1998:227 - REYFAD, Fermanagh

Set on a small eminence that lies a short distance to the east of the Reyfad cup-and-ring marked stones (SMR 210:13), the monument lies in the Reyfad hills overlooking the Sacred Heart Church in Toneel North townland, where an Early Christian cross-shaft and base are situated (SMR 210:14).

First recorded in 1987 during fieldwork by Brian Williams of the Environment and Heritage Service, DOE NI, the earthwork consists of a small, subrectangular, earthen platform defined on three sides (east, west and south) by scarps but level with the ground surface on the northern side. The monument measures c. 22m north-west/south-east by 27m. The enclosing bank is most prominent along the east section, while in the south-east corner there is a gap some 2m wide, which may mark the position of an original entrance. In the north-west sector of the enclosed space is a raised area, some 0.5m high, which displays evidence of a rectangular line of overgrown stone footings, which may mark the location of an artificial platform. A short distance downslope to the north is what appears to be the opening into a natural cave in the limestone bedrock.

The proximity of the earthwork to the cup-and-ring marked stones offers the possibility that the earthwork is of prehistoric date. Alternatively, it may be a rath of irregular form or a late medieval settlement site. Clearly this is an enigmatic monument, and, as such, the objective of the excavation was to ascertain an understanding of its date, morphology and function.

The excavation was undertaken during a two-week period in August 1998. The Environment and Heritage Service, DOE NI, provided material assistance.

Two trenches were opened. Trench 1 was 1m x 12m, orientated north-east/south-west and bisected the earthen bank and the artificial platform in the north-west sector of the monument. Trench 2 was opened in the interior of the earthwork and consisted of a 2m x 2m trench orientated east-west.

In Trench 1 the topsoil, containing a number of post-medieval artefacts, was removed to a depth of c. 0.1–0.2m. In the central area of the trench an outcrop of limestone bedrock was revealed, which acted as a division in the trench. In the north-east end the topsoil lay directly above a layer of clay that contained small to medium-sized stones loosely deposited throughout. Two lines of boulders aligned north-south formed the outer edge of the artificial platform, and a paved surface abutted the eastern face of this revetment. The paving consisted of angular slabs embedded in a brown clay to provide a level surface, and a cereal grain was recovered from the clay bedding.

Removal of topsoil from the south-west end of the trench revealed that a foundation cutting had been dug into the natural land surface. The cutting had subsequently been filled with large, angular boulders, bedded in a sticky, orange clay and forming a foundation raft that abutted the south-western edge of the outcrop of bedrock. A cattle astralagus was discovered on the surface of the foundation raft. This has been submitted for radiocarbon dating. A heavily compacted bank of gravelly soil had then been deposited over the central area of bedrock, and this cap sloped down to cover the north-east-facing edge of the foundation raft.

The removal of topsoil in Trench 2 revealed a single archaeological feature cut into the natural surface at the northern end of the trench. This comprised a circular stain of grey clay delineated by four medium-sized stones. It is not intended that any future excavation be undertaken in this section of the site.

The enigmatic nature of the earthwork has been further highlighted during this initial period of investigation, and it is intended that a second season of excavation will be undertaken during August 1999.

24 Lille Park, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0LR