2012:336 - 7-2 Baunreagh, Kilkenny

Site 7-2 Baunreagh was discovered during monitoring of topsoil stripping for the Bord Gáis Networks Gas to Great Island scheme (above No. 334, 12E0356). The site was located in an undulating tillage field encompassing an area of 269.98m2 and revealed pits, post- and stake-holes (including possible structures) and medieval/post-medieval ditches and features. It was obvious there were a number of phases of activity at the site but interpretation and discussion at this point is limited without C14 dating.
There were three pits in the north-eastern corner of the excavation. A rubbing stone was recovered from one of the pits. To the south of the excavation was an alignment of three post-holes and two stake-holes.
A number of post-holes form an arc located at the north of the excavation. This circular structure had an internal diameter of at least 6m. Some post-holes are out of alignment but this could be an indication of failed post-holes or the need to repair the structure over time. Two post-holes and a group of four stake-holes making a small square were definite internal features of the possible structure. Some of the post-holes are cut into existing pits. A mace head was recovered from one of these truncating post-holes. Mace heads are typically Neolithic in date and are often found deposited in graves, bogs or rivers.
Two linear ditches traversed the site, orientated south-east to north-west. The ditches were slightly offset by 1.18m. The medieval/post-medieval features are representative of field divisions related to agricultural activity.

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