2008:616 - Kilcolman, Kerry

Monitoring of topsoil removal associated with Milltown sewerage scheme was carried out in 2007 (Excavations 2007, No. 673) and 2008. A burnt spread at Kilcolman townland was uncovered during monitoring of topsoil removal within the pipeline wayleave in February 2008 and was subsequently excavated under the same licence in March 2008. A partially levelled burnt spread measuring c. 23m in length and a maximum of 0.25m in thickness was initially removed to reveal a number of underlying cut features. The cut features largely comprised irregularly shaped pits and channels, all of which were filled with material similar in composition to the overlying burnt mound. Pit F14 has been tentatively interpreted as a possible trough although it was significantly truncated by the adjacent cut F25. Further to the east-south-east a group of over 140 tiny stake-holes were excavated and cut a compact sand material. The stake-holes do not appear to form any distinct shape but may represent the remains of a work area or screen. A second group of 43 more substantial stake-holes were uncovered within a shallow cut and appear to be concentrated along its north-eastern edge. It is hoped that a radiocarbon determination (awaiting results) will assist in further interpreting the function of the site and place its period of use within a specific date range.