2023:854 - Barnahely 2, Cork

The excavation of Barnahely 2 revealed has revealed two identifiable phases of site activity. Activity in Area A, and around the sinkhole in Area D, can be dated to the prehistoric period, based on artefactual evidence and radiocarbon dates from Stage (ii) samples. This consists of a ring-ditch (Area A-1), possible structure (A-2), grain processing refuse pits (A-3) and souterrain activity (Area D).
Activity in Areas B–D consists of three early medieval ringforts, based on their morphology and radiocarbon dates from Stage (ii), with the central ringfort (Area D) possibly being backfilled about a century before the other two sites. From samples and artefactual evidence, it is likely that at least one of the ringforts is high status, with a wide range of artefacts recovered that represent several identifiable crafts. It is anticipated that specialist analysis of finds and samples, along with radiocarbon dating, will provide further information on the activity being undertaken and allow refinement of site phasing. At this point the site discussion will be expanded upon. The information obtained from Barnahely 2 will also determine whether it was contemporary with other activity in neighbouring sites Barnahely 1 and Loughbeg 1.
The design of the scheme has been altered to allow the cave to be preserved in situ. Archaeologists from Rubicon Heritage monitored the infilling of the remaining cave and souterrain to ground level to ensure compliance with the infilling methodology agreed between Cork County Council and the National Monuments Service.