2005:875 - CUFFSBOROUGH (1), Laois

Testing was carried out before the construction of the M7 Portlaoise–Castletown/M8 Portlaoise–Cullahill motorway scheme. In March 2005, during centre-line testing of Contract 1, Testing Area 2, carried out by Eamonn Cotter, an area of archaeological significance was identified in Field 156 (Plot 365) adjacent to a stream (see No. 874, Excavations 2005). The site was designated Cuffsborough 1 and was excavated between November 2005 and January 2006. An area measuring 40m by 40m and an area of 20m by 20m were stripped of topsoil by mechanical excavator to a depth of c. 0.4m. Excavation of the site revealed the remains of a fulacht fiadh and associated troughs and pits.

Two areas of fire-cracked sandstone measuring 4m by 5m and 0.4m in depth and 8m by 4m and 0.4m in depth survived in the larger cutting. One of these spreads sealed a large oval-shaped pit measuring 4.65m by 3.45m and 1.15m in depth. This feature was interpreted as a trough and two additional troughs were identified nearby. The first of these was subrectangular, with dimensions of 2.15m by 1.6m and 0.27m in depth, and the second was almost rectangular, with dimensions of 2.28m by 1.8m and 0.24m in depth. A stone-lined circular pit with an oxidised base and possible flue extending from it may have functioned as a kiln. Post-holes and stake-holes surrounding the feature are possibly the remains of a windbreak or superstructure associated with the kiln. In addition, numerous pits and post-holes were randomly dispersed across the site, forming no particular pattern. Deer antler was recovered from the fill of one of the pits. Sherds of prehistoric pottery of probable Bronze Age date were recovered from a linear feature. The site was truncated by drains and furrows associated with modern agricultural activity. A programme of post-excavation analysis will be undertaken later in the year.

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