2025:210 - Shanbally 3, Cork

Excavation at Shanbally 3, as part of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Scheme,
Co. Cork, revealed a single pit. Stage (iv) post‐excavation analysis is still pending. Below is a preliminary bulletin.
Pit C004 was sub‐circular in plan, orientated north–south, with a gradual break of slope at the top, gentle on west side and steep on south side, not perceptible on west side and sharp break of slope bottom with an uneven base. It measured 1.2m in length, 1.1m in width and 0.19m in depth and contained two fills. The basal fill was a friable compact mid-reddish orangey‐black clay with burnt clay, heat-shattered stones and large amount of charcoal. It measured 0.09m in depth. Above this was a friable compact mid grey‐brown, silty clay with occasional charcoal flecks and small pebbles and measured 0.1m in depth.
The location of this site sits between two other prehistoric sites of Rafeen 1 to the west and Shanbally 2 to the east. The morphology of this feature is similar to those excavated nearby and it is hoped that radiocarbon dating of this feature will allow comparisons to these and other features on the scheme.