2007:1014 - AR130, Shankill, Kilkenny

This site was located within the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme along Contract 2, Phase 4B, Knocktopher to Powerstown, and comprises a hut structure made up of post- and stake-holes and a few shallow outlying pits. The structure was partially covered by an occupation deposit that measured 5m by 3.5m by 0.07m deep. This spread was a soft, dark-brown/grey clayey silt with occasional charcoal chunks. The structure measured 4m by 3m and was oval-shaped. An arc of stake-holes measuring 3m by 2.5m on its north side might have formed an entrance porch. The spacing and dimensions of the post- and stake-holes of the structure were not especially regular. Five of the largest were found on the west and south-west sides. These had depths and diameters of 0.1–0.2m. They were smaller and more dispersed on the east side. A central post-hole measuring 0.23m in diameter and 0.19m deep was the largest of the structure. It possibly supported the roof of this temporary shelter. Also in the centre was a hearth that measured 1.03m by 0.55m by 0.13m deep. It was filled with greyish-brown silt and contained a band of oxidised clay at its base. Two stake-hole clusters were found on its west and east sides. A few pieces of flint and prehistoric pottery were found in the fill of the hearth. The most archaeologically convincing of the outlying pits measured 1.8m by 1.3m by 0.34m and contained heat-shattered stones more commonly associated with burnt-mound material.