2016:357 - Dromdarrig, Limerick

During test trenching in 2015 (15E0236) by Linda Clarke in advance of the construction of two new schools at Mungret, two features were found, identified as a kiln and a pit. The writer excavated those features and monitored the stripping of the footprint of the buildings.

When the area around the two features were stripped back the area contained 4 pits and one large stake-hole. Three of the pits were in a line, orientated north-south, with the fourth pit some 6m to the west of this line. The stake-hole was to the east of the northernmost pit. Three of the pits had several fills, some of which showed evidence of burning. A large earthfast flat boulder was positioned between two of the pits, but its function was unclear. The two larger pits each had a sherd of prehistoric pottery (MBA) in their upper fills, and the isolated pit had a fragment of a furnace bottom in its upper fill. It appears that the pit group may relate to metalworking activity. Dating evidence is awaited to ascertain the precise date of the features.