2007:274 - KILLAREE, Cork

Monitoring was undertaken at the site of a single residential development at Killaree, Charleville, Co. Cork. The southern boundary of the site, which is located to the west-north-west of Charleville, is formed by the arc of a ringfort (CO002–097). Testing undertaken by Yvonne Whitty (see No. 273, Excavations 2007) uncovered features of archaeological interest/potential, many of which were concentrated in the southern and south-eastern area of the site. Consequently, following advice from the planning authority, the site layout was revised to reduce the impact on the previously identified subsurface archaeological remains.

Four features were uncovered during the course of the monitoring: two spreads of charcoal-rich soil with inclusions of heat-shattered stones, a possible iron-smelting pit with an associated spread of charcoal-rich soil, and a spread of charcoal. The latter was noted to extend through the topsoil layer and, consequently, may be modern in origin. All of the features were uncovered within the area of the driveway and will not be further disturbed by any foundation or service trench excavations. Consequently, it was agreed with the National Monuments section of the DoEHLG that the features would be covered with a heavy-gauge geotextile material and buried under the formation material associated with the driveway construction.