2017:385 - The Grove, Dingle, Kerry

Testing within the footprint of proposed houses at The Grove, Dingle, was undertaken to fulfil a request for further information by Kerry County Council. The test trenches were positioned in locations which would undergo most ground disturbance at the construction stage. Natural subsoil was exposed at the base of all of the trenches and numerous plough furrows were evident indicating intense agricultural activity. Two pits (F1 and F2), possible hearths, were uncovered in Trenches 5 and 7 and further pits or other features may be present within the site in areas not subject to testing.

Trench 5: This measured 51m in length north-west/south-east and was excavated to a depth of 0.5m at which level natural was encountered. The stratigraphy consisted of 0.3m of sod overlying a brown subsoil, 0.2m in thickness. Removal of the subsoil revealed a loose orange/beige natural in which many plough scars were evident. A charcoal-rich pit (F1) was exposed towards the south-east end of Trench 5 at the north-east side of same (ITM E 444878, N601843). The pit was oval in plan and was defined on its perimeter by a black charcoal-rich fill. It measured 1.6m in length by 0.87m in width. The pit was half-sectioned in order to ascertain, if possible, a date for the feature. The upper fill consisted of a light-brown/beige loosely compacted material with frequent inclusions of stones and occasional charcoal measuring 0.1m in thickness. This overlay a charcoal layer at the base of the pit (0.05m in depth). The base and sides of the pit were highly oxidised indicating in-situ burning. No bone was recovered from either fill and therefore its interpretation as a cremation pit is unlikely. The hearth-like feature did not produce any finds to indicate a date.

Trench 7: This trench measured 51m in length north-west/south-east and was excavated to a depth of 0.5m at which level natural was encountered. The stratigraphy consisted of 0.3m of sod overlying a brown subsoil, 0.2m in thickness. Removal of the subsoil revealed a loose orange/beige natural in which many plough scars were evident. A pit (F2) was partially exposed to the south-east of the centre of the trench but extended under the north-eastern baulk (ITM E444862, N601820). The pit was oval in plan and was filled with a dark grey/black material. The pit was also cut on the south side by a cultivation furrow. F2 measured 1.9m in length and 0.4m of its width was exposed. The pit was quarter-sectioned in order to ascertain, if possible, a date for the feature. The upper fill consisted of a grey sandy silt with numerous stones throughout as well as charcoal flecks. Some stones appeared to be placed around the outside of the pit (for containing fire?). The basal fill consisted of a charcoal-rich material similar to that noted in F1 (Trench 5) overlying an oxidised side. The feature was excavated to a depth of 0.15m, however, the base was not uncovered. No finds were recovered from either fill. It may be similar to pit F1 exposed in Trench 5.

Trench 8: This trench measured 43m in length north-west/south-east and was excavated to a depth of 0.45m at which level natural was encountered. The stratigraphy consisted of 0.3m of sod overlying a brown subsoil, 0.25m in thickness. Modern disturbance was evident towards the north-western side of the trench with plastic and animal bones apparent in the loosely compacted topsoil. At the south-east side of the trench a large stone (measuring c. 1.7m in length and 0.7m in width (max.)) was excavated from just under the topsoil. The stone was examined and while the surfaces of same were fairly crude and rough in places, it did contain one smooth side, indicating that it may have been standing for some time. A second stone was also evident outside the south-eastern limit of the trench just under the topsoil but visible at the surface. Probing of the topsoil indicated that this stone may also be substantial in size. The latter was left in situ and the excavated stone was placed against the north-western field boundary. No archaeological features were noted within the trench which may indicate stone sockets or indeed cremation pits. There is no direct evidence to suggest that the stones were originally standing and may represent a standing stone pair, although the possibility cannot be ruled out.

Tobar Archaeological Services, Saleen, Midleton, Co. Cork