2013:266 - 13LIS-043 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.

The site consisted of a wide trackway orientated approximately east-west, a loosely composed platform located at the north-west of the trackway, and parallel rows of stakes running east-west along the length of the trackway.

The trackway was composed of mainly hazel and birch brushwood elements. In field 1B, c432 ran for a length of c. 14m, measured 2.2-2.4m in width and up to 0.25m in depth and was constructed in a loose manner with inconsistent gaps located between the elements. In field IC, c432 ran for a length of c. 16m, measured up to 2.7m in width and up to 0.1m in depth and was constructed in a dense manner with occasional gaps of up to 0.1m located between the elements. The roundwood elements of the trackway were a mix of hazel and ash.

The platform was composed of a number of brushwoods and roundwoods (mainly alder), up to 0.26m in diameter and situated adjacent to and north-west of the trackway.

Some 23 upright stakes were uncovered irregularly set along the length of trackway. Two of the better preserved examples exhibited chisel points. The stakes have been interpreted as bracing elements to the trackway, but they may also have some relationship to earlier sites 13LIS48 and 13LIS49.

Preliminary dates from samples taken from the trackway/togher returned a date of 800-547 BC (UBA 24065).

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

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