County: Meath Site name: 'Fulacht G' and 'Fulacht H', Data Centre, Clonee, Portan and Gunnocks
Sites and Monuments Record No.: n/a Licence number: 15E0583
Author: Paul Duffy
Site type: Burnt mound/fulacht fiadh
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 704687m, N 742042m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.416920, -6.432478
‘Fulacht G’
Located on a gentle slope on the north-eastern bank of the Portan Stream, the site was initially named ‘Fulacht G’ and identified as a burnt spread and possible trough during a testing programme in advance of construction works (15E0109). Following stripping of the site, multiple features were identified including; a burnt spread, 7 troughs, 19 pits, post-holes, stake-holes and a possible slot trench. It is likely that the burnt spread, while partially ploughed out, originally covered a larger area. The spread overlay numerous pits and troughs, one of which may have functioned as a well. Several pits and troughs were located in the immediate vicinity of the spread. Various outlying features were also identified.
To the north-west of the spread a rectangular, timber-lined trough was identified. The surviving wood was present at the base and two of the sides. A large trough filled with charcoal and heat-affected stone was located to the north-west of the main spread. Another trough was located to the south-east of the main spread. A small burnt spread which overlay numerous stake-holes, was located to the north-east of the main spread. Immediately to the south-east of this a slot trench was cut into the natural subsoil. A cluster of pits was located to the north of the main spread. The burnt mound activity and associated features extended over an area of approximately 30m x 30m. Post-excavation analysis is ongoing.
‘Fulacht H’
The site was located to the north of the Pace Stream and was initially identified as ‘Fulacht H’ during a testing programme in advance of construction works (15E0109). Following the removal of the overlying topsoil numerous features of archaeological significance were revealed. The features comprised of troughs, pits and stake-holes which were predominantly filled with a material consisting of charcoal and heat-affected stone. The main area of the site was represented by two adjacent clusters, comprising of 3 troughs and 5 pits respectively. Small outlying pits and stake-holes were identified to the south-east of this concentration. The archaeological activity and associated features extended over an area of approximately 30m x 20m. Post-excavation analysis is ongoing.
This record will be updated following completion of final report
IAC, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
