County: Roscommon Site name: TINTAGH
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 96E0117
Author: Hilary Opie
Site type: Fulacht fiadh
Period/Dating: Bronze Age (2200 BC-801 BC)
ITM: E 580664m, N 808118m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.021904, -8.295066
Excavations, funded by Roscommon County Council, were carried out between 29 April and 29 May 1996, prior to development of the Curlew's Road Bypass. The site first came to attention during field-walking of the route. Clear surface remains of a large, classic kidney-shaped mound, measuring 1 3m east-west by 7m north-south and standing to a height of 0.5–0.75m, were observed. This was situated in a boggy, upland hollow, created by a natural spring well that still fed the site.
On removal of the sod and topsoil the outline of the burnt mound became apparent. This measured 11m x 8m and was 0.8–0.9m deep at its highest point along the crest. Two rounded termini were noted at the southern ends, with a depression between the two. The mound consisted of approximately 80% fire-cracked sandstone, c. 50mm3, and 20% very black, gritty, desiccated sandstone, charcoal and peaty soil.
The burnt mound surrounded and partially covered two conjoined troughs (F9 and F 10) which occupied the area of the depression between the crest and the termini. These were dug into the subsoil. F9 was roughly oval-shaped, 3m northeast/south-west by 1.55m north-west/south-east and 0.2–0.45m deep. F10 was teardrop-shaped, L9m north-south by 1.45m east-west and 0.3m deep. It was clearly later than F9 as it had partially cutaway its eastern edge. However, it is probable that the two were roughly contemporary and in use at the same time. They had no wood or stone linings.
The main bulk of the surrounding mound developed around these two troughs. This appears to have been the most important and longest-lasting phase of activity, as the shape of the mound around the troughs and the large quantity of stone indicate. However, there was a later phase of activity on the site, represented by another trough, F8. This occupied the area around the westernmost of the two termini. This terminus was larger and extended further than its partner, which may suggest that it developed around F8 rather than around F9/F 10. F8 was roughly circular, 2m north-west/south-east by 1.7m north-east/south-west. It was cut to a depth of 0.5m along its eastern edge but was up to 0.8m deep on its western side. This was due to the natural slope of the land.
In addition, a small pot boiler was excavated along the western edge of the burnt mound. This may have been used in conjunction with the troughs F9/F10 and would have provided an easier, more economic alternative for small-scale cooking or water-boiling.
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