EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Antrim
Rathbeg, Co. Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.
Grid Ref: J18288805 (31828/38805)
SMR No. ANT 050:018
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/Year: March – May 1967.
Site Director: C.Warhurst (Ancient Monuments Branch, Ministry of Finance).
The site was a univallate enclosure which was levelled during motorway construction. It had
been identified with Rathbeg of Moy-Linne in Dal nAraidi, a site mentioned in various early
annals.
The V-shaped ditch was found to be approximately 5.7m wide and 2.7m deep. Two turf
layers in the ditch indicated occupation phases of the enclosure. The only finds from the ditch
were fragments of one cordoned souterrain ware pot and preserved plant macrofossils
(mainly hazel).
A circular timber-posted building was excavated near the centre of the enclosure, but
produced no associated finds. To the east of the interior three aligned post-holes were
interpreted as the supports for a later lean-to structure which utilised the inner face of the
bank (Fig. 34). A bowl-shaped kiln was also built into the inner face of the bank in the south
of the interior.
A rectangular stone-walled building and a rectilinear clay-walled building were located in the
west of the interior. Both appear to have been contemporary with a primary occupation
phase.
A large number of souterrain ware sherds were uncovered on site, as well as fragments of
three iron knives, and a solitary blue glass bead.
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