County: Clare Site name: SHANNAKEA BEG
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 02E1136
Author: Brian Halpin, for Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd.
Site type: Fulacht fia
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 521466m, N 653557m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.627560, -9.160022
Topsoil-stripping for the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West uncovered an intact fulacht fiadh in the townland of Shannakea Beg, Co. Clare. The feature had a diameter of c. 8m and was a classic kidney shape. There was a low mound remnant, 0.4m in maximum depth, that contained seven distinct layers of burnt material, showing numerous periods of firing associated with the feature. These layers contained varying amounts of charcoal and heat-shattered sandstone, with occasional peat mixed throughout. The mound was situated above a continuous fibrous peat deposit, which overlay a yellow/brown silty clay subsoil and which was also at the level of the water table.
On removal of the mound material, three cut features were identified dug through the peat and partially into the clay subsoil. One was a small possible trough, which was subcircular and U-shaped with gradually sloping sides and a flat base. It measured 1.25m north-west/south-east by 1.1m, with a maximum depth of 0.16m, and had a fill of 70% heat-shattered sandstone and limestone in a charcoal-rich sandy clay. Two other possible associated pits were found, with a peaty/burnt material fill. Although these pits were seen as being contemporary with the site, their function remains unclear. Specialist reports are forthcoming.
2 Killiney View, Albert Road Lower, Glenageary, Co. Dublin
