EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Cork
Carrigaline Middle, Co. Cork
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure
Grid Ref: W73296371 (17329/06371)
SMR No: CO087-030; CO087-031
Excavation Licence: 01E1148
Excavation Duration/year: 2001; 2002
Site Director: R. Sherlock
Two enclosures and a souterrain were partially investigated in 2001 and 2002 in advance of a
housing development. Initial testing and geopgysical survey at the site of an enclosure and
souterrain suggested strong archaeological anomalies. Eleven 2m-wide trenches were
excavated and the features uncovered included a number of pits, a hearth, a number of
possible cremation burials, a portion of the enclosure ditch which extended beyond the limits
of the area of open space, and a portion of an earlier ditch which was apparently truncated
by the ditch of the enclosure.
The two enclosures werer investigated in 2002. The western enclosure (CO087-030) was
excavated, revealing the presence of an earlier oval-shaped enclosure (37.5m by 31m). This
was defined by a ditch (1.60m wide and 0.9m deep) which was truncated by the larger later
ditch (5.9m wide and 2m deep). Postholes, pits, cremation burials and possible funerary
pyres lay to the north and northwest of these ditches and indicate early medieval and
prehistoric activity.
The second levelled enclosure (CO087-031) was also investigated. Excavations revealed the
enclosure ditch and a number of features. The ditch, where excavated at the southern side of
the enclosure, was found to be 3.6-4m wide at ground level, 1.4-2m wide at the base and 2-
2.3m deep. An entrance way was located and a gatehouse, defined by a pair of substantial
postholes, was also discovered.
References:
Sherlock, R. 2001:0130. Carrigaline Middle, Co. Cork. www.excavations.ie
Sherlock, R. 2002:0246. Carrigaline Middle, Co. Cork. www.excavations.ie
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