2026:253 - Lissurla, Mellefontstown and Ballinure, Cork

A programme of archaeological test trenching was undertaken as part of site investigations for a proposed solar development in the townlands of Lissurla, Mellefontstown, and Ballinure, Co. Cork. Test trenching was preceded by a geophysical survey (Dowling 2026; License No. 26R0097).

The area subject to testing comprised 3 parcels of land totaling approximately 51ha. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8 and 23 June 2026. A total of approximately 7,342.5 linear metres of test trenches were excavated across the site. The preceding geophysical survey identified a number of anomalies of archaeological potential, including a curving ditch of uncertain date in Parcel 1 and scatters of possible pits or deposits within each of the three parcels. Evidence for past cultivation and land management was also identified.

Parcel 1
A total of 50 test trenches (2,119 linear metres) were excavated. The most significant feature identified comprised a substantial curving ditch extending for approximately 110m, measuring up to 2.1m in width and surviving to a depth of at least 0.8m. Additional trenches excavated confirmed that the feature did not form part of an enclosure (Trench 37a, 38 and 42b). Two associated linear ditches and 3 isolated charcoal-rich pits were also identified. Although undated, the morphology of the ditch and its proximity to known early medieval enclosures might suggest a possible medieval origin.

Two additional linear features (C13 and C14) to the north of Parcel 1 were interpreted as post-medieval field boundaries backfilled partly with re-deposited natural subsoil from the excavation of a watering hole 6m to the north.

Parcel 2
A total of 36 test trenches (2,008 linear metres) were investigated. Two figure-of-eight-shaped, heat-affected features displayed oxidised clay and associated burning, and were interpreted as possible kilns, indicating small-scale industrial or domestic grain-processing activity.

Parcel 3
A total of 58 test trenches (3,215 linear metres) were excavated. A possible pit and an nearby small burnt spread were identified within and adjacent to Field 8. A substantial linear drain and numerous cultivation features were interpreted as recent agricultural activity.

Finds
The artefactual assemblage recovered during the testing comprised a single find: a rotary quern disc (26E0488:01:01) recovered from spoil adjacent to Trench 56 during excavation in Parcel 2. The quern, represented by a disc broken into 2 pieces, had evidently been damaged during mechanical excavation and was recovered from spoil adjacent to the trench. Trench 56 contained a possible kiln (C4), comprising a southwest-northeast aligned keyhole or figure-of-eight-shaped feature. Although its precise provenance was not observed, the quern most likely originated from the interface between the topsoil and C4.