2006:1263 - Gardenhill, Limerick

The remains of a burnt-mound feature were identified as part of test-trenching the proposed N7 route in early 2006. This fulacht fiadh consisted of a single spread of burnt material that was subcircular in plan, 10.53m north–south by 8.42m with a maximum depth of 0.51m. It was located on low-lying ground that sloped gently to the west, where a modern field drain still functioned. Small areas of thin peaty material covered parts of the fulacht fiadh below the topsoil. The burnt material covered two features, a trough and a possible hearth platform. The trough was filled with burnt stony material similar to that of the main fulacht spread but siltier in composition. The base of the trough was below the water table. The trough cut was irregular in plan, 1.8m north–south by 1.3m and reached a depth of 0.25m, where the sloped sides met a flat base. Also below the main fulacht spread, in the north, was a curvilinear horseshoe-shaped cut. This was quite an irregular cut and was filled with material similar to the overlying peat, although charcoal flecks were present throughout. It is postulated that this cut served to provide clean clay with which to raise the area within. Hypothetically, the curvilinear cut could further drain the raised area and therefore could provide a dry hearth surface. Beyond the burnt material, 1m north-west of the curvilinear cut, an area of large red sandstones was investigated. Similar stone was found within the trough. Beside these stones a small deposit of burnt material was found.
No finds were recovered from the site, but samples were taken from each context and post-excavation analysis is ongoing.