2023:464 - Crosshaven, Cork

Excavation work was undertaken in response to planning conditions attached to grant of planning for a housing development. Archaeological remains dating from the prehistoric period were identified during the programme of excavation. The archaeological features identified appeared to relate to a rectilinear enclosure identified during a programme of geophysical survey (21R0253) and archaeological testing (22E0223) carried out ahead of the subject programme of excavation. The rectilinear enclosure was retained/preserved in-situ within a buffer zone of open green space. No ground reductions were undertaken within the buffer zone. Excavations carried out in lands directly to the south were carried out under licence 22E0223 ext.

Area B: This area contained a mix of pits, post- and stake-holes with very little stratigraphic relationships and features were dispersed across the excavation area. A large, concentrated cluster of pits, post- and stake-holes was recorded within the north-eastern corner of Area B. Worked flint artefacts were recovered from a number of the pits. A large firepit/kiln like feature was noted towards the centre of  Area B.

Area C: This area contained at least three individual structures (as outlined below), in addition to concentrations of pits, post- and stake-holes and archaeological spreads, all of which were likely prehistoric. Finds recovered within this area included stone tools and prehistoric pottery fragments.

• Structure 1 was a post-built structure located at the south-eastern side of Area C. A possible ancillary structure or annex was located at the southeast of Structure 1.
• Structure 2 was an intermittent slot trench and post-built structure located towards the centre of Area C. This structure incorporated post-holes at the north and south sides. Structure 2 was cut into an earlier pit, indicating that there were at least two phases of occupation within this portion of the site.
• Structure 3 was a post-built structure located to the immediate east of Structure 2. It contained a series of arching post-holes that appeared to partly enclose a large pit at the southeast of the interior of the structure. The structure had a large break in the circuit at the southern side and a smaller gap at the northern. Both gaps may have represented entrances. No stratigraphic relationship between Structure 2 and Structure 3 was established during excavation.

Area D: This area contained relatively few features in comparison to the areas excavated to the west and southwest and the activity represented by the small number of pits, post- and stake-holes was most likely prehistoric and associated with the prehistoric activity noted within the wider area.

Further related remains were excavated directly to the south under licence 22E0223 ext.