2008:631 - alappane and Kilcolgan Lower, Kerry

Approximately 48,853 linear metres of test-trench was excavated on the proposed Shannon LNG terminal site in the townlands of Ralappane and Kilcolgan Lower, near Tarbert, Co. Kerry, between July and September 2008. An EIS had been carried out on the site previously, which included targeted geophysical survey, aerial and walkover survey.
The site is located on the southern bank of the Shannon Estuary, and part of the zone of potential for a levelled ringfort (KE003–004) was located on the eastern edge of the site. A pillbox associated with Fort Shannon, dating to 1940/41, was also located at the eastern edge of the site.
During the course of testing, 60 areas of archaeological potential were identified throughout the site. One-third of these areas comprised burnt mounds which occurred both individually and in clusters, and some of these were in waterlogged, peaty areas of the site. Other areas of potential identified ranged from isolated features to concentrations of activity with features including possible cereal-drying kilns, hearths, structural features (including stake-holes, post-holes and possible foundations trenches), various types of pits and linear features, a possible curvilinear bank and post-medieval house remains. Many of these sites cannot be accurately dated or interpreted with the evidence currently available.
No enclosing element of the ringfort was identified in test-trenches within the RMP zone of potential, and the location of the monument outside the development site on the second-edition OS map is thought to be accurate.
A survey of standing buildings on the site was carried out in conjunction with the test-trenching. The buildings, which ranged in date between c. 1820 and 2000, included three farm complexes and the Fort Shannon pillbox.