County: Sligo Site name: Drumfin 7
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: E004881; A071
Author: David McIlreavy
Site type: Burnt mound
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 570847m, N 818627m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.115872, -8.445890
Stage (iii) archaeological excavation was carried out at Drumfin 7 in advance of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road Development, Co. Sligo. The site was discovered during Stage (i) archaeological testing and was assessed during Stage (ii) Pre-Excavation Services (Registration Number E4627).
The excavation at Drumfin 7 recorded the remains of a burnt mound with associated trough.
One intriguing element of the site appeared to be related to processing of some kind. This consisted of a heavily truncated pit partially lined with roundwoods (wicker) and organic filter material. Constructed around the same period, this primary activity area consisted of two stone platforms and a possible hurdle within the margins of a retreating water body. Three overlapping platforms consisting of reused worked roundwoods, brushwood and stone were recorded within the peat deposit.
Within the roundwood, brushwood and stone platforms a range of depositional items were recorded including concentrations of hazelnuts, fruit (seeds), bone and chert debitage. Beetle remains in one of the platforms allude to a possible wider range of perishable items other than those recorded. The most significant inclusions within the platforms were fifteen twig sheaves.
Image: Mid-excavation shot of a twig sheaves recovered on Drumfin 7.
c/o IAC Ltd, Unit G1 Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
