2003:340 - SCARTBARRY (1), Cork

Testing was carried out in advance of construction along the route of the proposed N8 Rathcormac–Fermoy Bypass on behalf of Cork County Council. In 2002, during this phase of centre-line testing, a number of features of archaeological potential were exposed at Scartbarry. The site was subsequently designated Scartbarry 1 and was excavated in August 2003. Topsoil-stripping revealed two concentrations of archaeological activity.

One area to the east of the site contained three pits and a spread. No finds were retrieved from these pits but radiocarbon analysis will provide a date for these features.

The second area was located to the west of the site and consisted of a large fulacht spread, which was disturbed by modern activity and overlay associated pits, a trough and an earlier unusual stone structure. This structure consisted of an east–west-orientated stone-flanked channel or corridor (0.7m in depth), which was enclosed/encircled by a stone-lined slot-trench measuring 4m in diameter with associated post-holes and entrance feature. This channel was connected to another stone structure to the east. This second structure was oval-shaped and consisted of a cut with large slabs of stone at its base and three walls of stone to the east, north and south. Its western extent opened into the channel feature a step below. A number of charcoal samples were retrieved from this fulacht and should provide a range of dates for the features. The trough below the fulacht spread contained a number of stake-holes, one of which still contained a timber stake. This was the only find retrieved from this site. This fulacht site represents a very elaborate example and is consequently of great significance.

The work was funded by the National Development Plan 2000–2006 and was awarded by the National Roads Authority.

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