022----) in the locality, supplied the iron smelter. McCracken (1965, 134) listed this site as Glenmore (Derreen) and noted that it belonged to Orpens and that is was in use in the early 18th century. According to local information, the smelter is said to have been constructed in 1708. A limekiln is indicated here on the 1846 OS 6-inch map.

Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork.

Date of upload: 30 May 2011