2003:2260 - BALLINGOWAN, Kerry

Monitoring of topsoil removal was carried out along the length of the N21 Ballycarty–Tralee Road Improvement Scheme. Two areas of archaeology were uncovered during monitoring. These consisted of an isolated pit in Area 1 and a pit and two stake-holes in Area 2.

Area 1 consisted of an isolated pit which contained three fills. The upper fill comprised mid-yellow/ brown sandy silt with frequent charcoal flecks and pieces. The second fill was situated on the northern edge of the pit and consisted of redeposited natural subsoil. The lower fill consisted of sandy silt with 40% charcoal and contained a single piece of burnt bone and occasional small pieces of burnt clay. The cut of the pit measured 3.1m east–west by 1.22m by 0.21m deep. It was irregular, but at its eastern end it had a definite bowl shape. The presence of burnt clay subsoil showed that in situ burning took place at the pit. At the western end the cut was subrectangular with protruding limestone bedrock. There was little charcoal in the fills at the western end, so it is likely that the original fills in the western part of the pit were removed.

A shallow pit with two large stake-holes, one on either side, was recorded in Area 2. A stake-hole measuring 0.24m in diameter by 0.2m deep was found 0.9m to the north of the eastern end of the pit. The fill was mid-brown/grey sandy silt with occasional charcoal. The cut was circular in plan with vertical sides and a flat base. A second large stake-hole was recorded 0.9m south of the eastern end of the pit. It measured 0.26m in diameter by 0.19m deep. It was circular in plan with vertical sides and a rounded base. The fill of the pit was mid-brown/ grey sandy silt with moderate charcoal flecks. The cut was rectangular in plan, with rounded corners, gently sloping sides and a smooth base. It was 0.18m deep. Post-excavation work is continuing.

3 Canal Place, Tralee, Co. Kerry