2015:440 - RANELAGH (2), Roscommon

The proposed scheme is a c. 2.5km section of the N61 between Roscommon town and the village of Coolteige, north of the town. Testing of the scheme was undertaken in May 2015. This comprised testing of geophysical anomalies and testing across the remainder of the scheme previously tested under licence (15E0138) and revealed the presence of a previously unidentified, disturbed fulacht fia in Ranelagh townland.

Full excavation of this site was undertaken and confirmed the presence of the fulacht fia in association with eight pits, some of which may have functioned as troughs. No wood, plank or wattle lining was identified on any of these features. Radiocarbon dating indicates prolonged (and possibly continuous) use across the period 2300–1900 BC (Early Bronze Age). Local woodland consisted of hazel scrub and tree species comprising oak and ash. Some possibly contemporaneous sites, in the form of burial barrows, are located on higher ground to the west of Ranelagh.