2013:554 - Site 14-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Knocktopherabbey, Kilkenny

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Kilkenny Site name: Site 14-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Knocktopherabbey

Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 13E0078

Author: Patrick Walsh

Site type: Prehistoric, medieval; charcoal-production pits, pits, post- and stake-holes

Period/Dating:

ITM: E 653146m, N 636196m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.474610, -7.217700

Site 14-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Knocktopherabbey (252849 136837 to 253080 136516) was discovered during monitoring of topsoil stripping for the Bord Gáis Networks Gas to Great Island scheme (12E0356).

           The excavation has revealed evidence of nine areas of activity containing charcoal-production pits, pits, post-hole, stake-holes and a furrow across two pastoral fields. 

           Area 14-1 revealed a pit containing lumps of oxidised clay, four stake-holes forming a direct line north-south and a furrow truncating the pit. Possible worked flint was recovered from Area 14-1.

           Area 14-2 was located approximately 69m south-east of area 14-1 and contained a single charcoal-production pit with dark greyish black charcoal-rich fill surrounded by oxidised natural.

           Area 14-3 lay approximately 15m south-east of Area 14-2. The circular feature was unusual as it had a large flat stone (1.08m by 0.92m) sitting within the cut of the feature. The fill appeared to be material typical of a burnt mound. This site was preserved in situ under direction of the Bord Gáis Project Archaeologist as it was located off the main pipeline spread.

           Area 14-4 was located approximately 6.4m west of Area 14-3 and contained a single post-hole. Due to its close proximity with Area 14-3 it is likely to be related to the unexcavated feature.

           Area 14-5 was located approximately 16m south-east of Area 14-4. During the monitoring phase a possible pit and stake-hole were identified, however, upon excavation the features were determined to be non-archaeological.

           Area 14-6 was located approximately 9m south-east of Area 14-5 and contained a single pit.

           Area 14-7 was located approximately 173m south-east of Area 14-6 and contained a single sub-rectangular pit. The pit contained moderate charcoal flecks and evidence of in situ burning. Possible worked flint was recovered from this area.

          Area 14-8 was located approximately 30m south-east of Area 14-7 and contained a charcoal-production pit with a good amount of charcoal.

          Area 14-9 was located approximately 35m south-east of Area 14-8 and contained another charcoal-production pit with a charcoal-rich silty clay fill.

PATRICK WALSH, TVAS (IRELAND) LTD. AHISH, BALLINRUAN, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE.

TVAS (IRELAND) LTD. AHISH, BALLINRUAN, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE.