EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Antrim
Ballynoe, Co. Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.
Grid Ref: J18649058 (31864/39058)
SMR No. ANT 044:043
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/Year: March 1973.
Site Director: C. J. Lynn (Historic Monuments Branch, Department of the
Environment).
This sub-rectangular-shaped enclosure was excavated after the landowner put a drain
through the centre of the site (Fig. 9). There was very little trace of occupation, although a
possible hut platform was excavated close to the south corner of the interior, and
approximately 50 sherds of souterrain ware were discovered in this area. Twenty sherds of
everted-rim ware were found in the north corner, but were interpreted as a later
accumulation.
There is little occupation evidence and the site also appears to be unsuitable for an animal
corral, because the centre is damp and peaty. There is a paved entrance, but this paving
does not extend into the damp centre (indicated by the flax pit), where it would have been
most needed.
It has been suggested by the excavator that Ballynoe may be some form of early ‘ritual’ site
associated with a spring.
Fig. 10: Plan of Ballynoe, Co. Antrim (after Lynn 1980, 30).
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