2013:007 - BURREN, Cavan

Colm Flynn Archaeology was commissioned by Dr. Tatjana Kytmannow on behalf of Cavan County Council/Coillte to carry out preconstruction test trenching and construction stage monitoring of groundworks as part of the Burren Geopark Project. These works were carried between August and December 2013.  No archaeology was identified during the test trenching.

Three areas with archaeological material were identified during monitoring of groundworks. In the area of the proposed carpark for the visitor centre a disturbed spread containing lithic knapping debitage was identified. A stone-packed post-hole and a curvilinear slot trench with lithic debitage were identified during the monitoring of Trail 1. The slot trench measured 3.5m within the excavation area, but likely continued for a further 1-2m. These features are likely to represent the remains of a structure. Several flint and chert debitage pieces were recovered from the fills of the post-hole and slot trench. A radiocarbon determination of cal BC 20 – 137 cal AD (UBA – 25888) was returned from willow charcoal from the fill of the post-hole, indicating that the structure dated to the Iron Age.

A burnt mound was identified during monitoring of the construction of Trail 3. Two deposits of blackened burnt spread material with heat-fractured stones were identified. A sample of hazel charcoal from the upper deposit returned a radiocarbon determination of cal AD 777-994 (UBA – 25889). As this date was derived from the upper deposit of the spread, it cannot be considered to be secure.