2025:217 - Loughbeg 1, Cork

Excavation at Loughbeg 1, as part of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project, revealed a cremation pit, multiple pits, post-holes and linear-cut features. The presence and location of archaeological remains at this site were discovered through geophysical
survey (Gimson 2021) and subsequent archaeological testing (Long et al. 2022). A total of 1006.87m² (consisting of Area A- 641.01m² and Area B- 419.86m²) was stripped of topsoil during Stage (ii) pre-excavation services at the site in August 2022 and, subsequently, it was recommended that all archaeological remains on the site be subject to Stage (iii) excavation as they would be directly impacted by the construction of the road. The fieldwork was carried out between 21 of November and 1 of December 2022. Stage (iv) post-excavation analysis is still pending. Below is a preliminary bulletin.
The preliminary assessment of the results of the excavation suggests several phases of multi-period activity. Some of the earliest activity is likely to be prehistoric in date and consists of a pit cremation, while a series of pits and post-/stake-holes to the south-west are probably medieval in date, based on a preliminary assessment of the associated cereal grain. Several linear features/ditches were identified, of possible post-medieval date and a field boundary and a number of agricultural furrows were early modern in date. There is evidence to suggest elements of the 19th-century field boundary as depicted on historical mapping is likely to extend beyond the current road take.
Two artefacts, an iron blade and nail, were recovered during excavations and from
subsequent sample processing. Archaeological materials including cremated human bone and animal bone were also recovered.

577891, 563958 (Area A), 577897, 56392 (Area B) (cutting centroid).