1989:013 - LISLEAGH II, Lisleagh, Cork

As part of the ongoing research programme into the relationship between and changing functions of clustered ringforts in Co. Cork, excavations began last summer on the second of the two closely located ringforts in the townland of Lisleagh (a univallate earthwork north-south 47.5m x east-west 46m; Cork SMR No. C0027=03001).

Resistivity prospection and a close interval contour survey identified the possible location of the entrance in the south-west quadrant of the fort, The resistivity survey also identified the souterrain marked on the 6 inch map (2nd and 3rd editions) in the north-east quadrant of the fort and produced evidence for a possible "inner" ditch.

In this season, excavation of the interior revealed a disturbed area of gravel metalling on the side of the cutting, as well as a number of postholes (many of them with burnt posts) and a probable hearth area. Close to an area of burning on the south side of the site, some slag was found. In addition, areas of redeposited natural were identified at various locations within the cutting, including in the area of the probable souterrain; these appear to overlie earlier occupation and are themselves cut by later features. Subsequent to the occupation, the whole interior of the fort seems to have been subjected to several phases and types of cultivation.

The bank and ditch trench on the south side of the fort produced evidence of a totally infilled outer ditch which, after a period of silting, had been almost completely backfilled. A layer with evidence of burning overlying the backslope of the partly demolished bank had been cut by several post positions of a structure built against what remained of the bank. The nature of this structure is unclear at present. Excavations are set to continue in 1990.