1972:063 - DÚN ÁILLINE (Knockaulin td.), Kildare

Excavation continued in March, and June–early August. No interim report has been published on the 1972 season, so Kildare Arch. Soc. XV No.1, 1971, 5-11 remains the most recent account; see plan on p.6 of that report for identification of features mentioned below.

The entranceways of the circular structures of Iron Age phases 2 and 3, both facing north-east, were completely excavated, and features 278 and 314 followed north-east and east respectively down the slope of the hill. Both these trenches showed clear evidence of postholes, both appear to continue in a more-or-less straight line, and both are connected with the Iron Age phase 2 entrance. A shallow depression, visible on the surface but not yet excavated anywhere, runs much of the way from the original entrance through the enclosing bank and ditch (east side of site) into the ‘funnel’ formed by 278 and 314. Possibly these features may run right down to the original entrance to the site. A second, smaller, entrance to the Iron Age phase 2 structure was located in 1971 a little west of south: it is formed by features 367, 333, 217 and 366. In 1972 further excavation of this sector showed that features 367 and 333 are, as suspected, continuations of feature 60, thus confirming that the whole complex is indeed a part of the Iron Age phase 2 structure. Features 217 and 366 both can be seen to continue their arcs– 366 being effectively continued in feature 215, although this is continuity of line, not of demonstrable trench. It appears that this will form either a horned entrance to Iron Age 2 structure, or a circular annexe of that structure.

On the south-west sector much clearance of later bank and mounds (two of the mounds late 19th or early 20th century AD, since they seal identifiable ‘finds’) now shows the outline of trenches of Iron Age phases 1, 2 and 3. Very little of the Iron Age levels was actually excavated here, but are now exposed and appear to be more or less intact.

In the central area (labelled ‘upper level excavated’ in 1971 published plan) further material was removed, in a complexity of postholes and burnt areas. The large postholes of Iron Age phases 4 and 5 continue across this area in the projected arc indicated in 1971. Flotation was carried out on a series of samples in this area, revealing a disappointingly small number of seed remains. The southern portion of feature 42 (small circular hut) was cleared, showing the expected continuity of outline with peripheral features similar to those around the northern portion.

Funds permitting, work should continue during June–July 1973. Visitors will be welcome.