1998:107 - DRUMHINNY LOWER (Site 11), Donegal

This site was revealed during the stripping of the topsoil for the Donegal Bypass during 1997 and had extensive areas of burning and charcoal spreads.

Three cuttings, each 9m x 8m, were opened. All of the topsoil had been removed by machine, revealing three main features on the site. Feature 1 was a rectangular feature, 1.65m north-south by 2.5m. It was delimited for the most part by a band of burnt, red subsoil 0.1m wide and 0.05m deep, with a high concentration of carbonised wood at the eastern end. It appears that the pieces of wood were laid down deliberately in an overlapping manner. Patches of burnt, red soil and high concentrations of charcoal, together with carbonised wood, constituted the fill of this feature. The red soil appears to be the natural subsoil, burnt red by the intense heat. A piece of unburned chert was recovered from this feature. During the initial discovery of the site fragments of bone (possibly human) and a struck flint were also recovered from this feature.

Feature 2 consists of a charcoal spread, 1.8m x 2.2m, c. 3m to the south of the above feature. Patches of burnt subsoil, evidence of intense heat, were also revealed within this spread. When the spread was removed a linear feature was revealed, running north-south for 2.5m, with a width of 0.2m and a depth of 0.8m.

Feature 3 was very similar, consisting of a linear cut 2.5m long and 0.5m wide and situated to the immediate south of Feature 2. Only 0.7m separated the two features. The redeposited fill of both features consisted of a grey, marl-like clay, with charcoal flecks, distributed throughout.

Feature 1 appears to be the most significant on the site. The very shape and size, together with the presence of burnt, red soil and wood, when combined with the burnt bone (possibly human) and struck flint and chert suggest that it may be a possible cremation pyre, but this has yet to be confirmed. 14C dating is currently being undertaken, but it may date to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. Features 2 and 3 are rather enigmatic. Whether they had any connection with the possible cremation pyre is uncertain, and the absence of any finds makes it difficult to suggest a purpose or date for them. However, dates may be forthcoming from charcoal samples.

Like Site 9 (No. 106, Excavations 1998), this site lies within an area of intense prehistoric activity, all revealed during the monitoring of the Donegal Bypass. Both of the above sites are in close proximity to a Neolithic house/structure, a fulacht fiadh, a large wetland site and Drumrat Court Tomb. Many of these sites may be interrelated in time and space, and they appear to form part of a rich and diverse archaeological landscape.

25 Rowan Hall, Millbrook Court, Milltown, Dublin 6