2008:1086 - BallyBeg Bog, Ballybeg, Tipperary

This site was located at the centre of Ballybeg Bog within a cluster of sites, c. 20m north-east of 08E0394 (see No. 1085 above). A cutting orientated north-west/south-east and measuring 5m by 2m revealed that the site was composed of a well-preserved brushwood platform. The upper layer was composed of densely laid transverse light brushwood elements interspersed with heavy brushwood and roundwood longitudinals. The elements were regularly laid with 0m to 0.02m between elements. This layer measured 2.16m in length, 0.58–1.38m in width and 0.08m in depth. The roundwoods measured 0.32–1.02m in length and 0.06–0.08m in diameter. The brushwoods measured 0.3–0.58m in length and 0.01–0.04m in diameter. The south-west half of the site was composed of four widely spaced roundwood transverses interspersed with densely laid light brushwood, which measured 0.01–0.015m in diameter. A single brushwood peg was recorded amongst the light brushwood 0.1m from the south-west baulk. A total of seven worked ends were recorded within this context with the remaining elements displaying torn ends. The upper layer was underlain by another layer of transverse and longitudinal brushwood elements, which was less substantial. It measured 0.4–1.38m in width and 2m in length and the elements were largely concentrated in the centre of the platform. The brushwoods measured 0.07–0.59m in length and 0.03–0.04m in diameter. A total of twelve worked ends with flat facets were recorded within this context. The peat was composed of Sphagnum cuspidatum with frequent phragmites and Menyantes trifoliate inclusions. The peat indicates that the platform was constructed over a small pool.