1996:020 - BALLAGHALINE, Clare

During the summer of 1996, the remains of what may have been a site of archaeological importance were reported to be eroding into the sea at Ballaghaline Point, near Doolin, Co. Clare. The site was described as a ring of small slabs set on edge, with earth and stone in the centre. When inspected in October, no trace of such a site could be located, but it was noted that clays which had eroded onto the limestone fore-shore in the area concerned contained bone fragments. A cylindrical bone bead with incised decoration was retrieved from the surface of these clays. It was decided that the eroded clays warranted farther examination and this was carried out on 10/11 December.

The soil cover at Ballaghaline Point averages 0.5–0.55m in depth and the exposed section face shows a very stony topsoil overlying c. 0.1 m of a mid-brown sandy soil, which in turn rests on the limestone bedrock. The exposed limestone pavement extends as a relatively level platform for c. 110m to the Point before dropping below sea-level.

The eroded clays were concentrated within 2m of the soil face, but at one point outwash had occurred for a distance of 18m on the limestone pavement, in a westerly direction. Close to the soil face, patches of in situ dark, organic, friable clays with charcoal flecks had survived, resting on bedrock; otherwise all clays were in a redeposited context. A moderate amount of bone was recovered-predominantly animal, but a few human teeth may be present (definitive identification pending). A few tiny fragments of burnt bone were also recovered, but no other artefacts which might throw light on the date or function of the site were retrieved. Limited research undertaken to date on the bone bead has not produced any parallels-any suggestions will be gratefully received.

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