2003:0289 - LISNAGAR DEMESNE (3), 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, the remains of a burnt-stone spread and a pit were exposed in Lisnagar Demesne. The site was subsequently designated Lisnagar Demesne 3 and was excavated in September 2003.

An area measuring 786m2 was opened around the fulacht spread. Traces of heat-shattered sandstone and charcoal were exposed over the site, but the material had been severely truncated by ploughing. Features including four linear pits, two shallow small oval pits and a trough were exposed. All contained heat-shattered sandstone and charcoal within their fills. The trough was rectangular, with dimensions of 2.3m by 1.5m; it had a maximum depth of 0.35m. It contained three distinct fills and the primary fill consisted of large, heat-cracked stones. These probably relate to the final phase of use and were never removed when the cooking process was complete. However, slag was recovered from beneath the stones within the trough cut. This would suggest that this fulacht site is Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age in date, as the accepted date for commencement of ironworking in Ireland is generally around 500 BC. There was no obvious evidence for any form of ironworking at this site and in this regard post-excavation analysis of soil samples and radiocarbon dating is crucial to our understanding of it.

This fulacht fiadh was located beside a stream, on the far side of which was situated another fulacht. It is considered that both fulachta fiadh are contemporary, but only radiocarbon analysis will confirm this. A programme of post-excavation analysis will commence early in 2004.

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

Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, County Louth