2002:1078 - BALLINCURRA (BGE 3/7/6, 10), Limerick

BGE 3/76/6: possible roasting pit
Topsoil-stripping of Bord Gáis Éireann’s Pipeline to the West uncovered an irregularly shaped charcoal-rich pit in Ballincurra townland, Co. Limerick. The feature measured 3.5m north-east/south-west by 2.25m and sloped gradually from south to north, with an elongated U-shaped cut and a flat base with a maximum depth of 0.18m. It appeared to be a possible roasting pit. A variety of fire-reddened stones were found throughout and particularly at the base, where they seemed to be purposely aligned in a semicircle lying directly over the limestone bedrock that is very prevalent in this area. Interspersed throughout the stones at the base was the natural boulder clay, all of which was fire reddened. There were four fills, all of which were rich in charcoal and contained varying amounts of stone that may be the result of different episodes of firing. One small piece of burnt animal bone was recovered from the surface of the feature.

BGE 3/76/10: pits with associated metalled surface
A series of pits and a small metalled surface were also found. The site encompasses an area measuring 8m east–west by 14.6m. The metalled surface measured 3.6m east–west by 4m with a maximum depth of 0.07m. To the south-west lay a series of pits, which were generally subcircular and U-shaped with a flat base. None were arranged in any particular pattern. Although all of the features contained charcoal flecking of varying degrees, two of the pits contained charred hazelnut and animal bone, indicating a possible domestic refuse pit. The metalled surface was seen as a possible production area, with the pits being associated, used for storage or as refuse pits or both.

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