2026:278 - Kilmoney, Cork

This programme of testing was commissioned prior to an application for planning for a large-scale residential development. The total number of excavated trenches was 50 with a combined length of 2461m. Potential archaeological activity was noted within Trenches 1 – 9, 15 – 22, 29, 35, 38, 41, 42, 45, 47, 49, 52 and 59. The remains of a previously unrecorded probable ringfort, an associated field system and a number of discrete features were identified within the north-east portion of the proposed development site, to the north of the extant ringfort (CO098-017001). A previously unrecorded field system was also uncovered within the south-eastern portion of the development area, to the south of ringfort (CO098-017001). Several isolated areas of archaeological activity were identified within the southern and western portions of the proposed development site.

A small number of artefacts were also recovered, representing prehistoric activity. These comprised an Early Neolithic leaf-shaped arrowhead from the topsoil at the southern end of Trench 27, a rough-out stone axe was recovered from the upcast spoil from Trench 2 and sherds of a probable Early to Middle Bronze Age food vessel were recovered from a small pit-like feature within Trench 45.