2007:1445 - Cappydonnell Big, Offaly

Site-specific test-trenching was carried out as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006.
The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure, previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument.
Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow, possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows.
Prehistory
A circular enclosure c. 14m in diameter was identified at the top of a natural gradual slope. This consisted of an enclosing ditch c. 2m wide and 1m deep. Within this was a smaller enclosing ditch c. 7m in diameter, 0.4m wide and 0.2m deep. It is felt that this may have represented the site of a possible Bronze Age barrow. The barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined.
Medieval
It is felt that the main enclosure – which is best described as subrectangular – was probably of medieval date. This is because of its size and its subrectangular, rather than circular, shape. This enclosure was formed by a 4m wide and 1.5m deep ditch. The excavated material from the ditch formed an internal bank, which for the most part survived intact. The bank was built on the side of the existing slope, to create a flat platform within the enclosed ditch. On the north side there was a causewayed entrance. It appears that this side of the enclosure possibly had a stoned façade on either side of the entrance. Remains of similar stone facing were evident along the inner side of the enclosing ditch at the north-east and north-west projecting corners. In this regard it seems reasonable to argue that this was probably a high-status site, imposing itself on the landscape to the north, which contains a motte.
It is unclear if the site was ever fully completed as there was no evidence of any large structure that would merit such a substantial enclosure. It has been suggested by John Bradley (pers. comm.) that the site may have been Gaelic Irish, which would explain why there was little or no medieval pottery recovered during the excavation. The site has proved difficult to classify; post-excavation research into other similar site types is continuing in an effort to understand this puzzling enclosure.
There appears to have been a subsequent phase of possible medieval industrial activity, particularly in the east of the enclosure. This includes the previously mentioned furnace and stone metalled surface. The material excavated from here was charcoal-rich and contained a considerable amount of burnt human and animal bone, nineteen amber beads and small amounts of metal and slag. A number of pits that appeared to have functioned as furnaces were identified to the east and north of the barrow recut, although only trace amounts of slag were recovered. Further analysis of samples from these features will be required to determine the precise nature of the activity. The pits were subsequently backfilled with stone/rubble, suggesting that there may have been some contemporary clearance on the site.
A collection of post-holes and three hearths in the south of the site may have formed 1 or 2 possible structures, cutting the bank material, and are also thought to be broadly contemporary with the industrial pits. However, these structures nor the pits did not appear to be of a large enough scale to be contemporary with the original enclosure. An abundance of charred seed remains were recovered from these hearths, as well as from other features on the site, which will provide a more definitive chronology of activity at the site.
Post-medieval
The north-west area of the enclosure contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc.
Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln, which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep.
Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial. Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date.
Conclusion
The results of the excavations at Cappydonnell Big have been something of an enigma. The excavation uncovered very few artefacts directly associated with the main feature on the site. Due to the shortage of significant finds, conclusive dating and understanding of the site will largely depend on environmental analysis. While it is hoped that dating evidence will resolve some of the issues and confirm the prehistoric elements of the site, the main enclosure in particular continues to ask more questions than it answers. It contains some of the elements of a number of site types – platform ringfort and moated site are just two potential classifications – but fails to fit comfortably into any specific category. The dearth of artefacts and datable material from the substantially sterile ditch fills adds to this problem. Hopefully the conclusion of all specialist analysis and dating will supply sufficient information to resolve the research agenda.
This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority.

Editor’s note: Although excavated during 2006, the report on this site arrived too late for inclusion in the bulletin of that year.