County: Carlow Site name: BALLYBAR LOWER
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: E002622
Author: Liam Hackett, Headland Archaeology Ltd.
Site type: Flat cemetery, Pit and Racecourse
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 673053m, N 671441m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.789030, -6.916932
The site was excavated as part of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown. Up to six cremation burials were excavated in this area, one of which contained at least two individuals and two ‘pygmy’ arrowheads, thought to be ritualistic grave goods deposited with the bones. Three figure-of-eight kilns and several pits and post-holes were excavated in the area, which was also the site of the Ballybar racecourse, the grandstand of which formed a high, levelled ditch running in an east–west direction through the site. The racecourse originated in the 18th century and was in use until the mid-19th century. A delisted ‘ringfort’ is located in the vicinity of the site. Further analysis of the cremated remains and pottery is ongoing.
Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork
