County: Roscommon Site name: CORRANTOTAN
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 48:113 Licence number: 02E1158
Author: Christopher Read, North West Archaeological Services Ltd.
Site type: Pit and Hearth
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 595968m, N 744038m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.446413, -8.060682
During the removal of topsoil for a proposed quarry at Corrantotan, Bealmulla, monitored under licence 02E1054 (No. 1600, Excavations 2002), two small, potentially archaeological, cut features were revealed near the crest of the east-facing slope of the esker. One was an irregular, shallow cut measuring 1.3m (east–west) by 0.7–0.85m. It was 0.1–0.15m deep and filled with a uniform deposit of charcoal-enriched, sandy clay and gravel. The inner perimeter of the cut was lined with small cobbles, giving it a hearth-like appearance. There was no evidence of in situ burning or other features, and no finds were retrieved. The second feature was a likely hearth 30m north-west of the first feature. It measured 0.8m by 0.6m and was surrounded by a band of fire-reddened clay 0.15m wide. Excavation of the feature revealed a cut, 0.25m deep at the centre, with sloping sides and a rounded base. The fill was a charcoal-enriched gravel. No other features or finds were uncovered. Although no datable evidence was revealed in the excavation, it is possible that the features are contemporary with the nearby motte/castle.
Cloonfad Cottage, Cloonfad, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
