2009:455 - MULLAGHMARKY, Kerry

Monitoring of topsoil-stripping of an area covering c. 53,000m2 in Mullaghmarky townland, part of the N21 Castleisland bypass road improvement scheme—archaeological works contract 2, which has been the subject of archaeological work since February/March 2006, was carried out on behalf of Kerry County Council. Testing by Kate Taylor (TVAS) in 2006 identified several archaeological sites (Excavations 2006, No. 867, 06E0080). During that work a number of linear features were also identified. Excavation of eight sites began in June 2007. The resolution of these sites (AR014, AR016, AR020, AR021, AR022, AR023, AR024 and AR025) was completed in December 2007. A number of features were excavated within Mullaghmarky in close proximity to the present monitoring zone, including KE039–027, a ringfort (AR016), excavated under licence 07E0474.

This phase of monitoring work took place in the area between CH2800 and CH3370, named Fields 1–5, and uncovered nine linear features, two pits and a kiln. Almost all of them were located within Fields 2 and 3. Linear features represented the location of early field boundaries. At least three of them are probably medieval in date. Two pits were exposed in Fields 1 and 2. The pit in Field 1 was small and of unknown use. The other one was identified as a charcoal pit and is probably connected with the kiln found nearby.