2005:1619 - CLOUGH SITE 3, Wexford

The excavation was carried out following the completion of an archaeological assessment by Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd for the N11 Gorey–Arklow link. The site was located at the edge of a field about 10m south of a stream that meanders east–west by the site; it was evident from excavation that the original route of this stream was directly through the centre of the site, dissecting it. It was also evident how waterlogged and hence suitable for burnt-mound activity the site was by the numerous drainage features cutting through the archaeological materials. The burnt-mound material was therefore very shallow and badly disturbed, containing modern pottery.
Three troughs were identified beneath the burnt mound, along with a north–south-running gully and 51 stake-holes associated with the largest trough. The gully may have been used to channel the water to the trough, perhaps for some sort of industrial activity. An outlying pit was also excavated. It contained large amounts of charcoal and ten fragments of thick ceramic material that may have been part of a crucible. Traces of oxidisation were evident on the fragments; further analysis should provide accurate identification of the material.