2018:814 - Dunbeg (An Dún Beag) Promontory Fort, Fán (Fahan), Kerry

All 2018 archaeological works at Dunbeg were related to the construction of a new safety fence and entranceway by the OPW (Ministerial Consent C000873). In that context, light-touch pre-commencement minor enabling works were carried out to facilitate a section of the new fence across an undulating section of an earthen rampart. Nothing of archaeological significance was found.
Modifications to the layout of the new fence gate entrance were required to facilitate the construction by the OPW of a short, diagonally disposed free-standing section of stone walling immediately inside the now-defunct entrance and in front of the new entrance gate. The objective of the section of wall is to prevent potential future flood damage by deflecting the ingress of flood water into the existing open drain and away from the monument. In advance of the construction of the wall, a foundation trench was archaeologically excavated. The excavations revealed severely damaged ground, mainly due to the November 2017 severe flood that scarred Dunbeg with a significant scour. Furthermore, the area of ground immediately inside the now defunct entrance, around the scored area, had been subjected to maintenance by the OPW over the years associated with its upkeep involving sequential gravelling of the pathway etc. A very small single possible archaeological deposit, with very occasional inclusions of charcoal, was noted in the north-west end of the cutting. All other excavated material consisted of recent disturbed fill with frequent inclusions of glass or modern pottery.
Monitoring of 67 post-holes associated with new fence construction as well as other monitoring of necessary maintenance work to the open drain revealed no archaeology.

3 Lios Na Lohart, Ballyvelly, Tralee, Co. Kerry