Structure

The National Monuments Service's description

In an area prone to waterlogging although on the crest of a hill with panoramic views of the Blackstairs to the E and Slievenamon to the S. Excavated in 2008 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme (Licence no. E3864). Two roughly circular post-built structures, domestic activity evidenced by numerous pits, post-holes and stake-holes and three rectangular troughs (KK020-102----) containing burnt stone (one of which extends outside the road take at the NW of the excavation). Finds included a possible whetstone, a possible broken spindle whorl and two sherds of prehistoric pottery. The area was significantly damaged by modern field clearance. Structure 1 consisted of a group of 9 post-holes (diam. 5.2-5.7m) enclosing a roughly circular area. The spacing between the posts was very regular. A large oval pit was excavated off-centre within the structure and numerous other pits and stake-holes existed within it, a number of which may have formed an internal arc. A group of features adjacent to the E, centred around a large pit, may have been related. Structure 2, 27.5m to the E, comprised 8 irregularly spaced post-holes (diam. 5.7-5.8m). A large pit was excavated within the structure at NW and there was a possible entrance feature at SW. (Elliot 2009; Elliot 2010, 233, no. 877)

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 6 November 2013

References

Elliot, R. 2009 N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme, Phase 4B – Rathclogh to Powerstown. E3864 Ballyquirk 2 Preliminary archaeological resolution report. Unpublished report submitted to the National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin.

Elliot, R. 2010 AR113, Ballyquirk. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2007: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 233, no. 877. Bray. Wordwell.