2013:182 - KNOCKBRACK (Site 26-2,3,4), Kilkenny

Site 26-2,3,4 Knockbrack was discovered during monitoring of topsoil stripping for the Bord Gáis Networks Gas to Great Island scheme (12E0356).

Three distinct areas were examined.

Area 26-2 contained a tight cluster of 43 pits (or possibly post-holes), five stake-holes, three areas of in situ burning and two deposits. It is possible that these features represent a cremation cemetery. Many of the pits were carefully dug circular features, typically 0.2-0.5m across and 0.1-0.25m deep, that contained charcoal-rich primary fills overlain by brown silty material. Two of the pits contained cremated bone, possibly human but as yet unidentified, whilst three others contained burnt bone more likely to be of animal origin. Charred hazelnut shell from one of the possible burials was radiocarbon dated to 1423-1264 cal. BC (3084±32 BP; UBA-25933; 2 sigma), placing the feature in the Middle Bronze Age.

Area 26-3 probably represented a small medieval dwelling truncated by later features. A curvilinear or L-shaped gully or slot trench enclosed an area approximately 9m by 6m. Two possible hearths, two pits, three post-holes and three stake-holes lay both within and adjacent to the structure. A larger ditch appeared to have truncated one side of the structure and a modern drain the other. Medieval pottery (Leinster Cooking Ware and Kilkenny-type ware) was recovered from the slot trench and the ditch.

Area 26-4 was also medieval in date and consisted of an Anglo-Norman enclosure with pits, post-holes, a hearth and the cellar of a building. The enclosure was formed, within the excavated area, by two approximately perpendicular ditches, one of which was slightly later in date than the other. The earlier ditch was 14.5m long, typically 2-2.2m wide and was 0.75m deep with a U-shaped profile. The later ditch was substantially larger at 2.98-3.9m wide and 1.5-1.65m deep with a V-shaped profile. A 12m length of the ditch was recorded and it continued both north and south from the excavated area, part being preserved in situ within the pipeline wayleave. Both ditches yielded Leinster Cooking Ware and Kilkenny-type ware pottery.

Also in Area 26-4, within the area enclosed by the ditches, was a sub-rectangular pit that probably represented the cellar of a demolished building. This feature also contained medieval pottery. The cellar measured 4.15m by 3.1m and was 0.81m deep with steep sides and a flat base. Three pits and a hearth at the edge of the cellar either truncated its fills or were apparently truncated by it, suggesting ongoing use of the area over some time. An arc of stake-holes around the hearth indicated the location of a windbreak.