2024:841 - Carrigrohane, Ballincollig, Cork

Archaeological excavation of features initially identified during testing of the site in 2023 revealed three concentrations of deposits extending across an area measuring 50m north-south by 27m. The features identified include a large number of pits, interpreted as grain storage pits, post-holes, stake-holes, a small hearth and several ephemeral linear features. Two unrelated shallow linear east-west orientated slot trenches were also identified during excavation.

At the northern end of the site seven closely-set pits were identified, the largest measuring circa 1.1m in diameter x 1m in depth. A single sherd of prehistoric pottery was found in one of the pits. Approximately 20m to the south the main concentration of activity was identified comprising of 28 pits and numerous post- and stake-holes. The largest pit here measured c. 1.3m in diameter x 1m in depth and contained eight sherds of prehistoric pottery. Two of the pits in this area had been reused as hearths and several of the pits were intercutting, indicating at least four phases of activity. The layout of the post- and stake-holes suggested the presence of isolated posts scattered around the pits and possibly small windbreaks, but did not suggest the presence of structural remains or buildings. Approximately 7m to the south a third concentration of eight pits, one of which was reused as a hearth, numerous post- and stake-holes as well as a small hearth were identified. The largest pit in this area measured c. 1.1m in diameter x 0.75m in depth and contained a flint core. The post- and stake-holes were more numerous in this area but again their layout did not suggest coherent structural remains.

The pits appear to have been deliberately backfilled when they went out of use and several had stake-holes cutting their base suggested the presence of an internal lining. Charred cereal remains have been identified in the pit fills and environmental analysis is ongoing.