2006:201 - Rathcrogue, Carlow

The site was excavated as part of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown. It was located east of the proposed junction with the existing N80. This site should be viewed in conjunction with adjacent site E2592 (see No. 202 below), as both represent distinct elements of the (presumed) same site. Testing in 2005 located three areas of potential archaeological features: a cluster of small pits/post-holes and charcoal deposits, a possible associated pit and an isolated patch of burning. Excavation was carried out in the three areas. The main area was separated into several smaller areas.
Area 1 identified a field boundary ditch and two isolated pits. No finds were recovered from this area.
Area 2 was associated with the cluster of small pits/post-holes found during testing; these were part of a larger probable Bronze Age settlement. Many of the isolated features and clusters of features did not form any recognisable pattern or structure, yet at least two possible round-house structures could be identified. Structure 1 was roughly circular in shape and measured c. 5m in diameter. It comprised at least eight substantial post-holes, forming the outline of the structure. A likely entrance was to the north-east and was formed by two ancillary post-holes. Structure 2 was roughly circular in shape, with several post-holes forming the outline of the structure. Four post-holes formed a possible internal support for the structure. A number of small features and pits were located outside the possible structures and include a distinct arc of post-holes, cremation pits, burnt spread and a number of isolated post-holes and pits. Several diagnostic flint artefacts, as well as many sherds of probable Bronze Age pottery, were recovered from the post-holes and pits in this area.
Area 3 lay at the eastern side of the main area. A group of features which did not form any recognisable pattern were identified, and included two small irregular spreads of charcoal-rich material, several pits and post-holes. No finds were recovered from this area.
Area 4 identified a large pit with burning in situ and a small possible pit. No other features or finds were identified in this area.
The area to the west of the main area contained a circular pit, which was identified during testing. This measured 2m in diameter and contained two distinct deposits. Some charcoal was recovered from the upper fill. A further large pit was identified nearby. This was subrectangular in shape and contained charcoal and two large stones which may have had some function within the pit. Several smaller pits were also scattered in this area. No finds were recovered from this part of the site.
The area located to the east of the main area did not produce any features or finds and was deemed as having no archaeological significance.