2006:1336 - COOKSPARK (23F06), Louth

Excavation was carried out on a site located in Cookspark townland, Mosstown, Co. Louth, along the route of the proposed south–north gas pipeline. The site was initially uncovered during monitoring of topsoil-stripping (see AD19, Excavations 2006, 06E0142). Subsequent excavation took place between 10 May and 30 May 2006.

The area of archaeology measured 25m by 15m and was located on a north-facing slope c. 100m south of the White River, which runs from west to east. The main feature of the site was a kiln cut into the subsoil. The kiln comprised several elements, consisting of the main bowl or chamber with a neck connecting it to a fire-pit and two major flues. Overall the kiln was roughly keyhole-shaped in plan and had a total length of 5.5m, while the two flues ran for a further 8m and 6.75m respectively. The kiln chamber was circular, with the cut measuring 1.1m in diameter and 0.6m deep. The neck was linear, ran south–north and measured 2.4m long, 0.84–1.12m wide and 0.3m deep. Both the chamber and neck were stone-lined, although the lining was more intact in the chamber area. At the northern end of the neck the kiln opened out into a bowl-shaped fire-pit. This was roughly oval and measured 2.1m by 1.7m and was 0.6m deep. There was no sign of in situ burning on the base of the fire-pit, although it is assumed this was where the fire would have been stoked. Also within the fire-pit was an anomalous feature cut into the subsoil. This was located in the centre of the base and was circular, measuring 0.26m in diameter and 0.08m deep. It is possible this was a central pit or socket that may have contained the combustible material of the fire-pit. Extending off the northern and north-west ends of the fire-pit were two separate flues cut into the subsoil, both extending in a roughly northerly direction. These were both linear to slightly curved and measured 8m long, 0.32–0.86m wide, 0.1–0.25m deep and 6.75m long, 0.35–0.5m wide, 0.28m deep respectively. The flues were contemporary and shared a similar function, which was probably to channel air for ventilating the fire-pit, neck and chamber of the kiln.

The kiln would appear to be similar to corn-drying kilns found throughout Ireland, generally dating to the medieval period. However, there was no clear evidence of grain amongst the various fills of the kiln to indicate its use. Samples were taken from some of the fills and it is hoped that examination of these may help clarify the kiln’s function. Similarly, there were no associated datable finds of the medieval period to give an indication of its age. The finds recovered consisted entirely of flint tools and flint debitage. However, charcoal and burnt wood were in abundance amongst the fills and several samples are awaiting 14C dating, which should clarify the age of the kiln.

In addition to the kiln, a series of 25 post-holes, pits and stake-holes were excavated. These were all located in the southern half of the site. These did not form any cohesive patterns, such as the foundation remains for a house or any other structure, and it was unclear if they were associated with the kiln or not. Unfortunately none of these features produced enough charcoal for 14C dating for comparison.

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