Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

The W inner annexe (dims c. 22m N-S; c. 9-12m E-W) was defined by a ditch that connects with the N and S ditches of the Phase 3 E annexe. Two phases of the W inner annexe ditch were noted in all the sections, although it was probably re-cut several times. A narrow channel was present along the base of the ditch. An entrance over the top of the original ditch at NW is represented by a layer of stones that is covered by material from the second phase of the ditch. The re-cut ditch at S cut an earlier kiln. At the base of the ditch at S was a large oval rock-cut pit which may have been a well or sump, although it was filled with material probably derived from itself. (McGlade 2017, vol. 1, 22-28)
There were two curvilinear ditches inside the W annexe, one of which appears to commence at the original line of the rath ditch at N. There were also two slot-trenches, two stake-holes and a kiln in the W inner annexe. The earlier, inner curvilinear ditch, enclosed a D-shaped area (dims c. 15m N-S; c. 5m E-W) and was contemporary with the re-cutting of the rath ditch. Three animal skulls were recovered from its upper fills. Once closed, it was replaced by the second curvilinear ditch slightly outside the original line. This ditch had two animal skulls in its basal fill. A keyhole kiln cut the upper fill of the inner curvilinear ditch and it had an animal skull in its final fill. An arc of a slot-trench at the S of the annexe is probably a necessary wind-break associated with the kiln. A N-S slot-trench is cut in the fill of the rath ditch at N. In Phase 4 the rath is combined with the E annexe and the W inner annexe to form a subrectangular field with the wet area or pond at its NE angle. (McGlade 2017, vol. 1, 40-43; 81-2)

See the attached plans from McGlade (2017, vol. 1, P 22, 40) _01 location and early phase; _02 internal features;

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 19 April, 2023

McGlade, S. 2017 Preliminary Excavation Report, Site D, Alexander Reid, Navan. Licence: 16E0449. Archaeology Plan 2 vols