2025:480 - Coolcoulaghta, Cork

Sample excavation was undertaken in early July 2025 at a coastal promontory fort (CO130-033) in Coolcoulaghta townland near Durrus, West Cork. The purpose of the excavation was to record archaeological deposits threatened by severe coastal erosion. It was hoped to recover occupation evidence and dating information connected to the history of this site. The excavation provides some limited information on the construction and occupation of Coolcoulaghta promontory fort. The main bank was built using soil and stone dug from an exterior ditch. That dump material was held in place on the inner side by a well-built stone revetment. The only evidence of occupation comes from two stake-holes and some flecks of charcoal on the old ground surface.  The larger stake-hole contained a significant amount of charcoal, but not enough to indicate in situ burning of stakes. Radiocarbon dating of that charcoal should provide some indication of when the promontory fort was occupied. The excavation did not uncover any material culture or other finds connected to the history of this site.