1999:121 - RINGACOLTIG, Cork

A possible enclosure site is marked on the 1st edition OS 6-inch map in an area of a proposed residential development site on the north-western outskirts of Cobh. The precise location, nature and extent of the site had not been determined because it had been levelled sometime in the mid-late 19th century and the area had been constantly ploughed over a long period of time. A geophysical survey was undertaken by GeoArc Ltd in the general area of the site in order to determine its extent, as well as to indicate whether any associated and/or additional features of archaeological interest might be discovered. It was believed that the enclosure may have been a ringfort with an external fosse and that this latter feature may still remain cut into the subsoil. However, no traces of the enclosure were found by the geophysical survey, although a number of subsurface anomalies were detected. It was suggested in the geophysical report that certain areas be subjected to investigation by intrusive excavation. In addition, it was decided to excavate more trenches to verify the results and conclusions of the geophysical report, as well as to determine the nature of the anomalies.

Testing was carried out at the site on 10 and 11 July 1999. This consisted of the combination of machine- and hand-excavation of eight trenches. In general, it was found that the topsoil/ploughzone material was deepest to the west and south, which would be expected given the existing slope down to these areas. Furthermore, it was found that the ploughzone contained occasional metal items such as nuts, bolts and nails, which probably explain the 'dipolar anomalies' suggested by the geophysical report. In addition, the negative geophysical anomalies appear to have been caused by both a modern burning episode and the compaction and rutting formed by a track used by heavy vehicles and machinery. The positive geophysical anomalies all appear to have been caused by natural variations in the depth of both topsoil and subsoil.

None of the geophysical anomalies reflected features or deposits of archaeological interest or potential. In addition, no finds of archaeological or historical interest were recovered during the archaeological testing.

It is suggested that the site depicted on the map may have been a circular enclosure comprising only a bank. This bank was levelled, and all traces of the site were subsequently destroyed by constant ploughing.