2001:927 - ROSSBEG II, Mayo

This site was excavated in advance of the Westport Main Drainage and Waste Water Disposal Scheme. It was classed as a ‘Mound — possible’. Hand-testing proved that the mound was natural in origin. However, one flint scraper was found in the topsoil. Because of this it was decided to test the remaining area in advance of construction work. During this testing, a post-hole filled with loose stone and charcoal was identified. The area around it was cleaned back and a series of deposits, post-holes, stake-holes and pits was revealed.

The structure was circular or oval in plan, with one or two central posts supporting the roof. Substantial post- and stake-holes are all that survived of the structure. The nature of the fill of the post-holes gives the impression that the posts were removed for reuse elsewhere. There was charcoal present but not enough to suggest that they were burnt in situ. There was no hearth in or near the structure, and little or no occupation debris. This structure could be part of a larger complex that may extend beyond the development area.

The few small finds included some rough flint and bone and a decorated stone spindle-whorl. This is a perforated stone disc 40mm in diameter by 10mm thick. It is decorated with incised concentric circles around the central perforation.