2009:151 - INNYGRAGA, Cork

This site was identified during topsoil-stripping of the BGE Curraleigh West to Midleton gas pipeline. The site was located on a gradual east-facing slope in a somewhat sheltered location on undulating pastureland. The bedrock was quite close to the surface (and evident at the base and sides of some features) and there was considerable limestone outcropping immediately west of the site. The site consisted of an early medieval settlement site with two curvilinear ditches which geophysical survey would suggest are C-shaped in plan. These ditches were only partially exposed within the pipeline corridor and it is not clear if they are contemporary. A rectangular structure (Structure 1) partially truncated the north-eastern ditch. A souterrain extended from the western wall of this structure, which terminated in a large irregularly shaped chamber. A second possible structure (Structure 2) was also identified which was circular in plan and was located south of Structure 1. A single inhumation burial was also identified on the site.

Southwestern ditch
A large curvilinear enclosing ditch cut into bedrock defined the western extent of the site. The ditch was exposed for 32.75m but geophysical survey in the adjoining field would suggest it continues and forms a C-shaped enclosure. The ditch had a maximum width of 2.66m and its depth ranged from 0.6m to 1.05m. The cut had steep concave sides and an uneven irregular base as it was cut into natural bedrock. The nature of the fills within the ditch would suggest that they accumulated naturally and there was evidence for ditch slippage along the outer edge of the ditch. Only one find, a fragment of flint debitage, was retrieved from the ditch. This ditch was radiocarbon-dated to AD 829–787 (UB 13622).

Northeastern ditch
This ditch was exposed for a length of 29.68m within the pipeline corridor. It measured 2.08m in maximum width and 1.2m in maximum depth. Geophysical survey of the adjoining field would suggest that this ditch extends into the field and forms a C-shaped enclosure. The deposits identified within the ditch would suggest the ditch silted up naturally with the exception of the upper fill which was charcoal-rich and contained animal bone, suggesting the deposit may have been deliberately dumped in this location. Bank slippage was evident in section. Eight pieces of flint, a possible iron blade, a possible hone stone and a flint scraper were retrieved from the ditch. A deposit from this ditch was radiocarbon-dated to AD 1042–1210 (UB 13634).

Structure 1
This structure presented as a composite arrangement of slot trenches and post-holes. The structure was orientated east–west and measured 6.58m in length by 5.49m. Gaps in the eastern and western walls indicated the presence of opposing entrances which measured 0.83m and 0.85m in width. Four clusters of internal post-holes within the structure are likely to represent roof supports. An alcove or inner partition was identified in the north-western corner of the structure. Pits and hearth features identified within the structure are likely to be associated with domestic activity. This structure was radiocarbon-dated to AD 779–900 (UB 13612). The passageway of a souterrain extended from the south-west corner of the structure and could be contemporary.

Souterrain
The stone-lined passage which extended from Structure 1 into the chamber was slightly curvilinear in plan and measured c. 8.2m in length and 1.91m in maximum width. The base of the passage was cut into the natural bedrock and tapered in depth from 0.4m at the eastern extent of the passage to a maximum depth of 1.1m towards the centre of the passage. The passage decreased in depth to 0.58m at the western extent of the passage where the creep (narrow entrance into chamber at terminus of passage) was located. The sides of the stone-lined passageway were almost vertical and stone lining was almost complete along the southern edge of the passage but virtually absent along the northern edge. An inscribed stone was identified along the southern wall close to the entrance. A spindle whorl, one pottery fragment, two quernstone fragments, a hammerstone and a corroded metal object were retrieved from the fill of the passageway, as well as animal bone.

At the juncture where the passage widened into a chamber, the passage constricted in width and height to form a narrow creep. Lintels survived over the creep, although these were quite disturbed, but probably extended over the passageway during its use. The chamber was irregular in plan and measured 5.02m (east–west) in length by 3.7m and, due to health and safety concerns, could not be excavated beyond a depth of 2.65m. The sides of the chamber sloped gently inwards at the top of the cut, before dropping sharply vertically, where it was cut into natural bedrock. There was no evidence to suggest that the bedrock had been cut to form a chamber; the chamber may simply have been the reuse of natural fissures within the bedrock. At the western end of the chamber a second passageway extended northwards beyond the limits of excavation. There was a narrow alcove to the south of the chamber. Three sherds of pottery and a corroded piece of iron were retrieved from the fills of the chamber. A deposit towards the base of this chamber was radiocarbon-dated to AD 778–945 (UB 13607).

Structure 2
An arrangement of post-holes/pits south-east of Structure 1 has been tentatively interpreted as a second structure. This structure was subcircular in plan and consisted of seven post-holes enclosing an area with a maximum internal diameter of 5.1m (east–west). A single post-hole was centrally located within the structure and could be the central roof support.

Isolated inhumation burial
A single inhumation burial was identified c. 3.75m south-east of Structure 2. The individual had been placed in a supine position and orientated east–west, with the head to the west. The inhumation cut was subrectangular in plan and measured 1.2m in length and 0.35m in width and had a maximum depth of 0.2m. The cut had gently curving sides and a flat base. The grave was partially lined with seven medium-sized angular stones. These had been placed either side of the cranium, along the northern edge of the grave, and beneath the body near the pelvic area. The skeletal remains were fragmented and only the dental structure, fragments of a thoracic vertebra and poorly preserved fragments of the right lower leg (tibia and/or fibula) were identifiable. Analysis of the bone by Jonny Geber (Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd) indicated the individual was aged about fourteen at the time of death. It was not possible to determine the sex. Post-excavation analysis is ongoing.