1997:232 - CAHERLEHILLAN, Kerry

Excavations at Caherlehillan continued in 1997 as part of the undergraduate training programme in the Dept of Archaeology, UCC. The investigation of the site was mainly focused in Area 1, within the ceallúnach burial-ground, and in a new area of excavation which links Areas 2 and 3 and extends to outside the south enclosure wall (Area 7). Limited excavation was also carried out in Areas 2, 3, and 5.

A number of archaeological features were uncovered in Area 1. Excavation of the lowest level of ceallúnach burials continued, and a linear cut feature, a subrectangular cut feature and one stake-hole were found. There were no further ceallúnach burials present at this level. As excavation progressed, the oxidised subsoil, found to contain early medieval features in Area 3, was reached and it was at this level that two probable adult graves were located. These consisted of two east-west-orientated cuts, both measuring 1.9m in length and c. 0.5m in width. No skeletal or artefactual remains were recovered from either grave. At the end of the season a number of adjacent east-west deposits were noted which may indicate further graves. These will be investigated in 1998.

A number of stake-holes were uncovered in Area 2 but it appears that most of the archaeological remains in this cutting have now been excavated. Excavation in Area 3 concentrated on a compact spread which has produced evidence for metal-working. This was found to overlie a charcoal-rich deposit which contained occasional pieces of iron slag, suggesting an earlier phase of metalworking. Area 3 was extended 1m to the west in order to ascertain whether the modern field wall which bounds the site marks the position of the original enclosure wall. A number of deposits were excavated beneath the ceallúnach levels in Area 5 but no artefacts or structural features have as yet been recovered from this cutting.

Area 7 encompasses the area of the site between Areas 2 and 3 and extends 15m to the south, taking in a portion of the field outside the south enclosure wall. The purpose of this new area is to provide a stratigraphic relationship between the features recorded in Areas 2 and 3 and to establish complete plans for structures partially revealed in these areas. A number of artefacts were recovered from this area, including spindle-whorl fragments, imported pottery, whetstones and corroded iron objects. An arc of postholes and stake-holes was excavated in the north-east corner and is aligned with a similar arc in Area 2, suggesting the presence of a probable round house in the centre of the enclosure. The excavation of Area 7 will be a main priority in the 1998 season.