Moated site

The National Monuments Service's description

On a gradual NE-facing slope of hill in undulating pasture. Partial excavation of this moated site took place in 1981-2 in advance of the Cork-Dublin gas pipeline (Doody 1987, 74-87). There was no visible trace of this monument above ground before excavation. Excavation revealed that the moated site had no bank but there was evidence of a palisade on the E side, and the monument was enclosed by an external U-shaped fosse (Wth 2-5m surface, 1.5m base; D 0.5-1.5m), the total internal area was estimated as being between 1300m2 and 1500m2 (ibid. 74). Four internal structures were identified, three buildings (TS077-046006-, TS077-046007-, TS077-046008-) in the E section and a possible fourth (TS077-046009-) in the W section. The small quantity of finds and animal bones from the moated site may imply a short period of occupation (ibid. 81). Finds consistent with a 13th/14th-century date for the monument included green glazed ware and micaceous pottery, fourteen rotary quern fragments, hone stone fragment, lugged mortar, iron nails, knife and bracket and broken shaft of a bronze stick pin. Moated sites in Ireland have been dated to the 13th and 14th centuries. 'A date of 1225 +/- 70 AD was obtained from a causeway timber at Kilmagoura, Co. Cork (Smith et al 1971) and Rigsdale was dated from a coin of Edward I (1279-80) found beneath the bank (Sweetman 1981). Some pottery finds were made at the excavated sites, including Ballyveelish, and were generally 13th-14th century in date. Sherds of 13th-14th century pottery were recently obtained from a destroyed moated site at Killeeshal, Co. Carlow (NMI reg. nos. 1980:106-108 and Cahil 1982)' (Doody 1987, 83). A number of shallow trench features were uncovered outside the moated site, three of which appear to respect the moated site and may be contemporary with it, functioning either as drainage features or field divisions related to cultivation (Doody 1987, 80-81).

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 26 August 2011

References

Doody, M.G. 1987 Moated Site, Ballyveelish 1, Co. Tipperary. In R. M. Cleary, M. F. Hurley and E. A. Twohig (eds.), Archaeological excavations on the Cork-Dublin gas pipeline (1981-82), 74-87. Department of Archaeology, UCC, Cork.

Smith, A. G., Pearson, G. W and Pilcher, J. R. 1971 Belfast radiocarbon dates III. Radiocarbon 13, 103-25.

Sweetman, P.D. 1981 Excavation of a medieval moated site at Rigsdale, County Cork, 1977-8. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 81C, 103-205.