2000:0069 - CULLEEN (Site AR29), Clare

Site AR29 consisted of a prominent mound in the south-west corner of a field in the townland of Culleen, Co. Clare. It was identified as a site of archaeological potential during an environmental impact assessment, in advance of the N18/N19 Road Improvement Scheme, from Ballycasey to Dromoland (O Rahilly 1995). The site lies within the take of the proposed road, and further archaeological investigation was warranted. Testing was carried out between 12 and 14 June 2000.

The site comprised a relatively flat-topped mound, measuring 48m east–west x 33m, with an attached lower mound, 21m east–west x 15m, to the immediate north. The site was especially noteworthy because of its close proximity (c. 120 and c. 135m, respectively) to a ringfort (RMP 51:83) and a medieval moated site (RMP 51:84).

Two test-trenches were manually inserted. Test-trench 1 measured 10m x 1.5m and ran in a north–south direction, linking the main mound to the lower adjoining mound to the north. This revealed a series of twelve stake-holes, a post-hole and a pit. Test-trench 2 measured 12m x 1.5m and ran in an east–west direction across the top of the main mound. This also revealed an array of stake-holes and a possible post-hole. Some localised layers of redeposited natural were also noted. For the most part the exposed features cut directly into the natural subsoil, and some were truncated by later furrow cuts. Full excavation of the area of identified archaeology was recommended.

Reference
O Rahilly, C. 1995 Environmental impact study on the route of proposed N18/N19 Improvements. Unpublished report. Limited distribution.