County: Cork Site name: CURRAGHPREVIN (3)
Sites and Monuments Record No.: CO044-083---- Licence number: 03E1138
Author: Tara O'Neill, Archaeological Consultancy Services
Site type: Habitation site
Period/Dating: Neolithic (4000BC-2501 BC)
ITM: E 579052m, N 589305m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.055313, -8.305440
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 Curraghprevin. This site was subsequently designated Curraghprevin 3 and was excavated in July 2003. After stripping the appropriate areas within the road-take, 65 features of archaeological significance were identified. These included two concentrations of stake-hole and post-hole activity representing possible hut sites or temporary dwellings, three hearths, a number of oxidised clay spreads and a number of pits. Three of the pits excavated towards the northern extent of the site contained a large quantity of Mid-Western Neolithic pottery and other finds from various locations included flint debitage. Charcoal samples have been taken for the purpose of radiocarbon dating and these will presumably return dates from the Neolithic period. The features were scattered over a large area and may represent activity from seasonal migration, as there is little evidence for permanent occupation on the site. This site was of great archaeological significance and represented one of the earliest on this road scheme.
The work was funded by the National Development Plan 2000–2006 and was awarded by the National Roads Authority.
Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth
