2025:213 - Shanbally 4, Cork

Excavation at Shanbally 4, as part of the M28 Corck or Ringaskiddy Scheme, Co. Cork, revealed a cereal-drying kiln and possible 17th-century garden plot. Stage (iv) post-excavation analysis is still pending. Below is a preliminary bulletin.
The presence and location of archaeological remains at this site were discovered through Stage (i) archaeological test trenching (Long et al. 2022). There was no indication of the site on the geophysical survey carried out in the area (Gimson 2021). A total of 1,160.28m² (consisting of Area A- 385.69m², Area B- 192.49m² and Area C- 582.1m²) was stripped of topsoil during Stage (ii) pre-excavation services at the site in May 2022 and, subsequently, it was recommended that all archaeological remains on the site be subject to Stage (iii) excavation as they would be directly impacted by the construction of the road.
The fieldwork was carried out between 18 and 26 May 2023. Preliminary assessment of the results of the excavation suggests that the single pit, linear feature and cultivation plot identified at Shanbally 4 Area A were post-medieval/early modern in date, while a kiln surrounded by eight post-holes and one stake-hole to the north-east at Area B are possibly prehistoric, based on the preliminary analysis of the grain assemblage. A pit with two stake-holes at Area C are unphased. There is no evidence to suggest the site extends beyond the current road take.
A total of twenty-two artefacts, including 18 pottery sherds, 3 glass shards and 1 coin, were recovered during excavation. Archaeological materials including charred plant remains were also recovered.

Area A- 575740, 564078. Area B- 575795, 564120. Area C-575831, 564085. (cutting
centroid)