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.

Radiocarbon dating of an oak (Querus) charcoal sample retrieved from the charcoal-rich remnants of the features has returned a calibrated 2-sigma date of cal AD 1044–1216 (UBA 56749) (median probability AD 1136). This most likely places the feature in the latter part of the early medieval period (circa AD 400–AD 1169).

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