2004:1111 - HAGGARDSTOWN, Louth

Excavations were carried out at the site of a proposed housing development following an earlier assessment of the site by Eoin Halpin (No. 1110, Excavations 2004). The remains that were exposed all appear to be associated either with prehistoric activity or with modern drainage and agricultural activity. One of the areas of prehistoric activity identified consisted of pits and linear features and contained prehistoric pottery. A small area of oxidised clay that may represent a possible hearth was also recorded, but there is no discernible pattern to these features and no evidence of any sort of structure. The presence of heat-cracked stone in this area may indicate that some sort of industrial activity was taking place. These features are possibly representative of a heavily truncated burnt mound.

Located in the eastern area of the site, an area which may at one time have been quite close to the shoreline, were the truncated remains of a probable prehistoric burnt mound containing a flint blade and two possible hammerstones. A cluster of pits in the centre of the site could have served as troughs over a period of time and were backfilled by burnt-mound material. The lack of any animal remains from this area make it unlikely that it was used as a cooking place, so an alternative function for this site must be considered.

To the north and east of the above burnt mound was a second burnt-mound deposit. A number of features were excavated below the burnt-mound material. A stone-lined pit that may have served as a trough or as a hearth was recorded. The presence of a small number of post-holes may indicate a structure, possibly a windbreak, and a small pit with stake-holes surrounding it could conceivably have served as a fire pit with a superstructure/pot stand.

Windsor House, 11 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3