2009:174 - WALSHTOWN BEG, Cork

An excavation of a fulacht fiadh at Walshtown Beg, Co. Cork, was carried out along the route of the Curraleigh West to Midleton gas pipeline. The site was exposed during monitoring of topsoil-stripping. The site consisted of a burnt mound measuring 12.5m long (north–south) and 11.6m wide, located in a hollow at the bases of a north-and a south-facing slope, in a location with several natural springs. The burnt mound sealed a series of connecting pits, a trough and a two water channels. The stratigraphy suggested the continued and simultaneous use of the connecting pits or troughs over a period of time. A construction sequence was also indicated. Charcoal recovered produced a radiocarbon date of 1939–1772 cal BC (2 sigma). A whetstone was recovered during excavation of the site.