2012:385 - BALLYLIN, Limerick

Sample excavation was conducted in summer 2012 at a prehistoric hillfort in Ballylin, Co. Limerick. This involved trenching the inner and outer enclosing elements to recover dating evidence and record details of form and construction. The investigation of the inner enclosure centred on the original entrance to the hillfort. This comprised a causewayed opening through a wide but shallow rock-cut ditch with a low internal bank. Post-holes for two large gate posts were found between the terminals of the ditch. The outer hillfort enclosure was surrounded by a shallow ditch with a very low bank on either side. Samples were recovered for radiocarbon dating from both excavations, however there were no artefacts or other occupation-related finds.