County: Mayo Site name: Killacorraun 1
Sites and Monuments Record No.: - Licence number: 06E0057
Author: Deirdre Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd, Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Site type: Ironworking site
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 506908m, N 813186m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.059405, -9.421930
This site was excavated in January 2006 as part of the programme of resolution of archaeological sites on the route of the proposed Galway–Mayo gas pipeline. Monitoring of topsoil-stripping by Stephen Linnane (Excavations 2004, No. 1096, 05E0584) revealed archaeological features in an area measuring 26m by 21m. Excavation was therefore undertaken and two oval-shaped pits and five charcoal-rich spreads were identified. The site was bordered to the south by a stream and road and to the west by marshland.
The two oval-shaped pits were located at the northern extremity of the site and were situated 6.87m apart. They had diameters of 2.05–2.15m and depths of 0.2–0.3m. Both were interpreted as furnaces/kilns and one had two flues extending to the north and south measuring 1.8m and 2.07m respectively. The bases of both kilns were heavily oxidised, indicating in situ burning. The basal fill consisted of a thick layer of charcoal and contained large quantities of iron slag. Both features are probably contemporary and associated with the production of iron. The remaining features on the site were scattered. Charcoal and slag samples were recovered and have been sent for analysis. Radiocarbon dates are pending.
