2022:121 - KNOCKANACUIG, Kerry

A large hilltop enclosure or hillfort is located on Knockanacuig hill on the western outskirts of Tralee, Co. Kerry. The enclosure is recorded with an eccentric second feature in its interior which has been interpreted as an inner enclosure though it is more likely a mound. All elements of this sizeable monument have been levelled.

This brief exploratory excavation confirmed the survival sub-surface of substantial evidence relating to the large monument in the interior and shows that it was indeed a mound approximately 30m in diameter surrounded by a 6.5m wide and 2m deep ditch. There was evidence for a number of phases of activity on the site prior to the construction of the mound in the form of numerous post- and stake-holes.

Further, more extensive excavations will take place on the site next year to try and answer some of the many questions raised by this year’s research.