2001:884 - ATTIREESH, Mayo

Two areas of archaeological significance were uncovered during topsoil removal for the Westport Main Drainage and Waste Water disposal scheme in this townland. They were situated within 20m of each other. Both sites contained well-preserved wood-lined troughs associated with burnt mounds.

Area 1
The burnt mound in Area 1 was horseshoe-shaped in plan, with its south-western extremities extending beyond the excavation area towards a stream. The area of burnt mound exposed measured 4.8m by 4.8m and continued beyond the excavation area. It had a maximum thickness of 0.3m. The mound consisted of heat-fractured stone, predominantly sandstone, in a matrix of compact, charcoal-rich, silty clay. A peaty area adjacent to the baulk partially overlay a very well-preserved wood-lined trough.

This trough was filled with burnt mound material and a mid- to dark brown moderately compact peaty clay. This fill included small to medium-sized burnt stones, charcoal, twigs and occasional hazelnuts.

The trough was rectangular in plan and had overall measurements of 1.2m east–west by 1.05m by 0.35m deep. It was constructed of tightly packed brushwood kept in position by thirteen substantial retaining posts in the corners, which were hammered through the peat to underlying stone.

The upper levels of the sides of the trough were in a state of collapse and were probably much higher when it was in use. The excavation revealed defining side timbers to the north and south, with cut ends that measured up to 1.6m and 1.46m respectively. Another side timber to the west measured 0.92m. Timbers to the east were poorly preserved and measured an average of 0.78m. The diameters of these timbers were between 55mm and 75mm.

The base was lined with seven timbers laid east–west in a uniform pattern in the northern half of the trough. Each timber measured c. 1.56m in length with a diameter of 40–60mm and had one well-defined worked end. Similar timbers probably existed in the southern half of the base of the trough but were removed in antiquity. The cut remains of one of these timbers remained in situ.

The trough was bedded on a base of compressed heather and fine sand with a maximum thickness of 30mm. This heather was best preserved under the surviving base timbers but it was also present where the timbers had been removed. This layer was underlain by larger timbers within the peat. Frequent natural timbers are preserved in this peat but some of the timbers below the trough may have been placed to level or solidify the ground to facilitate the construction of the trough.

Small finds were few in this area. Occasional animal bones and a chert flake were recovered.

Area 2
The burnt mound in this area measured 7.4m by 5m by 0.35m thick. It partially overlay a well-constructed and well-preserved wood-lined trough which was set in peat, similar to that uncovered in Area 1.

The trough was of similar construction to that in Area 1. The sides consisted of brushwood and small twigs placed tightly into the sides of the trough. Three retaining posts were used to hold them in position. These twigs had the appearance of wickerwork but were tightly packed rather than woven. The side timbers ranged from light brushwoods to roundwoods measuring 0.4–1.36m in length and 22–82mm in diameter. There were 47 side timbers in total. The base consisted of six timbers, split plank roundwoods for the most part, which had warped slightly over time. They measured 1.32–1.18m in length and 60–92mm in diameter. The post found in the south-east corner is unusual in that it has a narrow end which abruptly widens to a broad facet with axe-marks on both sides. It is likely that this post had some other function prior to being used in the trough construction.

As the timbers were removed, a charcoal/burnt timber layer was encountered, concentrated underneath the northern and eastern side timbers and in patches underneath the southern and western sides. This layer may be the result of the washing down of remains from the cooking process or, alternatively, the result of filtering through the gaps in the sides and the base. It covers an area measuring approximately 1.5m by 0.95m by 50mm (thickness). The removal of timbers also led to the discovery of a heather lining concentrated in the western half of the trough underneath certain side and base timbers, covering an area of approximately 1.2m by 1m by 15mm (thickness).

Directly underneath the trough was a series of twigs, brushwood and roundwoods, especially to the south of the trough. These ranged in length from 0.1m to 1m and in diameter from 20mm to 70mm. It is possible that they were laid down deliberately as a support to solidify or level the base of the trough. Alternatively, the builders of the trough may have made use of wood which occurred naturally. None of these underlying timbers are obviously worked so it is difficult to assess their archaeological importance.

In addition, adjacent to the trough there was an accumulation of well-preserved timbers, over 100 of which were cut and retain a variety of well-preserved axe-marks. These timbers were laid out in a roughly linear pattern which may be the remains of a rough working platform or trackway. The timbers in turn were resting on an accumulation of compact small stones resting on peat and a variety of timbers. These were bounded by additional timbers, one of which is a substantial post with a square mortice cut through it and with a timber tenon surviving in situ. The bases of two additional large posts with distinctive well-preserved axe-marks were also uncovered here. A flint flake and fifteen animal bones were found in this context.

Westport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo