2014:073 - WESTPORT (Drumard 2), Mayo

Drumard 2 comprised two burnt mound deposits (003), (004) and a wood-lined trough (006). The findings of the excavation suggest that the fulacht fiadh at Drumard 2 most likely represents two phases of activity, both of which date to the Middle Bronze Age. Radiocarbon dating of a hazel wood sample from the trough lining returned a Middle Bronze Age date of 1425 – 1265 cal BC (2σ) (Beta-388035). A fragment of ash charcoal taken from the burnt mound material (004) returned a Middle Bronze Age date of 1428 – 1289 cal BC (2σ) (UBA-26939). A fragment of hazel charcoal taken from the burnt mound material (003) returned a Middle Bronze Age date of 1386 – 1126 cal BC (2σ) (UBA-26938). The excavation was undertaken between 26 May and 3 June 2014 in advance of the construction of the N59 Rossow Bends Scheme, Co. Mayo, which extends from Deerpark East townland located to the north of Westport, to Murrevagh townland to east of Mulranny Village.