2013:083 - Burnchurch, Kilkenny

Site 0-6, 7, 8, 9, Burnchurch was discovered during monitoring of topsoil stripping for the Bord Gáis Networks Gas to Great Island scheme (12E0356). Four distinct areas of activity were investigated, on either side of a small stream.

Area 0-6 was a ring ditch with associated cremation burials. The annular ring ditch had internal dimensions of 6.3m by 6.2m and the ditch itself was 0.37-0.73m wide and 0.11-0.42m deep with a V-shaped profile. A large assemblage of prehistoric pottery was recovered from the basal fill and willow charcoal was radiocarbon dated to 1383-1054 cal. BC (2985±45 BP; UBA-24942; 2 sigma), placing the feature in the Middle to Late Bronze Age. Two cremation burials in pits lay close to the ring ditch. Each contained the cremated remains of an adult.

Area 0-7 consisted of five pits, 13 post-holes and 12 stake-holes, a number of which seemed to form an oval structure. The structure measured approximately 6m by 5m and had no discernable entrance. A Late Mesolithic radiocarbon date of 6240-6070 cal. BC (7313±41BP; UBA-24941) was obtained from a charred tuber from one of the post-holes. Given that this is unusually early, it is proposed to obtain another date if suitable material can be identified

Area 0-8 comprised six pits, one slot trench, 22 post-holes, four stake-holes and a deposit. The slot trench and the majority of post- and stake-holes, some of which were fairly substantial, formed an ovoid structure. The structure measured approximately 5.5m by 3m and had a possible rectangular ‘porch’ on the eastern side. One of the post-holes from the porch was radiocarbon dated. Hazel charcoal yielded a date of 752-407 cal. BC (2439±32 BP; UBA-24940; 2 sigma), placing the feature, and therefore the structure, in the Early Iron Age.

Area 0-9 consisted of a single pit that yielded a medieval hone stone.

AHISH, BALLINRUAN, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE.