County: Cork Site name: BALLYNAMONA (1)
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 03E1458
Author: Eamonn Cotter, for Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
Site type: Kiln - corn-drying
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 581781m, N 599791m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.149672, -8.266217
Testing in this area was carried out in 2002 by Donald Murphy, on behalf of Cork County Council, in advance of construction of the route of the proposed N8 Rathcormac–Fermoy Bypass Scheme (Excavations 2002, No. 346, 02E0713–02E0720). A number of possible archaeological features were noted. The site was designated Ballynamona 1 and full excavation was carried out in October 2003.
The principal feature of the site was a stone-lined corn-drying kiln, constructed in the common ‘keyhole’-shaped plan, aligned north-east/south-west. It was constructed of large stones, mostly limestone, but with some sandstone. The hearth was at the north-eastern end and measured 0.8m by 1.6m. The flue extended for approximately 2.4m in length and varied from 0.35 to 0.5m in depth. At its south-western end, the circular bowl measured 1.2m in diameter.
Deposits of oxidised clay and charcoal-rich soil were found at the base of the hearth and flue. Radiocarbon dates are pending. Two linear ditches, presumably boundary ditches, were also present.
Full funding for this work was provided by the National Development Plan 2002–2006, awarded through the National Roads Authority.
Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth
