EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Limerick
‘Carraig Aille I’ (Lough Gur td.), Co. Limerick
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure
Grid Ref: R65284070 (165285/140703)
SMR No: LI032-053001
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/year: 1936-1940?
Site Director: S.P. Ó Ríordáin (University College Cork)
Carraig Aille I, excavated as part of a University College Cork research dig, is a stone cashel
with evidence for early medieval internal structures, hearths and finds as well as a
considerable quantity of animal bone (Fig. 186). The site was situated 40m from Carraig Aille
II, on the most northern and highest point (120m 0D) of a northwest-southeast ridge of land
overlooking the marsh of Knockadoon.
Pre-cashel activity was indicated by a black habitation layer which ran under the western end
of the enclosing wall. A series of rock hollows, utilized for habitation sites, were revealed in
the west of the interior. The lowest occupation deposits in a number of these rock hollows
overlay the black habitation layer but appear to also pre-date the enclosure. This habitation
activity was interpreted as temporary shelters built just before and during the construction of
the enclosure.
The site enclosed an oval area approximately 43m in diameter. The stone walls vary in
thickness from 3.3m to 4.2m, and appear to be faced with larger stone slabs, with a rubble
core. The eastern entrance contained a possible wooden gate defined by a trench extending
between two recesses on either side of the entrance passage. A post-hole at the outer corner
of the northern side of the entrance was interpreted as a possible gate-post of a light
temporary outer gate.
Portions of paving were identified mainly inside the enclosure walls on the south and southeast
sides and immediately inside the trench in the entrance passage. A series of hearths and
traces of rectangular houses were associated with these paved areas. A small structure (less
than 1.2m square internally) was revealed just 2.1m inside the south-western corner of the
entrance and was interpreted as a shelter for a single person- perhaps a sentry.
Several hearths were also identified in the western interior where no formal buildings
survived. Here, the natural topography of rock hollows appear to have continued to been
used to form the walls of buildings for the enclosure occupants. These rock hollows appear to
have been allowed to become filled in over time and were utilized as dumping places for
refuse and large stones.
Nine pieces of bronze were found on site (four pins and two rings); iron finds included four
pins and nine rings, as well as ten knives, two three-pronged implements, two nails, a saw, a
hook and a punch. Twenty five combs, three bone pins, one bone point, twelve bone spindle
whorls, twelve fragments of rotary quern stones, fifty-five whetstones, ten stone spindle
whorls and six polished stone axes were other finds recovered. Pieces of two jet bracelets
were found; as was three glass beads - one pink, the other two blue; and two small
fragments of poor quality amber.
Two tons of animal bone was recovered from Carraig Aille I. Cattle bone comprised 90% of
the total. The remainder of the bulk was largely divided between sheep and pig though small
numbers of red deer, cat, dog and other wild animals were also identified. Iron slag was also
recovered and indicates on site ironworking.
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