2006:1919 - Site 169.1–2, Shanballyduff, Tipperary

These sites were initially identified during test excavation carried out in August 2005 along the N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown road improvement scheme. The sites were subsequently excavated between 19 and 30 June 2006. Site 169.1 consisted of a pit feature measuring 1.6m in diameter. A series of stake-holes were clustered around the eastern extent of the feature. Site 169.2, which was located 120m to the east of Site 169.1, consisted of two pit features with burning in situ at the base and associated stake-holes. One of these features may be a small kiln. Site 169.3 (see No. 1911 above, E2297), located to the south of these sites, consisted of three cremation burials with associated pits and post-holes. It is not clear if any of these sites are associated or contemporary. No artefacts were found during excavation. A number of samples from the hearth and pit features have been identified for analysis, which may yield further information about the site, perhaps in the form of charred seeds.