2007:223 - BURGESLAND, Cork

In the course of monitoring of topsoil removal for a gas pipeline at Burgesland, Carrigtwohill, a spread of charcoal and heat-shattered stone, 5m by 3m, typical of material associated with a fulacht fiadh, was identified. The extent of the burnt material continued to the outside (south) of the pipeline corridor.

The site was situated in recently drained land. The fulacht fiadh was located c. 5m east of a stream, which runs north–south. The burnt material had been disturbed by a land drain cut to the north-east. A field fence partially covered the burnt material and part of a small pit. The position and dimensions of the land drain were recorded. The field fence was subsequently removed. The area of excavation was subrectangular and centred on the spread of burnt material.

The burnt spread was composed of six different deposits. Two pits were also excavated outside but were in close proximity to the burnt material. No trough was located. The overall measurement of the burnt spread was 11.3m east–west by 5.2m. Two slot-trenches were excavated to a maximum depth of 0.55m at right angles to each other.