2023:441 - Ballyganner North, Clare

Two enclosure/hut sites (CL009-242---- and CL009-292----) are situated in the north-east end of the townland of Ballyganner North. Both sites are circular/oval in plan and are enclosed by a grass-covered stone wall. They are approximately 12m apart and measure 16m and 12m in diameter, respectively. Two trenches were excavated through both sites in May 2023, and the excavation was funded by the Royal Irish Academy.

Trench 1 was excavated through CL009-242---- and measured 19.8m by 3m. Trench 2 was excavated through CL009-292---- and measured 10.5m by 3m. A total of 29 archaeological contexts were uncovered within Trench 1, and five archaeological contexts were identified within Trench 2. Several lithics, probably Bronze Age, were found, along with early medieval artefacts such as glass and quartz beads, bone and glass toggles, stone tools, whetstones, iron artefacts, and an iron socketed arrowhead. Additionally, several burials were discovered within the larger enclosure/hut site CL009-242----. The discovery of burials was unexpected. Two remains were excavated: a crouched burial and that of an infant. Also revealed was what appears to be an adult extended burial (unexcavated). A second cairn of stones was also found but was not excavated. The crouched burial has been radiocarbon dated to the 8th/9th century AD.

It is currently not possible to determine a date and function for the site, but it is possible that the site is multi-period and served various functions, with burials being a notable use. Post-excavation analyses and radiocarbon dates will provide more specific information on the site's functions and dates. Due to the large number of lithics from the site, a prehistoric date is possible, with potentially medieval activity associated with the iron finds.

Glenard, Summerville Ave, S.C.Rd, Limerick