County: Kerry Site name: TEERNABOUL
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 02E0447 ext.
Author: Linda Lynch, Aegis Archaeology Ltd.
Site type: Pit
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 499371m, N 591258m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.064127, -9.467618
During the monitoring of groundworks at the extension to Ballyspillane Industrial Estate (see No. 833, Excavations 2002) four features of potential archaeological significance were recorded, c. 100m north-west of an enclosure (SMR 67:14).
The two irregular linear and two subcircular features were confined to an area measuring 6m by 2m. There was no surface indication of the features before the topsoil-stripping. Context 3 (0.6m long, a maximum of 0.5m wide, averaging 0.1m deep) and Context 9 (1.9m long, a maximum of 0.4m wide, averaging 0.12m deep) were both irregular linear features containing large fragments of charcoal and some in situ burning. Context 5 (a maximum of 0.4m wide, 0.17m deep) and Context 7 (a maximum of 0.6m wide, 0.35m deep) were subcircular and contained charcoal with significant deposits of rounded stones.
The evidence indicates that the two irregular linear features were the remnants of burnt root systems. The two subcircular features may be the remains of pits with stone packing, possibly for holding wooden posts. The proximity of the features to the enclosure suggests that they may be related to it and may represent activities outside the confines of the enclosure. The charcoal from the features will be processed for identification and radiocarbon dating.
16 Avondale Court, Corbally, Limerick
