2002:1275 - DERRYNAGRAN, Longford

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Longford Site name: DERRYNAGRAN

Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 02E0976

Author: Jane Whitaker, ADS Ltd.

Site type: Platform - peatland

Period/Dating: Undetermined

ITM: E 607249m, N 761221m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.600789, -7.890474

This site was identified in opposing drain faces close to the eastern extent of Derrycolumb 3 bog. It was 13m east of 02E0973 (No. 1274, Excavations 2002) and 10m south of 02E0974 (No. 1278, Excavations 2002). A single cutting measuring 4m by 5m was excavated, placed across the width of the Bord na Móna drain.

Excavation revealed that the site was a simple roundwood and brushwood platform measuring a maximum of 5m by 5m. The overlying peat was 0–0.51m deep. The site itself was composed of mainly north–south-oriented elements, most of which were roundwoods. The elements were quite dispersed and uneven. The upper surface of the site was uneven and quite haphazardly laid. At the north-eastern extent of the cutting the site was densely packed with roundwoods, and it was most dispersed along its north-western extent. Along the eastern extent of the cutting the site was up to four roundwoods deep. There was no clear structure, and many of the elements were at different levels. Some of the elements were root-like, and many had bark intact. Nineteen elements had evidence of toolmarked ends. The toolmarks were both wedge and chisel points. All were multi-faceted and flat and had been cut with a metal tool.

The lack of clear structure and orientation is often a feature of these platform sites. This platform, however, had a very uneven uppermost layer, which may have been due to disturbance in antiquity or the fact that the structure was intended for very short-term use only. This is one of a number of sites in close proximity along this drain edge. The neighbouring drains to the west and east also contained several closely spaced sites. It is hoped that dating and environmental analysis will facilitate an understanding of this site in the context of the surrounding sites.

Windsor House, 11 Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3