Structure - peatland

The National Monuments Service's description

Possible peatland structure identified by Eoin and Barbara Sullivan in worked peatland bog which was described as follows; 'visible in section of freshly dug drain (dug in late April/ early May 2023). Worked wood exposed and visible in lower part of section of a newly dug drain between two plots. A surface find of a 10th/11th century leather shoe was made at ITM 643522 719250 (retrieved by Barbara Sullivan April 2023 and identified and recorded by John Nicholl; shoe is in possession of NMI from 9/5/2023). Drain was dug after the shoe was located and retrieved, so unassociated. Active peat cutting area, turf bank on the plot being prepared by new drainage channels. Bucket of machine left on site. Recent widening and deepening of an existing bog drain led to the identification of a pronounced area of marl at the base of the drain. The site consists of a spread of what appears to be tree roots and branches, measuring c. 45m in length and located c.1m below the present level of the bog. There are two possible wooden uprights visible in the exposed bank face and probable shaped timbers at the base. The deposited mechanically excavated material, that was dumped on the western side of the drain, was found to contain one small piece of split oak and a possible piece of charred oak. A large piece of oak was located on the surface of the mound of excavated material is oak and measured c.1m in length and was split oak. It is probable that this is a circular shaped site extending into the adjacent pieces of the bog where turf is footed'.

See attached photographs courtesy of Barbara Sullivan

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Eoin and Barbara Sullivan

Date of upload: 9 May 2023