2007:1000 - AR105, Rathcash East, Kilkenny

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Kilkenny Site name: AR105, Rathcash East

Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: A032/136; E3893

Author: Tim Coughlan, Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd, 120B Greenpark Road, Bray, Wicklow.

Site type: Burnt-mound activity

Period/Dating:

ITM: E 659356m, N 654589m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.639270, -7.123014

This site was located within the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme along Contract 2, Phase 4B, Knocktopher to Powerstown, on low boggy ground, which was prone to flooding. Archaeological remains at this site consisted of two east–west spreads (7m by 2.45m and 4.5m by 2m) of burnt material characterised by heat-affected stones and charcoal. Two probable troughs and a further three pits were also identified. The largest trough (1.9m by 1.88m by 0.83m) was circular and contained four fills; the base of the cut was located below the water-table and so naturally filled with water. Although no obvious water supply was noted within the vicinity, the archaeology found at this site is typical of Bronze Age fulacht fiadh or burnt-mound sites. Charcoal samples obtained from the site will hopefully confirm this date.