County: Kerry Site name: MANOR EAST 7
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: E004330
Author: David Bayley
Site type: Wetland crossing point
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 485811m, N 613041m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.257215, -9.672634
Manor East 7 was discovered during a first phase of testing undertaken by Tony Bartlett (c/o Headland Archaeology (Ireland) Ltd) along the proposed N22 Tralee Bypass/Tralee to Bealagrellagh in 2010 (Excavations 2010, no. 391, E4149). The site was excavated, on behalf of the National Roads Authority, between 11 and 20 April 2011.
Manor East 7 consisted of a buried stream channel with evidence for the construction of three crossing points. The crossing points were built side by side and there was no way of determining whether they were contemporary, as they were all set in the same peat deposit. One crossing point was created using six similar-sized stones to create a sequence of stepping-stones across the channel. The other two crossing points or platforms were constructed through the dumping of cobble-sized stone at one and the dumping of timber overlain with larger slabs at the other.
No formal timber structure was identified but there were tool-marked branches throughout the area. A large carved timber artefact was recovered and may represent a capstan. A carved wooden handle and fragments of a wooden bowl were also recovered.
Post-excavation analysis, including a programme of radiocarbon dating, will be undertaken in 2012.
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd, 120b Greenpark Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow
