2011:295 - BALLYNANE (1), Kerry

A collection of archaeological features was identified in Ballynane townland during testing (11E258; Excavations 2011, No. 292) of the proposed N86 Annascaul to Gortbreagoge Road Improvement Scheme. A single well-preserved trough was identified (2.76m x 1.3m x 0.42m). This contained charcoal and heat-fractured stone. There was extensive disturbance at the site. A second possible trough/large pit (4.5m x 2.5m x 0.4m) had been machine-disturbed during previous reclamation; modern pottery was found at its base. To the south of the site a modern drain (3.5m x 0.6m x 0.4m) containing a water pipe also contained ex situ heat-fractured stone and charcoal. A small, irregular-shaped pit (0.4m x 0.3m x 0.1m) produced 1.3kg of slag. Its association with the disturbed burnt mound was unclear, but analysis indicated that it might belong to the medieval period. No archaeological artefacts were recovered. A radiocarbon date of 1254–980 cal. BC (SUERC-38038, 2900±35 BP) for alder charcoal from the trough indicated that it was used in the Middle to Late Bronze Age periods.