2011:605 - CARRICK 1 AND 2, Westmeath

Carrick 1 and 2 were located on the route of the proposed N52 Road Improvement Scheme, east of the existing N52. The sites are in a field currently under pasture, with the ground rising gradually to the south-east. Although Carrick 1 and Carrick 2 were identified as separate sites, owing to their proximity they were excavated simultaneously under a single licence.

Carrick 1
Pit 1 was oval in shape, with a gentle break of slope on the top and bottom and gradually sloping sides to an uneven base; it measured 0.88m east–west by 0.84m by 0.28m deep. It was filled by a loosely compacted mid-brown sandy silt with frequent occurrences of decayed stone.
Pit 2, adjacent to Pit 1, was circular in shape with sharp sides and a sharp break of slope on the top and bottom; the base was flat. It measured 0.77m in diameter and 0.09m deep. It was filled by a medium-compacted sterile mid-brown clay with frequent inclusions of small pebbles and roots, indicating a degree of disturbance.
Pit 3 had the appearance of a curvilinear slot-trench prior to excavation. It measured 2.42m long, 0.33m wide and 0.19m deep. It was aligned north-north-east/south-south-west, with gradually sloping sides and a sharp break of slope at the top. There was much evidence of animal and root disturbance at the north-north-eastern end of the feature. It was filled by a loosely compacted mid-brown silty clay.
Pit 4 was adjacent to Pit 3 and again had the pre-excavation appearance of a continuation of a curvilinear slot-trench. It was aligned north-east/south-west, with a gradual break of slope on the top and bottom and gradual sides. The base was U-shaped and uneven, with evidence for the undercutting of natural subsoils, decayed stone and root disturbance.
There was no evidence for any additional pits or possible slot-trenches to the east or south.

Carrick 2
Pit 101 was suboval in shape, with gradual breaks of slope on the top and bottom and a concave base. It measured 0.46m x 0.37m x 0.08m. It was filled by a compact mix of clay and red scorched earth with inclusions of small stones and pebbles.
Pit 102 was a very shallow oval feature with gradually sloping sides and a very uneven base. It measured 0.31m x 0.28m x 0.04m and was filled by a moderately compacted red/brown silty clay and red scorched earth.
Pit 103 was keyhole-shaped with a sharp break of slope to the east, north and south, while the west was stepped. It had a flat base, measured 1.5m x 0.65m x 0.16m and was filled by a medium-compacted mid-brown clay with small to medium-sized stones and roots.
Deposit 154 was adjacent to Pit 103 and consisted of a compact orange burnt clay that measured 0.9m in diameter and 0.08m deep. There was a degree of root disturbance evident in the base of the feature, probably indicating that it related to field clearance and burnt-out tree roots.
Deposit 155 was adjacent to Pit 103 and consisted of a compact dark brown sandy clay. It measured 0.5m north–south by 0.42m by 0.07m deep. This feature appeared to be a deposit of natural soils within a natural hollow or stone socket.
The only feature that produced datable material was Pit 101, which was dated to the Early Bronze Age (3998±30 BP; 2575–2469 cal. BC; UBA-19683). Given the isolated nature of the features, and the lack of a surrounding context into which to place them (i.e. domestic, ritual, burial, habitation etc.), full interpretation and discussion are limited.

Ahish, Ballinruan, Crusheen, Co. Clare