2006:155 - BALLYBAR LOWER, Carlow

Two large burnt mounds and various other features were excavated at this site, part of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown.

In Area A, a large, irregularly shaped burnt mound measuring 18m long (north–south) and 8m wide, directly adjacent to a small stream, was excavated. Removal of the mound revealed a series of nine trough-type features, three of which are connected with sluice channels, and connected to a curvilinear ditch. The features are close to a medieval moated settlement, and the type of finds from the pits under the mound point to this feature being medieval in date. Leather, worked antler, iron objects, medieval pottery and a wooden composite shovel were recovered, along with a barbed chert arrowhead, found in the upcast from the stream bank. A large chert core, re-utilised as a scraper, was found during stripping of the area.

In Area B, a burnt mound measuring 11m long (north–south) and 7m wide was excavated adjacent to a small stream, with a rectangular trough-type feature containing post-holes in each corner, that had been truncated by a later, large pit, c. 3m in diameter. A number of surrounding charcoal-rich pits, post- and stake-holes were also excavated. Disarticulated animal bone and possibly prehistoric pottery were recovered from this site.

Archaeological activity in Area C consisted of a roughly rectangular surface of charcoal-rich sand. A small number of pits were excavated and a small amount of possibly prehistoric pottery was recovered.

Area D was a small area of possible prehistoric settlement, comprising an in situ hearth, pits and post-holes. No evidence of a structure was found, so this area may have been a temporary camp adjacent to the Area B burnt mound. No finds were recovered from the area during excavation, but a large butt-trimmed arrow or javelin head was found during stripping of the area.

Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork