2011:085 - CAHERDUGGAN NORTH/CLOGHEEN/KILMACOOM, Cork

Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd was contracted by Cork County Council to undertake archaeological works in advance of the construction of the R581 Doneraile to Newtwopothouse Road Realignment. The route traversed a rich archaeological landscape which was intensively occupied from the early medieval up to the post-medieval period.

Most of the material of archaeological interest was identified in Caherduggan North townland, where a circular enclosure with a diameter of approximately 30m was recorded within the road-take approximately 40m east of a ringfort (CO025-012002). The enclosing ditch was approximately 2m deep and up to 3.5m wide. This is believed to represent an annexe to the nearby ringfort.

No. 85. Caherduggan North/Clogheen/Kilmacoom: work in progress. The return of the moat can be seen here as an earthwork to the right of the cabins.

Evidence for a possible related settlement was identified approximately 60m along the road corridor to the north-east. Here three circular post-built structures were identified, with an associated cereal-drying kiln and evidence for metal-working. The large stone foundations of a medieval tower-house were also identified in the same field as the enclosure and ringfort. Evidence of a possible intramural stair was identified in the north wall of this structure, which was rectangular in plan and measured approximately 10m east–west by 7m. The tower was surrounded by a subrectangular enclosure, defined by a broad but shallow ditch approximately 9m wide and 1.2m deep. The internal edge of the enclosing ditch was revetted by a large stone wall built into the edge of the cut. This revetted fosse crossed the road corridor obliquely and a section of approximately 60m was excavated. A further extension of the fosse is evident as an earthwork in the surrounding fields. A well was identified between the tower and the fosse. Finds from the well included two leather shoes and a belt complete with buckle and small heraldic shields studded along its length. Evidence for a relict field system, believed to date from the post-medieval period, was identified along the entire route. Work is ongoing.