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AR01055_EMAP_Gazetteer_of_Sites_4-2_10.pdf - The Heritage ...

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Offaly<br />

Ballintemple, Co. Offaly<br />

Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.<br />

Grid Ref: N50662158 (250669/221581)<br />

SMR No: N/A<br />

Excavation Licence: 03E1127<br />

Excavation Duration/Year: 2003.<br />

Site Director: C. McDermot (Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit).<br />

A sub-circular enclosure was exposed on the field surface during peat cutting. This was<br />

defined by an outer palisade <strong>of</strong> (predominantly) single posts, and a gap in the north-eastern<br />

side may represent the original site entrance (Fig. 268). Brushwood rods appear to have been<br />

interwoven around these posts, creating a wattle wall. A second line <strong>of</strong> posts was located<br />

about 1m on the inside <strong>of</strong> the outer palisade.<br />

A large hearth was located at the centre <strong>of</strong> the enclosure. This was associated with fragments<br />

<strong>of</strong> burnt stone and burnt bone. Approximately 60 vertical posts at the northern and southwestern<br />

corners <strong>of</strong> the hearth would appear to represent structural features; and a wooden<br />

flooring <strong>of</strong> interlocked roundwood extended on three sides <strong>of</strong> the hearth. <strong>The</strong> hearth and its<br />

surrounding features appear to be defined by two arcs <strong>of</strong> stakes, possibly representing the<br />

double-wall <strong>of</strong> a wicker-built roundhouse. A radiocarbon date taken from the charcoal in the<br />

heath would suggest an early medieval date for this structure.<br />

Seven disturbed artefacts were recovered from the surface <strong>of</strong> the site – three fragments <strong>of</strong> a<br />

stone disc; three pieces <strong>of</strong> flint; a chert core; two possible whet-stones; and two fragments <strong>of</strong><br />

leather.<br />

599

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