County: Wicklow Site name: BALLYNAMUDDAGH, Bray
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 00E0398
Author: Niall Gregory
Site type: Fulacht fia, Pit and Hearth
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 727712m, N 716314m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.181944, -6.089259
Monitoring was conducted on this site between 14 and 25 August 2000, to assess the potential for and nature of archaeological remains in the course of topsoil removal for the construction of an 18-hole golf-course and associated features. The site, on the western slope of Bray Head, encompasses c. 174,000m2. The site OD varies from 70m (at its western extent) to 160m (at its eastern). All topsoil-stripping was carried out to a depth of c. 0.3m, which removed all topsoil and was conducive to the identification of potential archaeological features.
The original test-lines on each fairway were broadened up to 80% to further establish potential for archaeological features to be removed. A number of locations were identified as containing potential features. These were first recorded by GPS and allocated a letter in alphabetical sequence; the location was cordoned with stakes and tape. In addition to these sites, stray finds were also recovered. All sites were thoroughly investigated, of which four were of archaeological significance. In addition, the monitoring uncovered three deliberately struck pieces of flint that were not associated with any features.
Three pits or hearth sites were found, as well as a fulacht fiadh. The first hearth was originally oval in plan and measured 1.9 by 1m. It was north–south-orientated and was found at NGR 32733 21652. It was 0.35m in maximum depth. Its upper fill consisted of charcoal-rich soil, while the lower was a red burnt soil. A relatively modern field drain truncated the southern extent of this feature.
The second hearth was a north–south-orientated, conjoined double pit, with the larger one situated to the north at NGR 32725 21684. It measured 1m by 0.8m and was 0.11m in maximum depth. Its shallow profile held two fills, of which the upper was a charcoal-rich soil and the lower a red burnt soil. The two deliberately struck flints were recovered from the lower fill. The upper fill of the pit extended southwards into the neighbouring, smaller pit. It measured 0.7m by 0.56m and was 0.1m in maximum depth.
The third pit was oval in plan and measured 0.6m by 0.48m. Its maximum depth was 0.11m. Its sole fill consisted of a charcoal-rich soil. It was found at NGR 32736 21675.
The fulacht fiadh was found at NGR 32758 21597. Since this site was partly covered by subsequent landfill, only its western extent, a semi-oval portion, was excavated. It measured 1.6m by 0.9m and was 0.21m in maximum depth. It had a very shallow profile. Its fill consisted entirely of charcoal-rich soil and burnt stone.
Flat 1, Main Street, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
