1992:165 - CHANCELLORSLAND, Tipperary

This site was first recorded during the Bruff aerial photographic survey in 1986 when a complex of barrows and associated earthworks were found in close proximity to each other. The site was investigated as part of the Discovery Programme and was selected for study because of the juxtaposition of burial sites and possible habitation sites. The investigation of the site which took place during September and October 1992 involved Geophysical Survey, Topographical Survey and trial excavation. Excavation concentrated on 2 sites within the complex: Site A, an oval-shaped enclosure and Site B, a circular enclosure.

Site A
This was an oval-shaped enclosure with a double ditch and intervening bank. It measured 67m x 50m. The interior was raised above a generally marshy environment. Excavation was limited and concentrated on the perimeter ditches and on parts of the interior immediately adjacent to them. The results indicated that the site was used for habitation with animal bone, coarse flat-bottomed pottery and struck flint and chert among the finds. The remains of a hut and some evidence for a palisade along the inner ditch were also recorded.The dating evidence is inconclusive; however the pottery is similar to that from Carrigillihy, Co. Cork, and Ballyveelish 2, Co. Tipperary, both of which produced later Bronze Age dates.

Site B
This is a circular enclosure 35m in diameter with an external bank. The site appears to have had at least 3 periods of use perhaps spanning a considerable period of time. It is unclear what the primary function of the site was; however animal bone remains from the ditch may indicate a domestic use. After the ditch had silted up a ring barrow was constructed on the same site. Two other barrows were located close by. Finds from a limited excavation were of an Early Christian date and may indicate a later use of the site during that period.

12-15 Hatch St, Dublin 2