1996:239 - CLOGHACLOKA, Limerick

A knoll, at the north-eastern end of a low flat ridge, was identified as a site of archaeological potential in the EIS of the proposed Annacotty-Adare road improvement scheme. Two cuttings were excavated on the knoll, one on its summit (Cutting 1, 5m long by 1m wide) and the other at the base on the eastern side (Cutting 2, 6m long by 1m wide). Limestone bedrock outcropped between 0.16m and 0.26m below present ground level in Cutting 1; in Cutting 2 undisturbed natural consisted of a sterile orange clay between 0.23m and 0.3m below present ground level. This knoll is clearly a natural feature and is of no archaeological significance.

An irregular ovoid, flat-topped mound (21m northeast/south-west by 15m south-east/north-west, and c. 1m higher than the surrounding area) was noted during field survey; it was 110m to the north-west of the knoll, in an area of rough pasture, beside a small stream. The mound had been partially eroded by livestock at its north-western and southwestern sides; at the north-western side a possible stone setting or revetment was noted at the edge of the monument.

A cutting (5m long by 1 m wide) was excavated on the south-eastern side of the mound, to a maximum depth of 0.25m. A poorly developed sod and dark brown organic-rich topsoil overlay a layer of sandstone pebbles. Below this a layer of possibly burnt stones mixed with loose black soil was found. A thin layer of stone-free sticky grey clay was found under the stones; when it was removed, a layer of yellow-orange clay was exposed. This seems to be undisturbed natural and excavation was not continued below this stratum.

The date and function of this mound or platform were not established, though clearly it is a man-made structure. The presence of possibly heat-shattered stones suggests a possible connection with burnt mounds, though no charcoal was found in the test-trench.