2004:1841 - IDA PARK, BALLYNATTIN, ARKLOW, Wicklow

Excavation was undertaken of potential archaeological features uncovered during unlicensed monitoring. The remains of three potential Bronze Age structures, each disturbed by agricultural activity and/or recent groundworks associated with the construction of a haul-road, were uncovered. Approximately only one-third of each structure survived for excavation. Structures A and C comprised curvilinear slot-trenches. Both features contained sherds of prehistoric pottery within their fills. There was little indication of associated posts to suggest that these were roofed structures. Structure B was circular in formation and comprised nine postholes and 36 stake-holes. Three of the post-holes occurred within the structure and these are suggestive of internal supports for a possible roof. Two slot-trench-type cuts were excavated along the northern exterior of this structure. These cuts may represent a drainage feature or may further support the hypothesis that the structure was roofed for domestic use. A furnace was excavated to the east of the site. A saddle quern retrieved from within the fill of this feature would suggest that the furnace may have been used to dry corn or other tillage produce. Other features excavated included two hearths, with associated stake-holes, pits, groupings of post-holes and stake-holes, and spreads or dumps of material potentially associated with prehistoric activity. A ditch, which was excavated in two of the areas, had an associated cobbled surface dating to the late 18th century. Field boundaries, drainage systems and furrows were also encountered. Post-excavation work is ongoing.