2007:1614 - CARRIGATOGHER (Ryan), Tipperary

Archaeological investigations in advance of the N7 Nenagh to Limerick road project were carried out at Carrigatogher (Ryan) between 25 July and 15 September 2006. A total area of 44,971m2 was fully topsoil-stripped, making it necessary to divide the site into two separate areas. Area 1 encompassed the high ground to the west and north of the site; Area 2 was concentrated along the southern and eastern edge of the CPO.

The dominant feature type was charcoal-production pits, which were located across the majority of the site. An area of intensive archaeological activity was highlighted by the discovery of two hearths with multiple associated stake-hole groupings and pits. Further isolated pits and post-holes were also identified over the site. A well-constructed stone corn-drying kiln, 7.15m long by 3.3m wide with a maximum depth of 1.4m, was also excavated. It was orientated roughly north to south on the downslope of a small rise.

Finds from the site ranged from prehistoric pottery and a possible saddle quern to post-medieval pottery and ferrous artefacts.

Editor’s note: Although excavated during 2006, the report on this site arrived too late for inclusion in the bulletin of that year.