2013:246 - 13LIS-009, Killoran, Moyne, Tipperary

Following an assessment of the proposed impact of an extension to the Tailings Management Facility (TMF) in Lisheen Mine, 16 archaeological sightings were recorded in June 2013 (see 13E059). A programme of  excavation was carried out between July and September 2013 which resulted in the excavation of these 16 sites and a further 28 sites which were identified during the course of excavation.

Site 13LIS-009 consisted of a stake row orientated roughly east-west, with some loosely associated brushwood elements, extending over an area 14.2m long and 3.2m wide. The stake row consisted of 103 stakes, in a mainly west-east alignment for approximately 8m terminating at a small brushwood cluster. The density of the stakes varied across the length of the row with the highest density noted in the central area of the alignment and in the area of the brushwood elements near the eastern limit of the site. The average diameter of stakes was recorded between 10-30mm, and length up to 0.82m, with the majority exhibiting a chisel point. The majority of the sampled stakes were identified as hazel.

The associated brushwood structure covered an area that measured 1.6m by 0.8m and was roughly orientated north-south. The structure consisted of brushwood elements ranging from 25-mn diameter and from 0.2-0.8m in length. More dispersed brushwood and roundwood elements were identified in an area to the west of the brushwood cluster noted above, and may represent disturbed elements of that structure.

Preliminary dating of samples from the stake row resulted in one date, 778-986 AD (UBA 24063).

The surrounding peat was mostly sphagnum, with moderately occurring eriophorum.

This site was fully resolved and no further archaeological mitigation is required.

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow