2025:208 - Raffeen 2, Cork

The archaeological site identified at Raffeen 2 consisted of extensive and multi-period activity. Raffeen 2 was sub-divided into 4 separate areas (A-D). Area A comprised 27 pits, 5 spreads, 4 post- and 13 stake-holes. Area B comprised of 10 pits and 3 post-holes. Area C comprised of 8 linear features with 3 pits present. Area D comprised of 6 linear features, 11 pits, 3 post-holes, 7 stake-holes and a kiln. Stage (iv) post-excavation analysis is still pending. Below is a preliminary bulletin.
Some of the earliest activity is likely to be Bronze Age in date and consists of a series of 30 pits and eleven post- and stake-holes containing burnt mound material (Area A). Four metres to the southwest at Area B a number of isolated pits/post-holes and linear cut features were encountered which are as yet undated. Area C, 18m to the south-east, suggests that the multiple linear ditches including a possible field system were post-medieval in date. Area D also contained post-medieval features in the form of relict field boundaries, but also present was a possible early medieval kiln with associated stake-holes. There is no evidence to suggest the site extends beyond the current road take.
Preservation of animal bone from the site was poor. Preliminary assessment of environmental remains show charred cereal grain present in 13 of the processed samples and some evidence for the collection of wild foodstuffs. Wood charcoal fragments were present in all samples processed.