2002:0899 - CORBALLY, Kildare

Features exposed during the initial and subsequent phases of stripping were excavated under this licence. These features are either part of the existing archaeological landscape as defined in 2001 (Excavations 2001, No. 627) or, owing to stratigraphic association, cannot be extracted from it. The methodology for excavation was to work west from the pit face, which also demarcated the end of the 2001 excavations. Most of the features were on the ridge top, which crossed the site from south-east to north-west.

Initial monitoring revealed eleven kilns, and subsequent monitoring during excavation exposed a further five, most of which had the characteristic keyhole/figure-of-eight plan. The kilns varied from c. 1.8m to over 3m long. Their alignment was, for the most part, roughly north–south (average: 340?). Some of the kilns exhibited evidence of multiple uses, and two appeared to have been prepared but never used. An unusual feature in seven of the kilns was evidence of an enclosing ditch/trench. During excavation these enclosing trenches displayed no evidence of structural features.

Topsoil-stripping in conjunction with the removal of the soil dumps exposed the cranium of a human burial. This burial was found to lie west–east in a shallow, subrectangular grave-cut. The grave-cut was within the precincts of an enclosure defined by a fosse with well-defined openings to the west and east. The enclosure was almost circular, measuring 11.25m east–west by 11.5m. The ditch was 1.6–1.7m wide and 0.2–0.4m deep. The eastern entrance displayed evidence of flanking post-holes. The western opening was flanked by a single possible post-hole. The ditch fill was humic, with large quantities of animal bone, some of which appeared to be butchered. From this fill also came an iron spear-point. Within the enclosure five burials were identified and are being excavated. The central burial was in a well-defined grave-cut, completely lined by contiguously set pebbles. The body appeared to have been interred in a shroud, given the positions of the feet, legs, arms and scapulae. The other burials in the enclosure may have been buried in shrouds, but the lining of the grave-cuts was either incomplete or non-existent. The burials appeared to represent three adults/adolescents and two children (5–7 years old). The fosse of the enclosure was cut on the west by the ditch enclosing one of the kilns. This is conclusive evidence that the kilns post-date the barrow and possibly the burials.

One kiln to the south of the enclosure proved quite enigmatic. Initially it was thought to be a grave-cut, being aligned west–east. The fill was very friable, with many voids, large rocks and animal bones. On removal of this upper fill, a compact layer was reached that displayed evidence of in situ burning. This suggests that at this level the feature served as a kiln. This secondary fill was removed to reveal a skeleton. The skeleton was not interred in a formal way but was on its side with knees bent, one arm raised by the head and the other across the abdomen. Immediately under the body was another area of oxidised clay, suggesting that the cut originally served as a kiln. The nature of the burial and the subsequent reuse of the kiln suggest that the body was thrown into the kiln rather hastily and covered quickly.

The small circular pits found in conjunction with the kilns may cast light on the improving technology associated with the heating/firing of the kilns. The small keyhole kilns appeared to have suffered considerable failure through ignition of the cereals as a result of their proximity to a direct heat source. The larger, enclosed kilns showed evidence of repeated firings and possibly extended periods of use. The circular pits may be the key to the increased efficiency. During excavation these pits consistently produced quantities of charcoal, and they may have served to manufacture charcoal adjacent to the main kiln. The use of charcoal would introduce a more efficient heat source and a lower risk of ignition from sparks.

Most of the features excavated appeared to be associated with the large enclosure (see No. 900, Excavations 2002, 02E1310). As was the case in 2001, monitoring exposed several linear features, which have silted up over time. When viewed on plan and in association with similar linear features identified through the gradiometric survey, they appear to correspond to field boundaries. The field systems appear to be focused on the enclosure and do not cut through its enclosing ditch. Therefore it is possible that the fields are contemporary with the enclosure. The burials in the enclosure may be later than the period of its occupation, but, if the site proves to be ecclesiastical, the burials may well be contemporaneous.

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