2021:700 - BALLYVALLY (1), Clare

Excavation at Ballyvally 1 was undertaken as part of the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Crossing and R494 Improvements Scheme, Archaeological Consultancy Services Contract (Phase 2). The excavation was carried out on behalf of, and funded by, Clare County Council.

Stripping and cleaning of a 13,25m² area at Ballyvally 1 was carried out in June 2021. Full archaeological excavation was undertaken at the site between 21 and 22 June 2021 under registration number E005339. The area of excavation measured 1,325 m² and identified a pit and brick clamp.

The pit excavated at Area A likely represents the remains of a waste pit, with cremated animal bone deposited in the feature. Due to the small fragment size and condition, neither species nor skeletal element could be identified. As an isolated feature containing no diagnostic material it provides little information, however it can be considered as an indicator of wider Bronze Age activity in this region.

Brick clamps are post-medieval or early modern in date. It is possible that this feature is related to Ballyvally house to the west, the demesne walls, gateway and railings of which were constructed c. 1800. This feature likely represents the use of a temporary clamp kiln, with the base amalgamated brick left in-situ. The site was evidently abandoned after this use.

Dating
A radiocarbon date was obtained from Corylus avellana (hazel) charcoal from fill C013 of pit C012 in Area A. The radiocarbon dating results show that Area A activity took place within the Late Bronze Age, sometime around 1050–900 cal BC (SUERC-122916).