2012:345 - Site 4-6, 7, 8, 9 Cotterellsrath, Kilkenny

Site 4-6, 7, 8, 9 Cotterellsrath was discovered during monitoring of topsoil stripping for the Bord Gáis Networks Gas to Great Island scheme (above No. 334, 12E0356). Excavations in four separate areas revealed eight pits, a linear feature and a deposit (4-6), a pit (4-7), pits and post-holes (4-8) and a possible hearth (4-9). It is not clear which features were contemporary. Some features possibly represent domestic activity whilst others were related to metal working.
Area 4-6 had an L-shaped arrangement of eight pits and a linear feature. The pits ranged in size from 0.6m by 0.4m by 0.12 to 1.45m by 0.6m by 0.38m. One pit was lined with mid reddish brown silty clay possibly representing in situ burning. Slag and bone were retrieved from two of the pits. The linear feature had an elongated curvilinear shape, measuring 1.14m by 0.3m and 0.09m deep. A single circular deposit of grey sandy clay with charcoal and stone, 0.46m by 0.45m and 0.08m thick, was recorded nearby.
Area 4-7 contained a single oval pit with a bowl-shaped profile. The pit measured 0.83m by 0.7m by 0.06m and contained occasional heat-affected stone and a small amount of burnt bone.
Area 4-8 consisted of a line of three post-holes and two pits, another post-hole and four pits, one of which contained a stake-hole. A patch of in situ burning was also recorded. The post-holes, which were all of a similar size (average 0.3m in diameter), formed a 1.4m line oriented north-east to south-west. One of the pits contained a small amount of burnt bone and a lot of iron slag. This pit was cut by a stake-hole before it was infilled. Two other pits contained evidence of in situ burning. The pits ranged in size from 0.51m by 0.46m by 0.16m to 1.36m by 1.33m by 0.39m.
Area 4-9 had a single pit that may have been a hearth. The oval pit measured 0.88m by 0.72m and was 0.15m deep and showed evidence of in situ burning in its base.

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