2024:445 - Liscahane, Millstreet, Cork

The archaeological excavation undertaken at the site of a residential development at Liscahane, Millstreet, County Cork uncovered the very basal remnants of a charcoal-production kiln – most likely a mound kiln. This interpretation is derived from the feature’s morphology, density of charcoal inclusions and evidence of in-situ burning activity in the form of oxidised concentrations of subsoil underlying the charcoal-rich spread.

The spread measured 1.47m (north-south) by 0.89m and only 20mm to 30mm in depth. A small sub-oval shaped cut which was revealed underlying the south-western side of the spread likely represents the remains of a small post-hole. Such post-holes were common in this type of feature as they provided a support for the production kiln. The post-hole measured 0.2m (north-east/south-west) by 0.15m and 0.1m deep.

The residual remnants of the feature, encompassing the thin spread of charcoal-rich material and a small sub-oval post-hole, were all that survived from what would have once been a more substantial feature.

Archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping works across the wider site has also been completed and no further features of an archaeological nature were uncovered.