2008:105 - Ballyliddan West, Clare

Test-trenching was undertaken in two adjacent pasture fields on the outskirts of Sixmilebridge in advance of a proposed development. Two burnt spreads were uncovered at a distance of 40m apart in trenches excavated in a low-lying area of the southern field. These were both composed of heat-shattered stones in charcoal-enriched soil and they were interpreted as the remains of two levelled fulachta fiadh. Testing was carried out to establish the full extent of both sites and the northern example measured 10m north–south by 8m, while the southern example measured 10m in diameter. There was no evidence for associated archaeological features uncovered in the trenches excavated in the vicinity of both sites. The two fulachta fiadh were left in situ and it was recommended that both sites be excavated prior to any development in this area.