Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Far Ran Fore, Co. Kerry - 04E0647

Eachtra Journal
Issue 5 [ISSN 2009-2237]
Archaeological Excavation Report

E0647 - Garraundarragh / Urrohogal, Co. Kerry
Burnt mounds
Final Excavation Report
N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema)
Road Improvement Scheme
CONTRACT 2
March 2010
Client: Road Design Office,

Kerry County Council,
The Island Centre,
Castleisland,
Co. Kerry
Licence No.: 04E0647

Licensee: Jacinta Kiely
Contact details:
The Forge,
Written by: Jacinta Kiely & Tony Bartlett Innishannon, Co. Cork.
Tel.: 021 470 16 16
Fax: 021 470 16 28
E-mail: info@eachtra.ie
Web Site: www.eachtra.ie
04E0647 N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) - CONTRACT 2 ISSUE 5: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ ii
Background................................................................................................................1
Site location and description.................................................................................1
Archaeological and historical background........................................................1
Excavation Results...................................................................................................3
Fulacht fiadh 1 in Garraundarragh townland......................................................3
Trough Timbers..................................................................................................4
Fulacht fiadh 2 in Urrohogal townland................................................................5
Interpretation . ........................................................................................................6
References.................................................................................................................7
Figures........................................................................................................................8
Plates......................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix 1: Context Register................................................................................ 23
Appendix 2: Matrix.................................................................................................. 25
Appendix 3: Radiocarbon Dating Results...........................................................26
Appendix 4: Plant Remains.....................................................................................28
Acknowledgements
Eachtra Archaeological Projects wish to acknowledge the assistance of Kerry County Council, Kerry
National Road Design Office, Project Archaeologist Sébastien Joubert, Martin Reid of National Mon-
uments Section of the Dept. of Environment, Heritage & Local Government and Denis Moriarty
Plant Hire.
Copyright Notice: Please note that all original information contained within this report,
including all original drawings, photographs, text and all other printed matter deemed to be
the writer’s, remains the property of the writer and Eachtra Archaeological Projects and so may
not be reproduced or used in any form withoutthe written consent of the writer or Eachtra
Archaeological Projects.
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Background
The National Roads Authority is undertaking a programme of works to upgrade the N22 between Cork
and Tralee. Part of this work involves the realignment of circa 3.8km of the N22 between Gortatlea
and Farranfore, Co. Kerry. Eachtra Archaeological Projects carried out a programme of centreline and
offset testing, under licence 04E104, on behalf of Kerry County Council in relation to the N22 road
improvement scheme. The nature and extend of a fulacht fiadh, identified in the AIS in Garraundar-
ragh townland (Chainage 8059-8084 & National Grid Reference 92917/107315 – 92912/107296)
was tested (Figure 2). The fulacht fiadh was subsequently excavated under licence 04E0647. In addi-
tion to this, a truncated fulacht fiadh mound was uncovered during monitoring of topsoil stripping at
chainage 8120-8137, (National Grid Reference 92888.43/107262.87 – 92885.86/107245.21) in Ur-
rohogal townland. The second fulacht fiadh was excavated under an extension of 04E0647.
Site location and description

The fulachta fiadh are located in the townlands of Garraundarragh and Urrohogal in the parish of Cur-
rans and the barony of Trughanacmy in north Kerry, c. 4km north of Farranfore and c. 8km south-east
of Tralee town (Figures 1 & 2). Garrandarragh is an anglicisation of Garrán darach or oaky under-
wood. Urrohogal or Ura Seagail means borderland of the rye (OS Name Books 1840). The principal
soil in the area comprises gleys, a soil type associated with rolling lowland. The associated soils are acid
brown earths and peats which are derived from upper carboniferous shale and sandstone and glacial
till respectively (Gardiner et. al. 1980, 36). The clay plus silt contents can be up to 80% in the subsoil
(ibid. 79). The soils have a limited use range and are not suitable for tillage. The grazing season would
be confined largely to the summer period (ibid. 80).
The fields in which the fulachta fiadh were situated were wet and poorly drained pasture. The MacGil-
lycuddy Reeks and Molls Gap were visible to the south.
Archaeological and historical background

The archaeological landscape in the general area extends from the Late Neolithic/Bronze Age to the
Medieval Period. Prehistoric monuments in the surrounding landscape include standing stones and
fulachta fiadh (Figure 2). Standing stones or gallaun/gallán are the simplest and most numerous of Irish
megalithic monuments. Two standing stones are located in Garraundarragh townland (KE039 -106 &
-114). These monuments have been interpreted in various ways. Excavations of some examples showed
that they marked burials of a Bronze Age date (1400 – 700 BC). Others are interpreted as boundary
markers or ancient routeways or were used to commemorate important ritualistic or ceremonial events
or possibly as the remaining evidence of a once more complex feature. Some examples are found in
isolation while others occur in close proximity to other archaeological features eg. decorated stones,
wedge tombs or ring-barrows.
Fulachta fiadh are the most common Bronze Age monument in Ireland. Two fulachta fiadh are located
close to the route (KE039 -067 & -109) and an additional eight new sites were recorded. Three sites
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were recorded in Garraundarragh townland within the area of the road take. Two were excavated by
the author under licence 04E0647 & 04E0647extension, the third was excavated by N. O’Callaghan
under licence 04E0646. A further five burnt mound deposits were recorded while monitoring topsoil
stripping at a ‘borrow site’ in the same townland c. 80m to the west of 04E0646 (Fig. 2). The sites were
located outside the lands made available for the road improvement scheme. The sites were recorded and
mapped and covered with geoterim. These monuments survive as low mounds of charcoal rich black
silt packed with heat-shattered stones and are generally situated close to a water source. In many cases,
however, all that survives to the present day are black spreads with fragments of shattered stones vis-
ible in ploughed fields. Fulachta fiadh are generally classified as ‘cooking places’, whereby stones were
heated in a hearth and subsequently placed in a trough of water, the water continued to boil with the
addition of hot stones and wrapped food was cooked within the hot water. The trough eventually filled
with small stones, ash and charcoal that were removed and formed the basis of the familiar mound.
The absence of animal remains and the scarcity of associated hearths have fuelled the debate in relation
to the function of the sites. Other theories on their interpretation include bathing and dyeing textiles
together with the production of hot water and steam for curative purposes and sweat houses (Kelly
1989, 225). Waddell (1998, 177) suggests the semi-industrial purpose of using the boiling water for
dipping hides as part of the preparation of the leather, while Dunne (pers. comm.) suggests a relation-
ship between burnt mounds and Bronze Age funerary rites and burial practices.
Six new archaeological sites were recorded in the townlands of Gortatlea and Flemby on a previous
phase of N22 realignment from Bealagrellagh to Gortatlea by Eachtra Archaeological Projects and
Aegis Archaeology Ltd. A ditched enclosure (00E0779) measuring 16.6 by 15.9m was recorded in Gor-
tatlea (Bennett 2002, 146). A complex of pits, containing Beaker pottery, a burnt mound and a ring
barrow (00E0769) were excavated in Gortatlea and Flemby (ibid.). Two burnt mounds were recorded
in Flemby (00E0245). Evidence of timber lining was recorded in the trough associated with one of the
mounds (ibid. 145).
The landscape is dominated by the presence of Early Medieval activity characterized by ringforts
and earthen enclosures. Twelve ringforts are located in close proximity to the road (KE039 -017, -
061, -062, -068, -071, -072, -073, -070, -107, -108, -113, & -121) Ringforts are the most numerous
archaeological monument found in Ireland, with estimates of between 30 and 50,000 illustrated on
the first edition of the Ordnance Survey 6” maps of the 1840’s (Barry, 1987). As a result of continued
research these monuments have a narrow date range during the Early Christian period between the 7th
and 9th centuries AD. Although there are some very elaborate examples of ringforts they often take the
form of a simple earth or stone enclosure and functioned as settlements for all classes of secular society
(Stout, 1997). The western arc of the ditch of a ringfort, Lisdarrig KE039:071, was excavated by N.
O’Callaghan under licence 04E0648. The entrance to the ringfort faced west-north-west.
Excavation Results
Fulacht fiadh 1 was recorded during Phase I testing c. 40m north of the townland boundary between
Garraundarragh and Urrohogal in Garraundarragh. A second burnt mound, fulacht fiadh 2 was re-
corded during Phase II monitoring immediately south of the Garraundarragh and Urrohogal town-
land boundaries in Urrohogal, c. 36m to the south. The mounds were separated by and predated the
townland boundary of Garraundarragh and Urrohogal. The results of both excavations are outlined
below.
A grid was established in each area of excavation and the ground within it was cleaned by hand to
locate and identify all archaeological features. Each identified feature was excavated, planned, pho-
tographed and recorded, with every fill and cut being assigned a context number. Charcoal and soil
samples were taken from appropriate fills where necessary. All artefacts were retrieved, registered,
bagged and labelled.
Fulacht fiadh 1 in Garraundarragh townland

This well-preserved fulacht fiadh was located in Field 13, a rough poorly drained field in pasture
(Figures 3 & 4) c. 40m north of the southern boundary of Garraundarragh townland. The mound
itself was well preserved standing to a maximum height of 0.8m and measured 15m north-south by
14m east-west in extent (plate 1). The mound material (C.3 & C.4) consisted of small fragments of
burnt and heat shattered sandstone with frequent amounts of charcoal enriched silt. The heat-shattered
sandstone fragments measured on average 0.08m by 0.08m in size. The material included patches of
re-deposited yellow-white natural clay subsoil. One sample from the mound material was analysed for
charred plant material but only charcoal was recovered. Two large troughs were located under the
north-western portion of the mound (Figure 5). Both troughs cut the subsoil. The main mound mate-
rial (C.3) formed the upper fill of each trough. The natural clay subsoil would have been very suitable
for retaining water.
One trough (C.7) measured 4.4m by 3.1m by 1.05m in depth. It was non-symmetrical in plan (plate
2, figure 6 & 7). Four fills C.3, C.5, C.6 & C.11 were recorded in the trough. The underlying silts
C.5 & C.6 were charcoal enriched and included heat shattered sandstone fragments. The base of the
trough was lined with a compact white clay C.11. The average depth of the clay was 0.1m but a depth
of 0.35m was recorded in the deeper western side. Two of the trough deposits (C.5 and C.6) were
analysed for charred plant material and although no charred seeds were recovered the charcoal in the
deposits has been identified as oak, hazel/alder and willow/poplar. These tree-types are often recovered
at fulachta fiadh sites: much of Ireland was probably still covered by primary oak forest in the Bronze
Age and damp-loving species such as alder and willow were common in the low-lying, damp areas
where fulachta fiadh are generally situated.
Trough C.8 was located adjacent to, and to the east of, trough C.7 (plate 3, figure 6). A possible
overflow channel connected the two troughs. It measured c. 0.3m north-south by 0.7m east-west by
0.15m in depth. The plan of the trough suggested that the trough may have initially been rectangular
in plan and that a substantially deeper circular section was dug in the southwest corner. No re-cut was
recorded. The rectangular section measured c. 1.7m north-south by 2.4m east-west and was 0.5m deep.
The circular section measured c. 1.2m north-south by 1.7m east-west and was 1.2m deep. The circular
section functioned like a well. It was cut below the water table or into a rising spring and filled with
water (figure 8). Two fills (C.9 & C.10) were recorded in the trough. Five timbers were recovered from
the basal fill in the area of the deeper well section (04E0647:10:1-5).
A Late Bronze Age radiocarbon date of 1000 to 790 cal BC was obtained from charcoal from the up-
per fill C.5 of trough C.7 (Beta 200762).
Trough Timbers
Two pointed split oak planked stakes were recovered from the trough (C.8) (04E0647:10:1-2). Both
timbers display numerous cut marks recorded on both the broad faces and the side edges. The pointed
plank stakes (similar to wicket fencing) are also warped along their length across their broad faces.
One of the pieces is degraded and eroded over approx. 60% of its length, possibly to due long term
exposure in water.
The best preserved of the wooden stakes (04E0647:10:1) is in a remarkable state of preservation due
to complete anaerobic environmental stratification. It is 1.05m in length by 0.11-0.12m wide by 0.04-
0.05m thick (Fig.10 & Plate 7). The pointing commences at c. 0.30m from one end with the final
0.11m finished off into a fine pencil like point that remarkably still survives. The opposite more squared
end displays the effect of having been driven with a rounded implement (most likely a heavy rounded
pole) as the impacted end is slightly concave. A vertical impact crack extends down along its much of
its length. Several tool marks are disposed along the length of the artefact and appear to have been
executed with at least two different metal tools. Some cut marks are straight edged and were probably
executed by an axe. A heavy chop mark, made from a curved bladed tool, is visible on face 1 c. 0.23m
from the point of the stake. A similar diagonal cut mark was recorded at the impacted end of the stake.
The cuts were probably made with a curving metal edge (probably an adze with a transverse curve to
its cutting edge similar to a woodcarver’s gouge).
The degraded stake (04E0647:10:2) is best preserved along its pointed end. It is almost identical to the
other stake but it was heavily eroded due to exposure. It is 0.975m in length by 0.12m wide by 0.045m
thick. The basal pointed section is in a very good state of preservation. It was narrowed to a point in
the same fashion as its compatriot stake but the fine point was broken when originally driven (Fig. 11
& Plate 7).
Three pieces (04E0647:10:3-5) of natural bog oak were also recorded in the trough. Each piece was a
naturally curved either root section or natural branch. None of the three displayed any cut marks and
may have been thrown in to the trough after it had gone out of use.
Fulacht fiadh 2 in Urrohogal townland

The levelled fulacht fiadh was located in Field 14 a rough poorly drained pasture (Figures 2 & 3)
close to the northern boundary of Urrohogal townland. The mound was disturbed to the north by a
modern field boundary bank with associated drainage ditches on either side (Figure 9, plate 4). The
construction of the boundary may well have been the action that levelled the mound. The mound was
composed to two distinct layers, C.12 and C.14. Both were charcoal enriched silts with 70-80% heat
shattered sandstone. C.12 was inspected for charred plant remains but no charred seeds were found.
C.12 survived beneath the boundary bank; its physical relationship with the rest of the fulacht fiadh
having been truncated by the southern drainage ditch (C19). Amorphous in plan, the mound had
maximum dimensions of 17m north-south by 9.5m east-west. It ranged in depth from 0.04m to 0.34m
(Figure 9). A trough (C.24) and a shallow pit (C.17) were recorded under the mound.
The trough (C.24) was located at the southern end of the mound. Sub-oval in plan, and orientated
north-south, it measured 1.52m by 1.2m by 0.4m in depth (Figure 8, plate 5). Three fills C.21, C.22,
& C.23 were recorded within the trough and were sealed by the main mound layer C.14. One of these
deposits (C.23) was tested for the presence of charred macroplant remains but no charred seeds were
found. The trough was cut into the natural clay subsoil.
A pit (C.17) was located 3.3m NNE of the trough (Figure 8, plate 6). Sub-circular in plan it measured
0.58m by 0.62m by 0.12m in depth. Two silty clay fills (C.15 and C.16) were recorded within the pit.
Occasional fragments of metal slag were recorded within C.15 - the upper fill. The base of the pit was
heat scorched but it did not show evidence of prolonged in situ burning. It is possible that material was
deposited when it was hot which caused incidental scorching of the base of the pit.
Modern Agricultural Features

A section of the field boundary was recorded in the northern area of the excavation (Figure 8). The field
boundary forms the boundary between Garraundarragh and Urrohogal townlands. It is composed of
a bank with a ditch located to the immediate north and south. The ditches (C.18 & C.19) measured
1.5m wide by 1m in depth. The earthen bank C.13 measured 3m wide at the base by 1m high.
Interpretation
Two previously unrecorded fulachta fiadh were discovered in close proximity to one another, in the
townlands of Garraundarragh and Urrohogal. The mounds and troughs associated with the two sites
were very different in terms of size. The composition of the mounds was similar being composed of
heat shattered stone. The mound in Garraundarragh had survived to a general height of 0.8m and the
two troughs were substantial in size. Both troughs cut the subsoil and it was not possible to establish
a stratigraphic relationship between the two. Timbers were recorded in one of the troughs in which
would suggest that it was timber lined originally. Charcoal from C.5 the fill of trough C.7 in Garraun-
darragh has been dated to the Later Bronze Age cal BC 1000 to 790 (Beta 200762).
Charcoal from the mound C.2 associated with the fulacht fiadh excavated under licence 04E0646
further north in Garraundarragh was dated to the Middle Bronze Age cal BC 1530 to 1400 (Beta
200761). The dates contribute to the small but growing catalogue of dates for fulachta fiadh in Co.
Kerry. Fulachta fiadh excavated further south in the townlands of Coolgarriv (Kiely 2000) and Bally-
downey (Kiely 2002) near Killarney have produced an Iron Age date cal BC 410 to 160 (Beta 170031),
a Middle Bronze Age date cal BC 1490 to 1200 (Beta 168811) and an Early Bronze Age date cal BC
1890 to 1540 (Beta 168809) respectively.
Prior to the archaeological works associated with the construction of the N22 between Gortatlea and
Farranfore, two fulachta fiadh were recorded in Garraundarragh townland. In the course of archaeo-
logical work associated with the N22 project a total of eight new fulachta fiadh have been recorded,
three of the sites have been excavated and five were recorded and covered. Fulachta fiadh are generally
Bronze Age in date – as confirmed by the most recent radiocarbon dates obtained - and are a useful
indicator of Bronze Age activity. There are no known Bronze Age settlement sites in the townland.
References
Barry, T.B. 1987 The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland. Routledge, London and New York.
Connolly, M. 2002 Gortatlea Ditched Enclosure in Bennett, I. (ed.), Excavations 2000, 146, Wordwell
L|td.
Coyne, F. 2002 Gortatlea and Flemby Prehistoric burial and ritual in Bennett, I. (ed.), Excavations
2000, 146, Wordwell L|td.
Dunne. L., Dennehy, E. 2002 Flemby Fulachta Fiadh in Bennett, I. (ed.), Excavations 2000, 145,
Wordwell L|td.
Gardiner, M.J. Radford, T. 1980 Soil Associations of Ireland and Their Land Use Potential. An Foras
Talúntais, Dublin.
Kelly, M. J. 1989 Early Ireland, An Introduction to Irish Prehistory. Cambridge University Press.
Kiely, J. 2000 Excavation of fulacht fiadh at Coolgarriv Co. Kerry. Unpublished excavation report
Eachtra Archaeological Projects.
Kiely, J., O’Callaghan, N. 2002 Excavation of prehistoric and historic sites at Ballydowney, Co. Kerry.
Unpublished excavation report Eachtra Archaeological Projects.
O’Callaghan, N. Excavation Report N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) Road Improvement

Scheme 04E0646. Unpublished report, Eachtra Archaeological Projects.
O’Callaghan, N. Excavation Report N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) Road Improvement

Scheme 04E0648. Unpublished report, Eachtra Archaeological Projects.
O’Donovan , J. (1840) Ordnance Survey Letters and Namebooks for County Kerry.
Stout, M. 1997 The Irish Ringfort, Four Courts Press, Dublin.
Waddell, J. 1998 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Galway University Press.
Figure 1: Extract from OS Discovery map showing the existing N22 and the line of the new route.
Figures
04E0648
Garraundarragh
Townland
Borrow site
Fulacht Fiadh
04E0646
Fulachta Fiadh
04E0647
Legend
Archaeology
Fulacht Fiadh
Enclosure
Ringfort
Standing Stone
Townland Boundary
New route of N22
Figure 2: Composite extract from RMP sheets KE039 & 048. Line of the new section of the N22
and the location of the new fulachta fiadh indicated.
Garraundarragh Fulacht Fiadh
Urrohogal Fulacht Fiadh
0 250m
Figure 3: Portion of the route of N22 showing location of the two fulachta fiadh.
B1 Trough, F7
A1
A 092912, 107317
D1
A
C
C1
Trough, C8
B
D
Fulacht Fiadh mound, C3
92906, 107296 B
Baseline
A B
0 5m
Figure 4: Plan of the mound of the Garraundarragh fulacht fiadh and the location of the
troughs.
C1
1m
0
D1
D
Trough, C8
A1
Trough, C7
Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the troughs C.7 & C.8.

B
A
B1
A A1
C.7
0 1m
B B1
0 1m
Figure 6: Profiles of trough C.7.
D D1
C.8
0 1m
C C1
C.8
0 1m
Figure 7: Profiles of trough C.8.
N Garraundarragh & Urrohgal

townland boundary
E92888.43
N107262.87
A1 Limit of
Drainage Ditch, Fulacht
C18 C12 Fiadh
Existing Bank
Drainage Ditch,
C19
C14
Limit of
Fulacht
Fiadh
B B1
C17
Area of
Excavation
C24
A
E92885.86
N107245.21
C.P.O.
0 6m
Figure 8: Plan of extent of the Urrohogal fulacht fiadh mound.
Drainage ditch
C18
A1
4m
C12
Drainage ditch
C19
B1
0.5 m
C16
C15
Figure 9: Profile of mound C.14 and trough C.24. Profile of pit C.17.
0
C17
B
C14
C22
C21
C24
C23
A
25 cm
Figure 10: Timber stake 04E0647:10:1.

0
Side Edge
Face 1
Face 2
25 cm
Figure 11: Timber stake 04E0647:10:2.

0
Face 1
Face 2
Face 3
Plates
Plate 1: Mound of fulacht fiadh in Garraundarragh from southeast.
Plate 2: Aerial view of troughs C.7 in background and C.8 in foreground from
southeast.
Plate 3: Trough C.8 from east.
Plate 4: Mound of fulacht fiadh in Urrohogal from south.
Plate 5: Trough C.24 from south.
Plate 6: Pit C.17 from south.
50cm
Plate 7: Timber stakes 04E0647:10:1 & 04E0647:10:2.
04E0647
Appendix 1: Context Register
Licence No. Context No. Context Intrepretation Dimensions Description Samples

04E0647 1 Topsoil
04E0647 2 Subsoil
04E0647 3 Main mound material Overlay trough 15m NS x 14m Charcoal enriched silt with 90% heat shattered sandstone, average di- Soil 1 &
C.7 & C.8 EW x 0.8m mensions 0.08m x 0.08m x 0.08m & lens of C.4 3, char-
deep coal 2
04E0647 4 Redeposited natural Yellow-white clay, frequent inclusions of charcoal flecks.
04E0647 5 Fill of trough C.7 Underlay C.3 2.5m NNE- Grey-black charcoal enriched silt with 80% heat shattered sandstone. Soil 5
SSW x
3m WSW-ENE
x 0.50m deep
04E0647 6 Fill of trough C.7 Underlay C.5 2.5m NNE- Loosely compacted black silt with frequent Soil 4
SSW x 2m inclusions of charcoal flecks.
WSW-ENE x
0.12m deep
04E0647 7 Cut of trough Filled with C.5, 4.40m NNE- Sub-rectangular in plan, rounded corners, gentle break of slope-top
C.6 & C.11 SSW x 3.10m at N; sharp elsewhere, gentle break of slope at base at N & W; sharp
WSW-ENE x elsewhere, base inclined towards SW.
1.05m deep
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04E0647 8 Cut of trough Filled with C.9 4.63m x 3.30m Irregular in plan, break of slope at top sharp, sides vertical, break of
N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) - CONTRACT 2
& C.10 x 0.95m deep slope at base sharp, base flat. Well section in SW of trough circular in
plan with vertical sides & flat base.
04E0647 9 Fill of trough C.8 Underlay C.3 1.4m x 1.2m x Mid grey silt with 50% large unburnt stones, up to 0.4m x 0.3m x Soil 6
0.650m deep 0.3m in size.
04E0647 10 Basal fill of trough C.8 Underlay C.9 1m x 1.3m x Mid green-yellow sand, it included 5 fragments of timber. Rising wa- Finds 1-5
0.35m deep ter recorded.
04E0647 11 Fill of trough C.7 Underlay C.6 4.63m x 3.30m Compact white clay, included occasional flecks of charcoal & large flat
x 0.35m deep. unburnt stones. Average depth 0.10m, depth of well section 0.35m.
04E0647 Ext 12 Secondary layer of mound material Underlay C.13 2.5m N-S x 4m Loosely compacted dark brown-black silt with 70% heat shattered Soil 3
E-W x 0.34m sandstone. Stones averaged 0.07m in thickness.
deep
04E0647 Ext 13 Field boundary bank Overlay C.12 3m at base by Moderately compact mid grey-brown clayey silt with moderate small
1m in height to large stones throughout.
ISSUE 5: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
23
04E0647
Licence No. Context No. Context Intrepretation Dimensions Description Samples

04E0647 Ext 14 Mound material Overlay trough 13m N-S x Loose to moderately compact charcoal enriched dark black-brown silt.
C.24 & pit 9.5m E-W x 80% heat shattered sandstones that averaged 0.08m in thickness.
C.17 0.3m average
depth.
04E0647 Ext 15 Fill of pit C.17 Underlay C.14 0.42m E-W Moderately compact mottled mid yellow-brown silty clay. Frequent Soil 1
x 0.4m N-S x small lumps of orange burnt clay and occasional charcoal flecks. Oc-
0.08m deep. casional small fragments of metal slag.
04E0647 Ext 16 Fill of pit C.17 Underlay C.15 0.62m E-W x Moderately compact bark black-brown silty clay loam with occasional Soil 2
0.58m N-S x charcoal flecks and sub-angular pebbles.
0.04m deep.
04E0647 Ext 17 Cut of pit Filled with 0.62m E-W x Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top with concave sides onto
C.15 & C.16 0.58m N-S x a rounded base. Overall concave profile.
0.12m deep.
04E0647 Ext 18 Northern field boundary drainage 1.5m wide, Modern field boundary ditch.
ditch 1m deep.
04E0647 Ext 19 Southern field boundary drainage 1.5m wide, Modern field boundary ditch.
ditch 1m deep.
04E0647 Ext 20 Non Archaeological Number given to possible pit fill that was resolved as a natural hollow
filled with mound material.
04E0647 Ext 21 Fill of trough C.24 Underlay C.14 1.52m N-S x Moderately compact mid grey silty clay with 10% un-burnt sanstones
1.2m E-W x and occasional charcoal flecks. Stones averaged 0.08m in thickness.
Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e0647-garraundarragh-urrohogal-co-kerry/
N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) - CONTRACT 2
0.18m deep.
04E0647 Ext 22 Fill of trough C.24 Underlay C.21 1.52m N-S Moderately compact light grey-brown silty clay with occasional char-
x 1.2m E- coal flecks and 10% un-burnt sandstones. Stones averaged 0.08m in
W. Min thickness.
depth (S) 0.06m
Max depth (N)
0.26m
04E0647 Ext 23 Fill of trough C.24 Underlay C.22 1.52m N-S Moderately compact dark grey-brown charcoal enriched clayey silt Soil 4
x 1.2m E-W. with 70% heat shattered sandstone. Stones averaged 0.08m in thick-
Min depth (N) ness.
0.1m
Max depth
(S) 0.3m
04E0647 Ext 24 Cut of trough Filled with 1.52m N-S x Sub- oval in plan, orientated north-south. Gradual break of slope top.
C.21-C.23 1.2m E-W x Sharp, almost vertical sides except in the S where it was more of a
0.4m deep gradual slope. Gradual break of slope base. Flat base.
ISSUE 5: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
24
Appendix 2: Matrix
3 18 19 13
12 14
5 9
6 15 21
10
11 22
16
7 8 23
17 24
Appendix 3: Radiocarbon Dating Results
Beta Analytic Inc.

4985 SW 74 Court
Miami, Florida 33155 USA
Tel: 305 667 5167
Fax: 305 663 0964
Beta@radiocarbon.com
Www.radiocarbon.com
Consistent Accuracy...
Delivered On Time.
Sample Data Measured 13C/12C Conventional

Radiocarbon Age Ratio Radiocarbon Age(*)
B eta - 200761 3220 +/- 40 B P -26.3 o/oo 3200 +/ - 40 B P

SAM PLE : 04E0646: 2:1
ANALYSIS : AM S-Standard delivery
MATERIAL/PRETREATMENT : (charred material): acid/alkali/acid
2 SIGM A C A LIB R A TION : Cal B C 1530 to 1400 (C al B P 3480 to 3350)
____________________________________________________________________________________
B eta - 200762 2730 +/- 70 B P -26.3 o/oo 2710 +/ - 70 B P

SAM PLE : 04E0647: 5:5
ANALYSIS : Radiom etric-Standard delivery
2 SIGM A C A LIB R A TION : Cal B C 1000 to 790 (C al B P 2950 to 2740)
____________________________________________________________________________________
B eta - 200763 760 +/- 40 B P -26.3 o/oo 740 +/ - 40 B P

SAM PLE : 04E0648: 5:0
ANALYSIS : AM S-Standard delivery
2 SIGM A C A LIB R A TION : Cal AD 1230 t o 1300 (C al B P 720 to 650)
____________________________________________________________________________________
C A LIB RA TION O F R AD IOC AR B O N A GE TO C ALE N D A R Y E A R S

( Va riable s: C13/C12=-26.3:lab. mult=1)
La bor ato ry num be r: Bet a-2007 62
Convent io nal radioc arb on age: 2710± 70 BP
2 S igma c alib r ate d r esu lt: Cal BC 1000 to 790 (Ca l BP 2950 to 2740)
(95% p rob ab ility)
In te rc ep t data
Inter ce pt of r adioc ar bon age
with c alibr ation cur ve: Cal BC 830 (Cal BP 2780 )
1 S igma ca libra ted re sult: Cal BC 920 to 81 0 ( Cal BP 2870 to 276 0)
(68% pr oba bility)
2 7 1 0± 7 0 BP C h ar re d m a te ri al
2950
2900
2850
2800
Radiocarbon age (BP)
2750
2700
2650
2600
2550
2500
2450
1020 1000 98 0 9 60 9 40 920 900 880 86 0 8 40 820 800 780 7 60
Cal B C
Re ference s:
Database u sed
I NTC AL 98
Calibration D atabase
Ed itorial Co m m ent
Stui ver, M., v an de r Pl icht, H ., 1998, R adi oc arbon 40( 3) , pxii -xi ii
INT CAL 98 Radiocarbon Age C al ibration
Stui ver, M., e t. al., 1998, R adiocarbon 40( 3), p1041-1083
M athe m atics
A Sim pl ifi ed App roac h to Calibratin g C14 D ates
T alma, A . S., V ogel, J . C., 1993, R adiocarbon 35( 2), p317-322
B e ta Ana lytic R adio ca rbo n D atin g La bor atory

4 98 5 S.W . 7 4th Co ur t, M iam i, Flor id a 33 15 5 • T el: (3 05 )66 7- 51 67 • F ax: (3 05 )6 63 -09 64 • E-M ail: b eta@ r a dio car bo n.co m
Appendix 4: Plant Remains
Plant remains report for Gurrandarragh, 04E0647 and 04E0647 ext
By: Abigail Brewer and Penny Johnston
Introduction
Three samples from a fulacht fiadh excavated at Gurrandarragh 04E0647 were scanned for macro-
plant remains, including two fills of the trough and the main mound material. An additional two
samples from the extended excavation (04E0647 ext.) were also scanned; these were taken from the
trough fill and from one of the layers of the mound. No plant remains other than charcoal were found
in any of the samples.
Methodology
The soil samples from the sites were processed using manual wash over and sieves with meshes of 1mm,
500µm and 250µm. The samples that contained charred material were then scanned using a binocular
microscope at x10 to x40 magnification.
Results
The five samples examined from Gurrandarragh, 04E0647 and 04E0647 ext contained only charcoal,
no other macro-plant remains were found. The charcoal from two of the samples was identified; it
included possible oak, possible hazel/alder and possible willow/poplar. These tree-types are often re-
covered at fulachta fiadh sites: much of Ireland was probably still covered by primary oak forest in the
Bronze Age and damp-loving species such as alder and willow were common in low-lying damp areas
where fulachta fiadh are generally situated.
Context Licence no. Context description Plant remains

C.5 04E0647 Fill of trough cut C.7 Charcoal: possible hazel/alder, willow/poplar
C.6 04E0647 Fill of trough cut C.7 Charcoal: possible oak, hazel/alder, willow/poplar
C.3 04E0647 Burnt mound Charcoal
C.12 04E0647 ext. Layer within burnt mound Charcoal
C.23 04E0647 ext. Fill of trough cut C.24 Charcoal
Table of general results from Gurrandarragh (04E0647 and 04E0647 ext) samples
Context: 6 5
Sample: 4 5
Weight: 5g 7
Fragments: 20 14
cf Oak 5
Ring Porous 3
cf Hazel/Alder 2 1
cf Willow/Poplar 1 1
Diffuse Porous 2 4
Unident. 7
Sample weight for C14: <1g 2g

Table of results from charcoal identification at Gurrandarragh, 04E0647 and 04E0647 ext
Discussion
The sample from the burnt mound did not contain any plant remains other than charcoal. Similarly,
the plant remains samples from a fulacht fiadh excavated nearby (Gurrandarragh 04E0646) contained
only charcoal and at other sites such as Ballydowny, Co. Kerry (02E0055) there were no charred seeds
from any of the five fulachta fiadh excavated. This is usual for these sites; several other fulacht fiadh ex-
cavated by Eachtra Archaeological Projects have produced little or no macro-plant remains. Examples
include the fulachta fiadh excavated in advance of works on the Mitchelstown by-pass (04E1119) and
along the Kilmacthomas by-pass in Co. Waterford (e.g. 98E0575, 00E0196, 00E0199, 00E0198 and
00E0293).
This absence of plant remains evidence is due to the nature of activity at the sites in the past. These
sites are frequently interpreted as cooking sites, in particular used for the cooking of meat; the dearth
of cereal grains and other seeds at the many sites that have been examined indicates that any cooking
carried out at fulachta fiadh did not include cereal foods. Most of the plant materials found at fulachta
fiadh are from fuel used in fires at the sites and therefore vast quantities of charcoal are generally re-
covered.

Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Far Ran Fore, Co. Kerry - 04E0647

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Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Far Ran Fore, Co. Kerry - 04E0647

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Eachtra Journal

Issue 5 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation Report

Client: Road Design Office,

Licence No.: 04E0647

Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e0647-garraundarragh-urrohogal-co-kerry/ iii

Site location and description

Archaeological and historical background

Fulacht fiadh 1 in Garraundarragh townland

Fulacht fiadh 2 in Urrohogal townland

Modern Agricultural Features

O’Callaghan, N. Excavation Report N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) Road Improvement

O’Callaghan, N. Excavation Report N22 Gortatlea to Farranfore (Inchinveema) Road Improvement

Stout, M. 1997 The Irish Ringfort, Four Courts Press, Dublin.

Waddell, J. 1998 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Galway University Press.

Garraundarragh Fulacht Fiadh

Urrohogal Fulacht Fiadh

Fulacht Fiadh mound, C3

Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the troughs C.7 & C.8.

Figure 6: Profiles of trough C.7.

Figure 7: Profiles of trough C.8.

N Garraundarragh & Urrohgal

Figure 8: Plan of extent of the Urrohogal fulacht fiadh mound.

Figure 10: Timber stake 04E0647:10:1.

Figure 11: Timber stake 04E0647:10:2.

Plate 1: Mound of fulacht fiadh in Garraundarragh from southeast.

Plate 3: Trough C.8 from east.

Plate 4: Mound of fulacht fiadh in Urrohogal from south.

Plate 5: Trough C.24 from south.

Plate 6: Pit C.17 from south.

Appendix 1: Context Register

Licence No. Context No. Context Intrepretation Dimensions Description Samples

Licence No. Context No. Context Intrepretation Dimensions Description Samples

Appendix 3: Radiocarbon Dating Results

Beta Analytic Inc.

Sample Data Measured 13C/12C Conventional

B eta - 200761 3220 +/- 40 B P -26.3 o/oo 3200 +/ - 40 B P

B eta - 200762 2730 +/- 70 B P -26.3 o/oo 2710 +/ - 70 B P

B eta - 200763 760 +/- 40 B P -26.3 o/oo 740 +/ - 40 B P

C A LIB RA TION O F R AD IOC AR B O N A GE TO C ALE N D A R Y E A R S

B e ta Ana lytic R adio ca rbo n D atin g La bor atory

Appendix 4: Plant Remains

Plant remains report for Gurrandarragh, 04E0647 and 04E0647 ext

By: Abigail Brewer and Penny Johnston

Context Licence no. Context description Plant remains

Sample weight for C14: <1g 2g

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