2005:077 - BUSHERSTOWN, Carlow

This report deals with the results of testing of Area 2 of Archaeological Services Contract 3, N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown. Area 2 ran from Russellstown to Moyle Big townlands. Fourteen areas of archaeological significance were identified (Sites 1–14: A021/016–29, see Nos 54, 70–76, 78 and 97–100, Excavations 2005). Further evidence for Bronze Age activity in the area was uncovered at this site at Busherstown, c. 70m south of A021/026 (see No. 76, Excavations 2005). Remains at this site comprised features associated with two fulachta fiadh and a circular pit of unknown function. Troughs were located in offset trenches c. 50m apart at both the north-east and north-west corners of the field. One fulacht fiadh spread comprised a deposit of dark-brown/black sandy clay with frequent charcoal and heat-shattered stones, 3.1m east–west by 1.7m. Sample excavation of the feature revealed steeply sloping sides, implying that the deposit comprised the fill of a substantial cut, possibly originally the trough of a fulacht fiadh. A circular feature, 0.5m in diameter, was exposed c. 1.7m north of this trough. This was filled by material similar to that of the trough and it possibly comprised a smaller trough or pit associated with the feature. Another fulacht fiadh trough was located in the north-east corner of the field. This was broadly circular in shape and 1.2m in diameter.

A circular pit was excavated c. 40m south of the fulachta fiadh material. This feature was 0.6m in diameter with a charcoal-rich dark-brown sandy clay fill. Sample excavation of the feature exposed steeply sloping edges and a potential depth of 0.4m. No artefacts were recovered from the pit.

Unit 4b, Europa Enterprise Park, Midleton, Co. Cork