County: Meath Site name: BRITTAS
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: John Bradley, Urban Survey
Site type: Crannog
Period/Dating: Early Medieval (AD 400-AD 1099)
ITM: E 681733m, N 786015m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.817228, -6.758778
Work was confined to the early historic phase, i.e. the Moynagh Lough crannog. Further excavation of the entrance revealed that the plank palisade, previously thought to be early, was a late feature. A further part of metal-working Area 1 was exposed and the finds included crucibles, heating trays, penannular brooch moulds and trial pieces with triquetra knot patterns. Further excavation within the round house revealed a complex stratification of fires and ash spreads within its habitation layer. In the occupation area east of the house a series of hearths was excavated on a level which appears to have been contemporary with the use of the round house. Further excavation of metal-working Area 2 uncovered about sixty additional mould fragments including one for an interlaced mount and another for a human face.
A reconstruction of the round house is featured on the cover of this publication (EXACAVATIONS, 1985).
Newman House, St Stephens Green
