2025:191 - Castletreasure 1, Cork

Excavation at Castletreasure 1 as part of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project,
Co. Cork revealed at least three phases of prehistoric burnt stone mound activity with associated intercutting troughs, post-holes, slot-trenches, stake-holes and water management systems. The post-holes and slot trench appear to represent a hut-like structure, with a broadly elliptical floor plan, enclosing one of the earlier troughs, a configuration that seemingly conforms with Hawkes’ criteria for trough structures (Type A) (Hawkes, 2018). The stake-holes associated with the later trough may have
been part of a temporary structure, perhaps fencing or lining, while the water management gullies were likely water channels, used to carry excess water away from the trough (ibid.) Also present were an undated hearth (possibly early medieval) and a charcoal-production pit, along with a post-medieval to early modern field boundary ditch and drains. Naturally occurring features were also recorded.
Stage (iv) post-excavation analysis is still pending. Above is a preliminary bulletin and while further analysis is still required to refine the date range, the continued use of this space over a long period of time, particularly during the prehistoric period, is suggestive of its importance.

Reference:
Hawkes, A. 2018. The Archaeology of Prehistoric Burnt Mounds in Ireland. Archaeopress, Oxford