2018:389 - FOURCUIL, Cork

A total of 19 test trenches were excavated across potential archaeological features detected within the permitted development site at Fourcuil townland during previous geophysical survey (Licence 17R0070). The vast majority of the geophysical anomalies did not correspond to any archaeological feature within the excavated trenches and no such features or deposits were uncovered in Trenches 2 and 4-19. Four potential archaeological features were uncovered in Trenches 1 and 3 (Field 1) at the south end of the permitted development area. In Trench 1 a possible ditch-like feature (F1) was uncovered and measured c. 3m in width. F1 would appear to correlate with the southern element of geophysical anomaly M1, however no corresponding ditch was apparent towards the north end of the trench where M1 was expected to occur. Similarly, no corresponding feature was exposed in Trench 19 which was excavated perpendicular to Trench 1 in order to determine if the ditch extended further to the north and east, as depicted on the geophysical interpretation map. Furthermore, no ditch-like feature was uncovered in Trench 2 further to the east. In this regard, the precise form and extent of F1 is unclear, although it does extend beyond the limits of Trench 1 running roughly north-east/south-west.
At the north end of Trench 1 a second potential archaeological feature, F2, was partially exposed at the east side of the trench. Manual investigation of this feature showed it to contain at least three fills, some of which had frequent charcoal inclusions. No artefacts which could provide a date for this feature were recovered. Furthermore, it was not fully exposed and its precise form and extent are unknown.
Two linear features (F3 and F4) were exposed in Trench 3 at the south-east side of Field 1 and would appear to correspond to the location of geophysical anomaly M3. F3 was subject to manual investigation which did not yield any dateable material from the relatively sterile stoney fill. F3 and F4 extended beyond the limits of the test trench and their precise form and extent are not known.
The potential archaeological features recorded in Field 1 generally correspond to those anomalies that were interpreted as having a higher probability of representing archaeological features given the magnetically positive survey results recorded. Quarrying activities, including topsoil removal and subsequent ground reduction within this area of the permitted development site will negatively impact on these features which are of unknown date and extent.

Tobar Archaeological Services, Saleen, Midleton, Co. Cork