2005:1612 - SITE 33, BALLYLOUGHAN, Wexford

Excavation of a site in Ballyloughan, Co. Wexford, was carried out in May as part of the mitigation of the proposed route of the N11 Gorey–Arklow link. The site was a burnt mound, measuring 15m in length (east–west) by 11m, utilising a stream to naturally fill a single trough. The mound was a semicircular amorphous spread, delineated by a small stream to the south flowing east–west, which appeared to define the site and naturally fill the oval trough. Some burnt spread, possibly representing hearth(s) and some additional burnt-mound material were located south of the stream. The trough was placed centrally and measured 2m in length, 1.8m in width, 0.7m in depth. A large amorphous spread of what appeared to be naturally formed iron panning was revealed within the mound, adjacent to the trough, and close to a cluster of 55 stake-holes of uncertain function, placed with no clear alignments. The site was partially sealed under a redeposited natural marl, possible representing a flood event. Some time later and before 1840, the stream channel was diverted to the north, along with construction of a north–south field boundary, which cut to the east. The site was also traversed by plough furrows.