1992:105 - ROSS ISLAND, Kerry

Archaeological investigation of an ancient copper mine at Ross Island, Killarney, commenced in July 1992 for a 12-week period. This ore-body has a long and complex history, which includes an early primitive phase marked by the use of fire and stone hammers in rock extraction. The 1st season of excavation centred on a deposit of coarse rock spoil outside the entrance to a large fire-set mine. Removal of this material exposed a second primitive working under the present level of Lough Leane. A large number of stone hammers, many with till-and-facet haft modification, were discovered in this mine spoil, as were the remains of bone scoops made from cattle scapulae. A habitation area was discovered immediately adjacent to these mines, in which the remains of several hut structures were discovered along with sherds of early Beaker pottery, stone hammers and a flint arrowhead. This pottery and a series of radiocarbon dates for wood, bone and charcoal date this mine and habitation area to 2400–2100 cal BC, making Ross Island the oldest copper mine presently known in north-western Europe. Work is expected to continue at the site for several seasons, with plans for public presentation in the form of a self-guiding mine trail.