Metalworking site

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated at the crest of a N-facing slope down to a canalised W-E section of the Broad Meadow River which is c. 30m to the N. Archaeological testing and excavation (02E0708) by W. Frazer revealed a ring-ditch (ME045-073----) and associated features (excavation.ie 2004:1167). After the abandonment of the ring-ditch a hearth (dims 1.2m x 0.63m; D 0.2m) and a small pit for smelting were built in the interior, the latter producing a C14 date of cal. BC 180-140 cal. AD. A second campfire (dims 0.65m x 0.61m; D 0.16m) which was cut into the upper fill of the ring-ditch fosse at SE produced a C14 date of 230-410 cal. AD. Four shallow pits (dims 0.7m x 0.5m; D 0.07 to 0.93 x 0.88m; D 0.12m) with burnt grain that are placed in an E-W line c. 6m apart and c. 5m S of the ring-ditch at the closest point are high medieval in date and yielded a C14 date of 1260-1400 cal. AD (55% probability). These were overlain and cut by later cultivation ridges, and a N-S drainage ditch (Wth of top 2.7-2.9m; D 0.75m) that was c. 2m E of the ring-ditch. (Frazer 2008)

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 22 December 2021

References

Frazer, W. O. 2008 Archaeological Excavation: Playground. Ashbourne Town Centre Development, Killegland townland. Licence: 02E0708. Final Report. Margaret Gowen & Co.