2009:736 - BALLYCOMISK, Tipperary

Planning permission was granted for a residential development immediately adjacent to TS061–094 (ringfort) and in the vicinity of TS061–097 (ringfort).

Topsoil-stripping was undertaken in June 2009 and a number of features of archaeological potential were identified. At the entrance to the development and perpendicular to the local road, a roughly east–west-orientated ditch-like feature (up to 1.6m wide at maximum) was identified. This ditch was located roughly 15m to the south of the ringfort and could represent part of a field system associated with it. Less than 20m to the south of this ditch, and also in the driveway of the development, a long and narrow (up to 5m long and 0.8m wide) linear feature containing charcoal and burnt clay appeared to terminate at a large, oval, pit-like feature (up to 2.4m wide and extending beyond the topsoil-stripped area). This pit contained large angular and sub-angular limestone, charcoal and burnt clay throughout. It is interpreted as a probable corn-drying kiln which could be associated with the adjacent ringfort. A number of cultivation furrows of uncertain date were identified across the footprint of the development. As these features were identified at formation level for the proposed driveway, no excavation was necessary. They were recorded, covered with geotextile membrane and are preserved in situ below hardcore and tarmac.

Three small pits were identified within the topsoil-stripped footprint of the proposed house; however, only one of these would be directly impacted on by the foundations of the structure. This small (up to 1m long and 0.7m wide) figure-of-eightshaped pit was excavated and represents the remains of a corn-drying kiln. The two remaining pits were covered with geotextile and hardcore and are preserved in situ.

Plant screening to minimise visual intrusion was required as part of planning for this development; the topsoil-stripping of trenches for all hedging and tree planting was monitored. Nothing of archaeological significance was identified here.