2003:1489 - LISANISK (1, Site 107), Monaghan

Excavations in Lisanisk c. 1.5km south-east of Carrickmacross, in advance of the construction of the N2 Carrickmacross-Aclint Road Realignment, were funded by Monaghan County Council and the National Roads Authority.

The site was identified during testing by Tim Coughlan in March–April 2003 (No. 1482, Excavations 2003, 03E0388). It was located on the south slope of a low drumlin. A large, circular pit, more than 1m in diameter, was identified at Chainage 15615. A metal object and a sherd of possible souterrain ware were recorded in its upper fills. The pit may have represented ephemeral activity associated with a possible ringfort identified at Site 108, Lisanisk 2, to the north.

The site was stripped of topsoil between 3 and 11 July 2003 using a machine fitted with a toothless bucket. An area measuring 100m north-south by 20m at the south end and 70m at the north end was opened. Apparent isolated features were identified. A cluster of features in the east of the site may suggest evidence of small-scale industrial activity, but there was no indication of sustained metalworking or hearths that would have been required for such work. It is more likely, therefore, that the features were indicative of some type of land clearance agricultural activity. It is possible that the features to the north and south of the site are associated with, and contemporary with, this.