2007:842 - MULLAMAST, Kildare

This site was excavated as part of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford scheme, Phase 3: Kilcullen to Carlow. The site was identified during testing of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Carlow roadway by IAC Ltd. At this time the site was identified as comprising a figure-of-eight kiln with six fills. An area measuring 400m2 was stripped of topsoil to accommodate the full excavation of the site. A number of features were identified and the area was subsequently extended in conjunction with a programme of testing. Excavation took place on 1–24 August 2007. The site was situated on a level platform on the summit of a low hill commanding extensive views to the south, particularly of the medieval village of Ballitore. Site E2861 (see No. 843, Excavations 2007) was situated 40m to the north-east.

At least three phases of activity were identified during the course of excavation work. Phase I relates to the excavation and use of the figure-of-eight kiln identified during the course of testing and is probably late Iron Age/early medieval in date. A small ditch (015) located to the south is probably contemporary with the use of this kiln, as would be the kiln identified 75m to the north-east within site E2861. (015) was slightly curvilinear in plan with a squared north-west terminal. It was recut in the east by (079), with the surviving portion measuring 3.2m east–west by 0.75m by 0.55m in depth. The recut (079) is a much broader ditch with a concave profile and rounded terminals (11.5m east–west by 1.34m by 0.55m). It would appear to represent a second episode of use within Phase I. The curvilinear plan led to the initial interpretation that these ditches were the remains of a hilltop enclosure; however, the aforementioned testing of the site failed to identify any further enclosing elements.

Phase II activities relate to a concentration of circular cooking/hearth pits and storage pits towards the south of the site. Two of the hearths were excavated into the infilled ditch (079). The hearths had an average diameter of 1.3m and depth of 0.35m; the sides exhibited evidence of intense heat alteration. Located in proximity to these features was a large circular storage pit with straight sides and a flat base; it had a diameter of 1.6m and depth of 0.95m. A number of additional pits and posts identified throughout the excavation area are currently interpreted as relating to Phase II activities.

Phase III represents the period of post-medieval activity on site and can be subdivided into at least two episodes: Phase IIIA relating to land drainage and associated agricultural activity and Phase III B relating to gravel quarrying as identified in Test-trenches 1, 2 and 7.

Seven test-trenches were excavated to determine the full extent of the archaeological activity located between sites E2860 and E2861. These trenches varied from 5m to 37m in length. Random isolated archaeological and quarrying activities were identified in Trenches 1, 2, 7 and 4. A stone drain was identified in Trench 5; the route of ditch (025) as excavated under licence E2861 was identified in Trenches 6 and 7. No features were identified in Trench 3.

Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork