2002:0108 - BEARNAFUNSHIN (BGE 3/6/1), Clare

This site was exposed during monitoring of topsoil-stripping along the route of the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West. It lies in an area of flat, low-lying farmland with unrestricted views in all directions and is within 2m of the Millbrook River.

The area investigated measured 5.73m north–south by 6.57m. A sizeable portion of the spread extends outside the limits of the Bord Gáis wayleave. Twelve contexts were identified, which can be divided into five phases of activity.

Phase I is represented by the initial build-up of peat before the development of the burnt spread. Phase II is represented by a moderately compact layer consisting of a high percentage of burnt and heat-shattered limestone in a charcoal-rich clay–silt matrix, indicating that firing of the stones occurred in the vicinity. Phase III is marked by a layer of burnt and unburnt limestone in a clay–silt matrix. The mottled nature of the deposit suggests that the layer was left open for a period of time during which the nearby river flooded, causing the silting of deposits and washing of charcoal into lower layers. Phase IV is represented by a thin charcoal layer with a high percentage of burnt limestone that extends southward outside the wayleave. Phase V is represented by the build-up of deposits caused by the natural topsoil regrowth and the flooding of the river.

The layers investigated confirm that only a fraction of the outer limits of the mound has been identified, and this has been severely water washed by the natural rise and fall of the Millbrook River. The location of the site on flat ground close to a water source is further confirmation that the exposed archaeological stratigraphy is the outer edge of a fulacht fiadh.

2 Killiney View, Albert Road Lower, Glenageary, Co. Dublin