2014:425 - RATHNAGREE, Tuckmill Hill, Wicklow

Sample excavation was undertaken in July 2014 at a multiple enclosure hillfort in the townland of Tuckmill Upper, near Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. The three enclosing elements of this prehistoric hillfort were trenched, to recover information on how and when they were built and their subsequent history. This excavation uncovered evidence of post-built palisades supported by low stone walling along all three enclosing lines. These fence lines were subsequently burnt down, after which only the middle enclosure was re-built, this time with a bank/ditch/counterscarp bank arrangement. Sherds of coarse ware pottery of Middle Bronze Age type were recovered at the base of that ditch. Radiocarbon dates are available for the inner (1414–1135 BC), middle (1395–1208 BC), and outer palisaded enclosures (1397–1131 BC) at Rathnagree. This indicates the hillfort was built between 1400–1200 BC.