Archaeological Report - Clashnevin 2, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)

Issue 11 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation Report

E3590 - Clashnevin 2, Co. Tipperary

Stake-holes, Post-holes, Pits and Layers

Eachtra Journal

June 2012


Co Tipperary

Laois County Council and National Roads Authority

Jacinta Kiely

Clashnevin 2

EACHTRAArchaeological Projects

E No:

:

Project:

Client:

Date:

E3590

N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1)

Jo RonayneExcavation Director

Written by:

Stake-holes, Post-holes, Pits and Layers

CORKThe Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork

tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected]

GALWAY Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway

tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected]


Clashnevin 2Co Tipperary

Excavation Director

Jo Ronayne

Written By

Jacinta Kiely

EACHTRAArchaeological Projects

© Eachtra Archaeological Projects 2012 The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork

Set in 12pt Garamond

Printed in Ireland

i

Table of ContentsSummary ��iii

Acknowledgements �� iv

1 Scope of the project �� 1

2 Route location�� 1

3 Receiving environment �� 3

4 Archaeological and historical background �� 4

5 Site location and topography �� 7

6 Excavation methodology �� 9

7 Excavation results �� 9Pits �� 9

Occupation Layers ��17

Post-holes��17

Stake-holes ��17

Modern Activity ��19

Plant remains ��19

Animal bone ��20

Charcoal ��20

Radiocarbon dates ��20

8 Discussion ��20

9 References ��23

Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index �� 24

Appendix 2 Site matrix ��25

Appendix 3 Groups and Subgroups �� 27

Appendix 4 Analysis of the plant remains ��44

Appendix 5 Animal bone report �� 51

ii

List of FiguresFigure 1: Portion of map of Ireland showing the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh

(Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1)� �� 2

Figure 2: Discovery series OS map showing the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1) and the location of all excavation sites� �� 5

Figure 3: Portion of the Ist edition Ordnance Survey Map TN21 showing the location of Clashnevin 2� �� 8

Figure 4: Location and extent of Clashnevin 2 E3590 on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh ��10

Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of Clashnevin 2 E3590� �� 11

Figure 6: Sections of pits C�19, C�121, C�18, C�17, C�131 and C�133� �� 13

Figure 7: Post-excavation plan of the central southern part of Clashnevin E3590� �� 15

Figure 8: Sections of post-holes C�60, C�90, C134 and C�44� ��18

Figure 9: Prehistoric sites on and in the environs of N7 Castletown to Nenagh� ��21

List of PlatesPlate 1: Aerial view of Clashnevin 1 to left and Clashnevin 2 to right of photograph�� 7

Plate 2: View of southern section of area of excavation from west� �� 12

Plate 3: Mid-excavation of pit C�137 on right and occupation layer C�127 on left� �� 14

Plate 4: Post-excavation of pit C�121� Pit C�60 is located in the right background and stakehole C�53 in the left� �� 14

Plate 5: View of group of pits C�15, C�16, C�17 and C�18 from north��16

Plate 6: Post-excavation of post-hole C�60� ��16

Plate 7: Post-excavation of the cluster of 13 stake-holes from north-east� �� 19

List of TablesTable 1: Dimensions of the pits �� 12

Table 2: Dimensions of post-holes �� 17

Table 3: Radiocarbon dates ��20

Clashnevin 2-e3590

iii

http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3590-clashnevin2-co-tipperary/

SummaryThe excavation of the site at Clashnevin 2 comprised a group of stake-holes, pits, post-holes and layers. The domestic activity was dated to the late Bronze Age / early Iron Age. The two dates were returned from the fill of a pit and an occupation layer. Evidence of wild food exploitation was found in tandem with evidence for cereal cultivation. A small assemblage of animal bone was recovered from two of the occupation layers.

Road project name N7 Castletown to Nenagh Site name Clashnevin 2E no. E3590Site director Jo RonayneTownland ClashnevinParish BallymackeyCounty TipperaryBarony Upper OrmondOS Map Sheet No. TN21National Grid Reference 192591 178929Elevation 89 m O.D.

issUe 11: eaChtra JoUrnal - issn 2009-2237 arChaeologiCal exCavation report

iv

AcknowledgementsThe project was commissioned by Laois County Council and was funded by the Na-tional Roads Authority under the National Development Plan (2000-2006). The project archaeologist was Niall Roycroft. Kildare County Council supervised the archaeological contract with RE staff of Pat Dowling and Colum Fagan. Kildare County Council Senior Executive Engineer was Joseph Kelly and Kildare County Council Senior Engineer was John Coppinger. The senior archaeologist was John Tierney and the post-excavation man-ager was Jacinta Kiely. Illustrations are by Maurizio Toscano, photographs by John Sun-derland and Eagle Photography and aerial photography by StudioLab. Specialist analysis was carried out by Mary Dillon, Penny Johnston and Margaret McCarthy and the 14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast.

Clashnevin 2-e3590

1


1 Scope of the project Eachtra Archaeological Projects were commissioned by Laois County Council and the National Roads Authority to undertake archaeological works along 17.1 km (Contact 1) of the 35km N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) national road scheme (EIS approved in November 2005). The scheme runs from the eastern junction of the present N7 Nenagh Bypass, North Tipperary a tie in to the M7/M8 Portlaoise-Castletown scheme to the south of Borris-in-Ossory in County Laois. The scheme is ap-proximately 191 hectares. Contract 1 comprises the western half of the scheme and runs from Clashnevin to Castleroan passing along the Tipperary North and Offaly county border regions. The Ministers Direction Number is A38.

It was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The total archaeological cost was administered by the National Roads Authority through Laois County Council as part of the Authority’s commitment to protecting our cultural heritage. The purpose of the archaeological services project was to conduct ar-chaeological site investigations within the lands made available for the scheme and to assess the nature and extent of any new potential archaeological sites uncovered.

Phase 1 of the project (archaeological testing of the route) was carried out in 2007 under licence E3371, E3372 and E3375-8 issued by Department of the Environment Her-itage and Local Government (DoEHLG) in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. The principal aim of this phase of the project was to test for any previously unknown sites by a programme of centreline and offset testing and to test sites of archaeo-logical potential identified in the EIS.

Phase 2 of the project (resolution) involved the resolution of all archaeological sites identified within the proposed road corridor prior to commencement of the construction of the road. This phase of the project was carried out from June 2007 to February 2008 and excavations were conducted under the management of a Senior Archaeologist. A total of 27 sites were excavated during this phase of works under separate licences issued by DoEHLG.

A post-excavation assessment and strategy document was prepared in Phase 3 of the project to present a management strategy for dealing with post-excavation work aris-ing from archaeological works along the route of the new N7 Castletown to Nenagh. It included a proposal for post-excavation and archiving work and a budget for the works.

2 Route locationThe route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh road is located in Counties North Tipperary and Offaly (OF) (Figure 1). The project (Contract 1) involves the construction of c. 17.5 km of the N7 from Clashnevin east of Nenagh to Castleroan south-east of Dunkerrin. It passes through the townlands of Clashnevin, Derrybane, Newtown, Lissanisky, Killeisk, Garavally, Derrycarney, Garrynafanna, Gortnadrumman, Kilgorteen, Falleen, Knock-ane, Clash, Park, Rosdremid (OF), Clynoe (OF), Cullenwaine, Moneygall, Greenhills,

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Drumbaun, Busherstown (OF), Drumroe (OF), Moatquarter, Loughan (OF) and Cas-tleroan (OF). The townlands are located in the parishes of Ballymackey, Cullenwaine, Castletownely, Rathnaveoge, Finglas and Dunkerrin and the baronies of Upper Ormond, Ikerrin and Clonisk,

The route begins at the eastern end of the Nenagh bypass at Clashnevin c. 5 km east of Nenagh and continues eastward on the northern side of the existing N7 in Co. Tip-perary. It crosses a number of third class roads to the north of Toomyvara and 0.7 km east of Clash crossroads crosses the Ollatrim River. It extends into County Offaly directly east of Park. From here it crosses the R490 0.6 km north of Moneygall. It extends back in County Tipperary and through the demesne of Greenhills before crossing the existing N7 at the junction of Greenhills and Drumbaun townlands. It crosses back into County Offaly and climbs east into Busherstown and Drumroe. It crosses the Keeloge Stream into Moatquarter in County Tipperary and extends northeast back into County Offaly through the townlands of Loughan and Castleroan 1.4 km southwest of Dunkerrin.

3 Receiving environmentNorth Tipperary is bounded on the west by the River Shannon and Lough Derg with the Silvermines, to the south, and small hills extending towards Devilsbit and Borrisnoe Mountains to the east. The mountains are composed largely of Silurian strata and Old Red Sandstone. Copper, silver and lead deposits have been mined in the Silvermines. The geology of the lowlands consists of Carboniferous limestone covered by glacial drift in addition to tracts of raised bog.

The western portion of the study area is drained by the Ollatrim River which flows westwards into the River Ballintotty which in turns drains into the River Nenagh. The eastern portion is drained by the Keeloge Stream and other small water sources. These rise in the foothills of the Silvermine Mountains and flow north. The Keeloge drains into the Little Brosna River c. 1 km south of Shinrone, Co Offaly. The Brosna turns north and drains into the Shannon south of Banagher.

The largest population centre in the area is Nenagh. The smaller population centres, are Toomyvara, Moneygall and Dunkerrin.

The soils on the route are characterised by 80% grey brown podzolics, 10% gleys, 5% brown earths and 5% basis peat. They are derived from glacial till of predominantly Car-boniferous limestone composition. These soils occur in Tipperary and Offaly and have a wide use range being suitable for both tillage and pasture (Gardiner and Radford 1980, 97-99). Land use along the route was a mix of grassland devoted to intensive dairying and cattle-rearing and tillage.


4

4 Archaeological and historical backgroundArchaeological sites of numerous periods were discovered along the route of the new road (Figure 2). The periods are referred to as follows: Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC), Neo-lithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC), Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 600 BC), and Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500), early medieval period (c. AD 500 to 1100), medieval period (c. AD 1100 to 1650), post-medieval period (c. AD 1650 to the present).

Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC)The earliest known human settlement in Ireland dates from the Mesolithic period (c. 8000 BC - 4000 BC). The majority of the evidence (flint scatters) for Mesolithic occupa-tion has come from the river valleys. No evidence for the Mesolithic was recorded on the route.

Neolithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC)The Neolithic Period is characterised by the introduction of agriculture and the begin-nings of the clearance of the woodlands. The population increased and became more sedentary in nature. The most important Neolithic site in the vicinity was at Tullahedy recorded on the route of the Nenagh by-pass. It was a specialist chert arrow manufactur-ing site.

No evidence for a Neolithic site was recorded on the route but stone tools dating to the Neolithic were recorded at Busherstown E3661, Clash E3660, Cullenwaine E3741 and Greenhills 2 and 3 E3637 and E3658. Stone tools dating to the late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age were recorded at Busherstown E3661, Castleroan E3909, Cullenwaine E3741, Derrybane 1 E3585, Drumroe E3773, Greenhills 1 E3638 and Moatquarter E3910

Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 600BC)The Bronze Age is characterised by the introduction of metallurgy and an increase in settlement and burial sites. Copper ores were mined and copper, bronze and gold items manufactured. The range of burial site types includes cist graves, pit and urn burials, cremation cemeteries, barrows, ring-ditches and wedge tombs. Stone circles and stand-ing stones also date to the Bronze Age. Both enclosed and unenclosed settlement sites are known. The most prolific Bronze Age site type is the fulacht fiadh. These monuments survive as low mounds of charcoal rich black silt, packed with heat-shattered stones, and generally situated close to a water source. Fulachta fiadh are generally classified as ‘cook-ing 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, forming the basis of the familiar mound.

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Two new fulachta fiadh or burnt mounds were recorded at Clashnevin 1 E3586, Cullenwaine E3741 and six at three separate locations in Greenhills, E3638, E3637 and E3658. Evidence of nine roundhouses or partial round structures were recorded; two at Castleroan E3909, Derrybane 2 E3591 and Drumbaun 2 E3912 and one at Clash E3660, Drumroe E3773 and Moatquarter E3910.

Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500)Upto recently there was little evidence of a significant Iron Age presence in Munster. Settlement sites are few and far between as well as being difficult to identify (Woodman, 2000) while the material culture of this period is limited. Linear earthworks, believed to have marked tribal boundaries, and hillforts are two of the most visible monuments of the period. Ten percent of sites excavated on NRA road schemes in recent years have produced Iron Age dates. The dates have led to the identification of 30 new Iron Age sites in Munster from road schemes in counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary (McLaughlin 2008, 51). These include a ditched enclosure in Ballywilliam and a wooden trackway in Annaholty Bog excavated on the route of the N7 Nenagh-Limerick (Taylor 2008, 54). Evidence of domestic activity dating to the Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age was re-corded at Clashnevin 2.

Early medieval period (c. AD 400 to 1100)The early medieval period is characterised by the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. The characteristic monument type of the period is the ringfort. Ringforts are the most nu-merous archaeological monument found in Ireland, with estimates of between 30,000 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, the construction of these monuments has a narrow date range during the early medieval 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 functioning as settlements for all classes of secu-lar society (Stout 1997).

North Tipperary is rich in early ecclesiastical sites and the remains of these religious centres are at the core of some of the towns and villages. Roscrea, for example, was chosen by St Cronan as a location for his monastery in the seventh century as it was located at the crossroads on the Slighe Dála, an important roadway in early medieval times (NIAH 2006, 4-8).

A possible early medieval enclosure and associated road way was recorded at Killeisk E3587. A denuded ringfort (OF046-013) was excavated at Clynoe 2 E3774.

High and later medieval periods (c. AD 1100 to 1650)This period is characterized by the arrival of the Anglo-Normans and the building of tow-er houses. The Anglo-Normans obtained charters in the thirteenth century for the towns

Clashnevin 2-e3590

7


of Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles and Templemore and established markets. Nenagh grew rapidly in the aftermath of the granting of the lands of Munster to Theobald fitzWalter in 1185 (ibid. 8). Moated sites represent the remains of isolated, semi-defended homesteads in rural areas. They were build mainly in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth cen-turies in counties, such as Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, mid-Cork and Limerick, that were colonised by English settlers (O’Conor 1998, 58). The Archaeological Inventory for North Tipperary lists 39 moated sites (2002, 298).

A newly recorded moated site was excavated at Busherstown E3661.

Post-medieval period (c. 1650 to the present).The post-medieval period is characterised by mills, limekilns, workhouses, country hous-es and associated demesnes, vernacular buildings and field systems (Figure 3). A small demesne associated with a county house was recorded at Greenhills.

5 Site location and topographyClashnevin 2 was located 5 km east of Nenagh and c. 100 m north of the eastern end of the Nenagh bypass (Plate 1). It was the westernmost of the sites on the route. Clashnevin 1 was located 100 m to the west and Derrybane I was located 100 m further east. The site was located centrally in a large flat field, c. 89m OD. The surrounding land is in pasture and most of the field boundaries in the vicinity have been removed by the landowner. There are no water courses in the immediate area. A modern field drain was located 600 m to the east, the water within flows to the northwest.

0 30 60Meters ±Clashnevin 1 (E3586)Clashnevin 1 (E3586)

Plate 1: Aerial view of Clashnevin 1 to left and Clashnevin 2 to right of photograph��

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6 Excavation methodologyThe site was mechanically stripped of topsoil under strict archaeological supervision. Stripping was done with a tracked machine with a flat toothless bucket. Topsoil stripping commenced in the areas of identified archaeology and continued radially outward until the limit of the road take was reached or until the limit of the archaeological remains was fully defined. A grid was set up in the excavation area(s) and all archaeological features were sufficiently cleaned, recorded and excavated so as to enable an accurate and mean-ingful record of the site to be preserved. The excavation, environmental sampling, site photographs, site drawings, find care and retrieval, on-site recording and site archive was as per the Procedures for Archaeological works as attached to the licence method state-ments for excavation licences.

The site was excavated from 21 July 2007 to the 11 August 2007. Only areas within the LMA (lands made available) were resolved. The full extent of the area of excavation measured 1870 m sq (Figure 4).

The full record of excavated contexts is recorded in the context register (Appendix 1) and the stratigraphic matrix (Appendix 2). Detailed stratigraphic descriptions are found in the groups and sub-groups text (Appendix 3). The context register and site photographs maybe viewed in the EAPOD (Eachtra Archaeological Projects office database) in the accompanying CD.

7 Excavation resultsThe excavation of the site at Clashnevin comprised a group of stake-holes, pits, post-holes and layers. The domestic activity was dated to the late Bronze Age / early Iron Age. The majority of the activity was clustered in two distinct areas in the southern section of the site (Figure 5, plate 2).

Pits A total of 16 pits were recorded in the area of the excavation. The pits could be divided into two general categories; large and small. They were located across the entire area of the excavation.

Three of the pits (C.19, C.121 and C.137) were substantially larger in size than the rest of the group (Figure 6). Small quantities of plant remains were recovered from one of the pits C.19. A layer of occupation material C.127 was located to the west of pit C.137 (Plate 3). A very small quantity of charred plant remains including hazelnut shell and cereal grains were recovered from the layer. The third large pit C.121 was located 9 m to the east of the main focus of activity. Two post-holes (C.60 and C.134), a small pit C.128 and a stake-hole C.53 were located in proximity to the pit (Plate 4).

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Context Dimensions Shape15 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.4 Circular16 0.5 x 0.2 x 0.29 Oval17 0.8 x 0.46 x 0.23 Oval 18 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.3 Oval19 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.74 Sub-oval37 0.51 x 0.24 x Sub-oval121 2.2 x 1.7 x 0.11 Sub-rectangular 125 1.99 x 1.14 x 0.5 Irregular128 0.35 x 0.34 x 0.19 Circular131 0.36 x 0.39 x 0.18 Circular 133 0.86 x 076 x 0.23 Irregular137 2.52 x 1.43 x 0.34 Sub-oval143 0.4 x 0.23 x 0.14 Oval 157 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.24 Circular159 0.19 x 0.12 x 0.12 Oval163 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.2 Circular

Table 1 Dimensions of the pits

Five of the pits (C.15, C.16, C.17, C.18 and C.37) were located in close proximity to one another (Figure 7, Plate 5). Charred plant remains, in particular weed seeds from the dock and goosefoot families, was recovered from the fills of three of the pits C.15, C.17 and C.18. Seven of the stake-holes (C.110, C.112, C.118, C.120, C.24, C.26 and C.32) formed a possible screen, 3 m in length, to the immediate west of four of the pit group.

Plate 2: View of southern section of area of excavation from west�

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Clashnevin 2-e3590

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14

Plate 3: Mid-excavation of pit C�137 on right and occupation layer C�127 on left�

Plate 4: Post-excavation of pit C�121� Pit C�60 is located in the right background and stakehole C�53 in the left�

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Clashnevin 2-e3590

15


Seven of the pits (C.125, C.131, C.133, C.143, C.157, C.159 and C.163) were located in the northern part of the site. Two of the pits C.131 and C.133 were adjacent to one an-other. A third pit C.125, which was irregular in plan, was located to the south-east. Two more pits C.159 and C.157 were located 9 m to the north. They were the smallest of the pits recorded. Three of the stake-holes (C.153, C.155 and C.161) formed a possible screen, 3.4 m in length, 3.7 m to the east of the pits.


16

Plate 5: View of group of pits C�15, C�16, C�17 and C�18 from north�

Plate 6: Post-excavation of post-hole C�60�

Clashnevin 2-e3590

17


Small quantities of charred plant remains were recovered from the fills of the pit C.157 and two of the stake-holes C.153 and C.165. Each sample only contained a single plant item.

The two pits C.143 and C.163 were located on the western and northern periphery of the site respectively.

Occupation LayersFour small layers (C.9, C.48, C.49 and C.127) of occupation material were associated with the group of stake-holes and pits. Small quantities of animal bone were recovered from layers C.48 and C.49 and charred plant remains from C.9 and C.127.

Post-holesFour post-holes were located in the southern section of the site. Two (C.44 and C.90) were located 1 m apart to the west of the large pit C.137. The other two (C.60 and C.134) were located in proximity to the large pit C.121 (Figure 8, Plate 6).

Context Dimensions Shape44 0.27 x 0.24 x 0.38 Circular60 0.56 x 0.56 x 0.5 Circular90 0.25 x 0.23 x 0.33 Circular134 0.55 x 0.4 x 0.44 Oval

Table 2 Dimensions of post-holes

Stake-holesA total of 45 stake-holes were recorded in the area of the excavation. Seven of the stake-holes (C.110, C.112, C.118, C.120, C.24, C.26 and C.32) may have formed a screen 5 m in length to the west of four pits. Three other stake-holes (C.28, C.30 and C.39) were located to the north of the line of six.

13 of the stake-holes (C.43, C.47, C.52, C.56, C.71, C.74, C.76, C.81, C.89, C.94, C.96, C.98 and C.114) formed a cluster 1 m in diameter 1.5 m to the west of the line of six (Plate 7).

14 of the stake-holes (C.58, C.77, C.82, C.84, C.86, C.90, C.99, C.101, C.103, C.105, C.108, C.115, C.140 and C.146) formed a second broad cluster, 3 m in diameter, 1.5 m to the north of the cluster of 13. Four more stake-holes (C.62, C.64, C.66 and C.68) were located 3 m to the west of the cluster of 13.

One of the stake-hole C.53 was located adjacent to the large pit C.121.A further four stake-holes (C.153, C.155, C.161 and C.165) were located in the north-

ern section of the site. These have been described above.A small quantity of charred seeds and weeds were recovered from the fills of four of

the stake-holes (C.56, C.62, C.71 and C.76).

C.135

C.136

C.134

C.45

C.44

Clashnevin 2East facing section of C.44

Clashnevin 2South-east facing section of C.134

Clashnevin 2North-east facing section of C.90

C.91

C.90

C.79

C.61

C.60

Clashnevin 2North facing section

0 500 mm


18

Figure 8: Sections of post-holes C�60, C�90, C134 and C�44�

Clashnevin 2-e3590

19


Modern ActivityA series of furrows and a portion of a field boundary were recorded in the area of the ex-cavation. Two of the furrows (C.4 and C.7) truncated the area of activity in the southern section of the site.

Plant remainsThe plant remains were examined by Penny Johnston (Appendix 4). Charred seeds were present in 58% of the samples (14 samples). This is a relatively high percentage for ephem-eral prehistoric occupation sites. The plant remains from this site included a small quan-tity of hazelnut shell fragments, a very small quantity of cereal grains, numerous weed seeds (in particular those from the dock and the goosefoot families), fragments of fruit stones (from sloes or cherries) and possible berry or tuber fragments. The dock seeds make up more than two thirds of the entire seed assemblage from this part of the site. It is tentatively suggested that they were at the site because they were deliberately collected as food. In addition to this it should be noted that the second most common seed type recovered from this site were goosefoots. The fact that these made up an additional 13% of the assemblage at this site lends credence to the suggestion that this assemblage may represent deliberately collected wild foods.

Plate 7: Post-excavation of the cluster of 13 stake-holes from north-east�


20

Animal boneThe animal bone was examined by Margaret McCarthy (Appendix 5). Two occupation layers produced small samples of animal bone. Nine fragments were recovered from oc-cupation layer (C.48) and identified species from here include cattle and hare. A larger faunal sample was recovered from occupation layer (C.49) and the two identified species in this collection of 50 bones are cattle and horse. The bones are soft and eroded and have clearly suffered from the effects of weathering during prolonged exposure on the living surface of the site.

CharcoalThe charcoal was identified for radiocarbon dating by Mary Dillon. Hazel charcoal was identified from the fill of pit C.17 and occupation layer C.127.

Radiocarbon datesRadiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev5.0.2 (©1986-2005 M.Stuiver & P.J. Re-imer) and in conjunction with Stuiver & Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004.

Lab code

Context Material Un-calibrated date

δ 13 C

1 sigma calibration 2 sigma calibration

UB-12364

12 Hazel charcoal from pit C.17

2461+/-20 -25.7 BC 749-687 666-643 591-577 567-514

BC 754-685 668-609 599-483 466-415

UB-12365

127 Hazel charcoal from layer C.127

2498+/-36 -26.6 BC 765-732 691-678 675-661 650-545

BC 788-507 459-453 439-419

Table 3: Radiocarbon dates

8 DiscussionThe site at Clashnevin comprised a small group of prehistoric features, dated to Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age. No actual structure was recorded at Clashnevin but the group of post-holes, pits and stake-holes are indicative of a temporary habitation site. Some of the stake-holes may have formed screens or shelter belts. No artefacts were recov-ered from the site. A small assemblage of plant remains and animal bone was recovered from four occupation layers.

The plant remains recovered from the site were unusual for two different reasons. Firstly there was a relatively high percentage, for an ephemeral prehistoric occupation site, of charred seeds present in the samples. Secondly 70% of the charred seed types were from the dock and the goosefoot families, weed seeds. The dominant presence of the weed seeds would indicate that the assemblage represents deliberately collected wild foods, including the ubiquitous hazelnut. Evidence of wild food exploitation was found in

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tandem with evidence for cereal cultivation. The only identifiable cereal grains recovered from Clashnevin 2 were two grains of barley. But seven grains of indeterminate cereal grains were also recorded. The site at Clashnevin is one of a small number of prehistoric sites where there is evidence to suggest that the exploitation of wild food included a wide variety of plant types.

The site is small but is very significant as it does contribute to an understanding of the Bronze Age and Iron Age landscape in this part of North Tipperary. There were no recorded prehistoric settlement sites in the vicinity prior to the commencement of infra-structural works (Figure 9). Further more substantial evidence of Bronze Age settlement was recorded to the east of Clashnevin at Derrybane 2 E3591.

Clashnevin 2-e3590

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9 ReferencesFarrelly, J., and O’Brien, C. (2002) Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary Vol. 1 -

North Tipperary, The Stationery Office Dublin.

Gardiner, M.J. and Radford,T. (1980) Soil Associations of Ireland and Their Land Use Potential. Dublin, An Foras Talúntais.

McLaughlin, M. and Conran, S. (2008) ‘The emerging Iron Age of South Munster’ in Seanda, Issue 3, 51-53. Dublin.

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (2006) An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of North Tipperary. Government of Ireland.

O’Brien, C. (1997) Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly, The Stationery Office, Dublin.

O’Conor, K.D. (1998) The Archaeology of Medieval Rural Settlement in Ireland, Discovery Programme Monographs No 3, Discovery Programme/Royal Irish Academy Dublin.

Reimer, P.J., Baillie, M.G.L., Bard, E., Bayliss, A., Beck, J.W., Bertrand, C., Blackwell, P.G., Buck, C.E., Burr, G., Cutler, K.B., Damon, P.E., Edwards, R.L., Fairbanks, R.G., Friedrich, M., Guilderson, T.P., Hughen, K.A., Kromer, B., McCormac, F.G., Manning, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Reimer, R.W., Remmele, S., Southon, J.R., Stuiver, M., Talamo, S., Taylor, F.W., van der Plicht, J. and Weyhenmeyer, C.E. (2004) ‘IntCal04 Terrestrial Radiocarbon Age Calibration, 0–26 Cal Kyr BP’, Radiocarbon 46, 1029-1058.

Stuiver, M., and Reimer, P.J. (1993) ‘Extended (super 14) C data base and revised CALIB 3.0 (super 14) C age calibration program’, Radiocarbon 35, 215-230.

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

Taylor, K. (2008) ‘At home and on the road: two Iron Age sites in County Tipperary’ in Seanda, Issue 3, 54-55. Dublin.

Woodman, P.C. (2000) ‘Hammers and Shoeboxes: New Agendas for Prehistory’., pp. 1 -10 in Desmond, A., Johnson, G., McCarthy, M., Sheehan, J. and Shee Twohig, E. New Agendas in Irish Prehistory. Papers in commemoration of Liz Anderson. Bray, Wordwell.


24

Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index

Please see attached CD.

Clashnevin 2-e3590

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Appendix 2 Site matrix


26

Clashnevin 2-e3590

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Appendix 3 Groups and Subgroups

Group Number

Description Amount/Description Context No

1 Natural deposits Topsoil C.1 Subsoil C.2

2 Layers 4 layers C.9, C.48, C.49 and C.1273 Pits 16 pits C.15, C.16, C.17, C.18, C.19, C.37,

C.121, C.125, C.128, C.131, C.133, C.137, C.143, C.157, C.159 and C.163

4 Postholes 4 postholes C.44, C.60, C.90 and C.134

5 Stakeholes 45 stakeholes C.24, C.26, C.28, C.30, C.32, C.39, C.43, C.47, C.52, C.53, C.56, C.58, C.62, C.64, C.66, C.68, C.71, C.74, C.76, C.77, C.81, C.82, C.84, C.86, C.89, C.92, C.94, C.96, C.98, C.99, C.101, C.103, C.105, C.108, C.110, C.112, C.114, C.118, C.120, C.140, C.146, C.153, C.155, C.161 and C.165

6 Furrows 6 furrows C.3, C.4 C.7, C.22, C.36 and C.1427 Modern features 1 ditch C.1488 Natural features 1 natural hollow C.1159 Void numbers C.38, C.72, C.126, C.148, C.149 and

C.150

Group 1 Natural Deposits

Topsoil C.1

The topsoil was a soft, mid brown sandy silt with inclusions of moderate pebbles and oc-casional small stones. It reached a maximum depth of 0.76m.

This represented the topsoil which had formed across the site the northern portion of the site.

Subsoil C.2

A soft, light brownish, orangish yellow sandy silt.The natural subsoil across the site can vary widely, probably due to glacial activity.

Pockets and veins of sand and sandy gravels are found throughout site.

Group 2 Layers

Layer C.9

The layer was a soft, dark orangish brown sandy silt with occasional fine pebbles and moderate flecks of charcoal. It measured 0.7 north south by 0.6m and had a maximum depth of 0.2m.

Layer of material located to SW of two small pits C.17 and C.18. Similar in colour and composition to fills of the pits.


28

Layer C.48

A loose, mid orangish brown sand with moderate fine pebbles and bone. It measured 1.4m wide and had a maximum depth of 0.1m and was orientated northwest southeast.

Possible redeposit of topsoil located 0.5 m SW of deposit C.49. May have originated as topsoil from a ditch dug to accommodate a water pipe. May be related to C.49.

Layer C.49

A loose, mid orangish brown silty sand with occasional fine pebbles, stones, charcoal flecks and bone. The deposit measured 1.5m north south by 1.5m and had a maximum depth of 0.4m.

Truncated by water pipe.

Layer C.127

The spread was a very soft, compact, dark brownish black silty sand with charcoal inclu-sions. It measured 1.6m north south by 1.4m and had a maximum depth of 0.1m. The natural underneath the spread seems to have been effected by heat. Likely a result of in-situ burning but there was not enough burning to indicate a substantial hearth.

Interpretation

Four small layers of occupation material associated with group of stake-holes and pits. Small quantities of animal bone were recovered from layers C.48 and C.49 and charred plant remains from C.9 and C.127.

Group 3 Pits Context Dimensions Shape15 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.4 Circular16 0.5 x 0.2 x 0.29 Oval17 0.8 x 0.46 x 0.23 Oval 18 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.3 Oval19 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.74 Sub-oval37 0.51 x 0.24 x Sub-oval121 2.2 x 1.7 x 0.11 Sub-rectangular 125 1.99 x 1.14 x 0.5 Irregular128 0.35 x 0.34 x 0.19 Circular131 0.36 x 0.39 x 0.18 Circular 133 0.86 x 076 x 0.23 Irregular137 2.52 x 1.43 x 0.34 Sub-oval143 0.4 x 0.23 x 0.14 Oval 157 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.24 Circular159 0.19 x 0.12 x 0.12 Oval163 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.2 Circular

Clashnevin 2-e3590

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Pit C.15 filled with C.10 and C.14

This pit was sub-circular in plan. Corners were square on NE; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope base was sharp. Sides were moderate and smooth on N and E and were vertical and smooth on S and W. Break of slope base was gradual on W; sharp elsewhere. Base was square in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.5 by 0.5m and reached a maximum depth of 0.4m. Two fills were recorded in the pit. The upper fill was a soft, compact, dark black silty sand. The basal fill was a firm, compact, mid brown silty sand.

Pit in close proximity to three other pits C.16, C.17, C.18 and layer C.9.

Pit C.16 filled with C.11

The pit was oval in plan with square corners. Break of slope on top was sharp. Sides were moderate and stepped on N and S; vertical and stepped on E; vertical and smooth on W. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was oval in plan and pointed in profile. The fill was a firm, compact, mid brown silty sand.



The pit was oval in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope on top was imperceptible on N, SE and NW, it was gradual on W and NE and sharp on S, E and SW. The sides were gentle and smooth on N; vertical and smooth on S and E; moderate and convex on W. Break of slope base was sharp on S and SE; gradual elsewhere. Base was oval in plan and flat in profile. It measured 0.8m north south by 0.5 and had a maximum depth of 0.2m. The fill was a soft, dark orangish brown sandy silt.



The pit was oval in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was oval in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.6m north south by 0.4m and had a maximum depth of 0.3m. The pit was occupied by one fill which was a soft, dark orangish brown sandy silt. Oc-casional fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small angular and sub-angular stones.


Pit C.19 filled with C.23, C.20 and C.41

The pit was sub-oval in plan. Corners were square on SW; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top was sharp to gradual on E; gradual on S and SE; sharp elsewhere. Sides were steep and smooth on S; steep and concave elsewhere. Break of slope base was gradual on E and SE; sharp elsewhere. Base was oval in plan was tapered blunt point in profile. The pit measured 1.9m by 1.4m and had a maximum depth of 0.6m. The pit contained three fills. The upper and middle fills were sandy silts and the basal fill was a black clayey silt with inclusions of charcoal.


30

Cut of large pit located 2 m NW of pit C.137.


The pit was sub-circular in plan. Corners were square on N; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top was sharp. The sides were vertical and smooth on N and W; gentle and smooth on S and E. Break of slope base is sharp on N and W; gradual on S and E. Base is sub-circular in plan; concave in profile. The fill was a soft, loose, mid brown sandy silt.

Located 0.75 m NW of pit C.16.


Large pit sub-rectangular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were gentle and smooth on N and S; vertical and smooth on E. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was sub-rectangular in plan and flat to concave in profile. The pit meas-ured 2.2m northeast southwest by 1.7m and had a maximum depth of 0.11m. The fill was a soft, compact mid to dark blackish, greyish brown silty sandy clay.

Located 8 m E of pit C.137.

Pit C.125 filled with C.123 and C.124

The pit was irregular in plan. Corners were square on NW and SW; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top was sharp on W, SW and NW; gradual elsewhere. Sides were gentle and smooth on N; moderate and irregular on S; moderate and convex on E; steep and ir-regular on W. Break of slope base was gradual on W and NW; sharp elsewhere. Base was irregular in plan and concave in profile. It measured 2m north south by 1.1m and had a maximum depth of 0.5m. The upper fill was a light yellow brown silty sand. The basal fill was a light orange brown silty sand.

Irregular pit.


Pit circular in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth on S; gentle and smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.35 east west by 0.34m and had a maximum depth of 0.19m. The fill was a soft, compact, mid brown silty sand.

Cut of circular pit 1.5 m S of pit C.121.


Circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was gradual on N, W, NE and NW; imperceptible elsewhere. Sides were moderate and smooth on N; moderate and con-vex on W; gentle and smooth on S and E. Break of slope base was gradual on W and NW; imperceptible elsewhere. Base was circular in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.36m by 0.39m and had a maximum depth of 0.2m. The fill was a loose, light yellowish brown silty sand.

Pit located adjacent to pit C.133 and NW of pit C.125.

Clashnevin 2-e3590

31



Irregular in plan. Corners were square on N; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope base was sharp on N, SW and NW; gradual on S and NE; imperceptible on E, W and SE. Sides were moderate and smooth on N; gentle and convex on S and W; gentle and smooth on E. Break of slope base was gradual on S, NE, SW and NW; imperceptible elsewhere. Base was irregular in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.86m north south by 0.76m and had a maximum depth of 0.2m. The fill was a loose, dark brownish black silty sand.

Pit located adjacent to pit C.133 and NW of pit C.125.


Sub-circular in plan. Corners were square on W, NW and SW; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top was gradual on N, NE and NW; sharp elsewhere. Sides were gentle and smooth on N; vertical and smooth on S and E; steep and smooth on W. Break of slope base was gradual on N, W, NE and NW; sharp elsewhere. Base was sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 2.5m north south by 1.4m and had a maximum depth of 0.34. The fill was a very soft, mid yellowish brownish grey sand.

Large shallow pit located W of occupation layer C.127.


Oval in plan with square to rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were gentle to vertical and smooth on N and E; vertical and smooth on S and W. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was oval in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.4m north south by 0.23m and reached a depth of 0.14m. The fill was a soft, mid brown silty clay.

Small pit located 8.5 m W of pit C.133.


The pit is circular in plan. Corners were square on E; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and concave on E; vertical and smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base was gradual on E; sharp elsewhere. Base was circular in plan, flat in profile. The pit measured 0.2m by 0.2m and had a maximum depth of 0.2m. The pit contained one fill which was a loose, mid greyish brown silty sand.

Cut of small pit located 0.8 m E of C.159.


Oval in plan. Corners were square on N, NW and SW; rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top was gradual on S, E and SE; sharp elsewhere. Sides were vertical and smooth on N and W; moderate and smooth on S and E. Break of slope base was gradual on S, E and SE; sharp elsewhere. Base was oval in plan and flat in profile. The pit measured 0.19 east west by 0.12m and had a maximum depth of 0.12m The pit contained one fill which was a

Cut of possible small pit located 0.8 m W of C.157.


32


The pit is sub-circular in plan. Break of slope top was sharp on S; gradual elsewhere. Sides were moderate and smooth/undercut on NNE; moderate and smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was sub-circular in plan and concave in profile. The pit measured 0.5m by 0.5m and had a maximum depth of 0.2m. The fill was a soft, firm, dark blackish brown silty clay.

Cut of small pit on N edge of area of excavation 11 m N of pit C.157

Interpretation

Four of the pits (C.15-C.18) were located in close proximity to one another in a rectangu-lar arrangement measuring 0.7 m by 0.35 m. Charred plant remains were recovered from the fills of three of the pits C.15, C.17 and C.18. Seven stake-holes (C.110, C.112, C.118, C.120, C.24, C.26 and C.32) forming a possible screen, 3 m in length, were located to the west. A fifth pit C.37 similar in size was located to the north.

Three of the pits (C.19, C.121 and C.137) were large in size and oval in plan. Plant remains were recovered from pit C.19.

Seven of the pits were located in the northern part of the site. C,131 and C.133 were adjacent to one another. Pit C.125 was irregular in plan and located to the SE of them. Pits C.159 and C.157 were situated in close proximity. They are the smallest of the pits and could be the base of post-holes. Charred plant remains were recovered from the fill of pit C.157. Three stakeholes (C.155, C.153 and C.161) 3.7 m to the E may have formed a screen 3.5 m in length for the pits. Pit C.143 and C.163 were on the W and N periphery of the site.

Group 4 PostholeContext Dimensions Shape44 0.27 x 0.24 x 0.38 Circular60 0.56 x 0.56 x 0.5 Circular90 0.25 x 0.23 x 0.33 Circular134 0.55 x 0.4 x 0.44 Oval

Posthole C.44 filled with C.45

Circular in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was circular in plan and flat in profile. The posthole measured 0.27m by 0.24m and had a maximum depth of 0.4m. The fill was a black brown silty sand and included char-coal and packing stones.

Large posthole located 1.15 m S of C.90.

Posthole C.60 filled with C.61 and C.79

Circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp/gradual on NE and SE; sharp elsewhere. Sides were vertical and smooth on N and W; steep and convex on E and S. Break of slope base was gradual on S; imperceptible elsewhere. Base was circular

Clashnevin 2-e3590

33


in plan and flat in profile. The posthole measured 0.56m by 0.56m and had a maximum depth of 0.5m Two fills were recorded in the posthole. The upper fill was a mid grey brown sandy silt. The basal layer was a mid orange brown sandy silt.

Large posthole located on edge of pit C.121.

Posthole C.90 filled with C.91

The post was circular in plan. Break of slope top and base is sharp. Sides are vertical. Base is circular in plan. It measured 0.25 m by 0.23 and was 0.33 m in depth. The fill was a black brown silt clay.

Large posthole located 1.15 m N of post C.44.

Posthole C.134 filled with C.135 and C.136

The post was oval in plan with break of slope top is sharp to gradual. Sides are stepped. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is circular in plan; flat in profile. Top is orientated E from base. It measured 0.55 by 0.4 by 0.44 m in depth. The fills were brown silty clays.

Interpretation

Four postholes located in the S section of the site. Two (C.44 and C.90) were located 1 m apart and two (C.60 and C.134) were on the edge of one of the large pits C.121.

Group 5 Stakeholes

Stakehole C.24 filled with C.25

The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top was gradual. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was a soft, mid greyish brown sandy, silty clay.

Stakehole associated with stakeholes C.26, C.28, C.30 and C.32.


The stakehole was very irregular in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was oval in plan and concave in profile. The fill was soft, mid greyish brown sandy, silty clay.



The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top was gradual. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was a soft, mid greyish brown sandy, silty clay.



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DescriptionThe stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical.

Break of slope base was sharp. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated NW from base. The fill was a soft, mid greyish brown sandy, silty clay.


Stakehole C.32 filled with C.33The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp.

Sides were vertical. E side was undercut. Break of slope base was moderate. Base was ta-pered blunt point in profile. Top was orientated slightly NW of base. The fill was a firm, mid brown sandy, silty clay.



The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top was gradual. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was oval in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated S from base. The fill was a soft brown sandy silt.

Stakehole cut the base of pit C.37.


The stakehole was rounded in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was rounded in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.

Stakehole associated with stakeholes C.47, C.52, C.56, C.71, C.74, C.76, C.81, C.89, C.94, C.96 and C.98.


The stakehole was rounded in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Break of slope base was gradual on S and SW and sharp elsewhere. Base was oval in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was rounded in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was gradual on N, W, NW and SW and sharp elsewhere. Sides were moderate and smooth on N and W; vertical and smooth on S and E. Break of slope base was gradual on N; sharp else-where. Base was rounded in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a loose mid orangish brown silty sand.

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The stakehole was sub-oval in plan. Break of slope top was gradual on E, NE and SE; sharp elsewhere. Sides were vertical and concave on N; steep and smooth on E; vertical and smooth on S; vertical and undercut on W. Break of slope base was gradual on N, E and NE; sharp elsewhere. Base was sub-circular in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a soft, dark greyish black sandy silt with inclusions of charcoal.

Stakehole located on N side of pit C.121.


The stakehole was rounded in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was rounded in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was circular in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was oval in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated S from base.

The fill was a soft, light brown sandy silty clay.Located W of posthole C.44.


The stakehole was sub-rounded in plan. Break of slope top was gradual on N; sharp else-where. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was oval in plan and flat in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft, mid to light brown sandy silty clay with charcoal inclusions.

Stakehole related to cluster of four stakeholes C.68, C.64 and C.66.


The stakehole was circular to irregular in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was oval in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated S from base. The fill was a soft, light brown sandy silty clay.



The stakehole was sub-oval in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was gradual. Base of profile was uncertain. The fill was a soft, light brown silty sandy clay and occasional small sub-angular stones.



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The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was oval in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft, light brown sandy silty clay.



The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was oval in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was rounded in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was rounded in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was round in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was rounded in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was flat in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated W from base. The fill was a soft, light brown sandy silt.

Stakehole located in base of furrow C.4.


The stakehole was rounded in plan. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was rounded in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.


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The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were verti-cal. Base was oval in plan and tapered point in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft to firm, light brown sandy silt.

Stakehole associated with C.84, C.86, C.90 and C.92.


The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was circular in plan and tapered point in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft to firm, light brown sandy silt.



DescriptionThe stakehole was circular in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was tapered point and concave in profile. The fill was a soft to firm, light brown sandy silt.



The stakehole was circular in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was rounded in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was rounded in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was rounded in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



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The stakehole was oval in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was rounded in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.



The stakehole was sub-oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. N side was slightly undercut. Base was oval in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft, mid brown sandy silt.

Stakehole located W of stakehole C.101.


The stakehole was sub-oval in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was sub-oval in plan and flat in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft, mid brown sandy silt.

Stakehole located E of stakehole C.99.


The stakehole was circular in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was oval in plan and tapered point in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a soft, mid blackish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine sub-angular stones and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

Stakehole located near stakeholes C.105 and C.108.


The stakehole was circular in plan. Break of slope top was gradual. Sides were vertical. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. Top was orientated vertically from base. The fill was a firm, mid brown sandy silt.



The stakehole was circular in plan. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was a soft to firm, light brown sandy silt.



The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was circular in plan and tapered point in profile.

Stakehole located at the S end of the site.

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The stakehole was sub-circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was circular in plan and tapered point in profile. The fill was a firm, mid brown silty sand with occasional medium pebbles.

Stakehole associated with stakeholes C.118 and C.120.


DescriptionThe stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were steep and smooth. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was a firm, mid brown silty sand with occasional medium and large pebbles.



The stakehole was oval in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were steep and smooth. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was a firm, mid brown silty sand with occasional medium pebbles.



The stakehole was oval in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were steep and smooth. Base was oval in plan and flat in profile. The fill was a firm, mid brown silty sand with occasional medium pebbles.



The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a Loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.

Stakehole associated with C.103, C.105 and C.108.


The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a loose, mid orangish brown silty sand.

Stakehole cut layer C.127.


The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were steep and smooth. Base was circular in plan and tapered in profile. The fill was a very soft, mid greyish brown sand with occasional medium sub-circular pebbles.



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The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were steep and smooth. Base was circular in plan and concave in profile. The fill was a very soft, dark brownish black pebbly sand with frequent medium and coarse pebbles.



The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were steep and smooth. Base was circular in plan and pointed in profile. The fill was a very soft dark black sand with frequent medium pebbles.



The stakehole was circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top and base was sharp. Sides were vertical and smooth. Base was circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile. The fill was a soft, mid yellowish brown silty clay.

Stakehole associated with pits C.159 and C.157.

Interpretation

Seven of the stakeholes (C.110, C.112, C.118, C.120, C.24, C.26 and C.32) may have formed a screen 5 m in length. Three other stakeholes (C.28, C.30 and C.39) were located near the N end of the line of six.

13 of the stakeholes (C.43, C.47, C.52, C.56, C.71, C.74, C.76, C.81, C.89, C.94, C.96, C.98 and C.114) formed a cluster 1 m in diameter 1.5 m W of the line of six.

14 of the stakeholes (C.58, C.77, C.82, C.84, C.86, C.90, C.99, C.101, C.103, C.105, C.108, C.115, C.140 and C.146) formed a second cluster 3 m in diameter and was located 1.5 m N of the cluster of 13.

Four more stakeholes (C.62, C.64, C.66 and C.68) were located 3 m W of the cluster of 13.

One stakehole C.53 were located in proximity to pit C.121.Three stakeholes (C.153, C.155 and C.161) formed a line 3.4 m in length in the N sec-

tion of the site. One additional stakehole C.165 was located to the W. Charred seeds were recovered from the fills of stakeholes C.56, C.62, C.71, C.76,

C.153 and C.165.

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Group 6 Furrows Context Dimensions Orientation3 10 x 1 x 0.06 EW4 12 x 1.1 x 0.07 EW7 15 x 0.8 x 0.1 EW22 14 x 0.7 x 0.1 EW36 18 x 0.6 x 0.05 EW142 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.3 EW

Furrow C.3 filled with C.5

The feature was linear in plan with square corners. Break of slope top and base was grad-ual. Sides were gentle and smooth. Base was square in plan; flat/concave in profile. The furrow measured 10m east west by 1m and reached a maximum depth of 0.06m. The fill was a soft, loose, light brown sandy silt.

Cut of possible modern furrow. Related to two other possible furrows C7 and C4 in the same grid. Orientated E-W. Probably hand-dug ‘ridge and furrow’ type furrow.


The feature was linear in plan with square corners. Break of slope and base was gradual. Sides were gentle and smooth. Base is square in plan; flat/concave in profile. The furrow measured 12m east west by 1.1m and had a maximum depth of 0.07m. The fill was a soft, loose, light brown sandy silt.

Cut of possible modern furrow. Related to two other possible furrows C7 and C3 in same grid. Orientated E-W. Probably hand-dug ‘ridge and furrow’ type furrow.


The feature was linear in plan with square corners. Break of slope top was gradual on North imperceptible on South. Sides were moderate and smooth on North gentle and smooth on South. Break of slope base was gradual on North and South. Base was irregu-lar in plan and flat in profile.

The furrow measured 15m east west by 0.8m and had a maximum depth of 0.1m. The fill was a soft, light yellowish brown sandy silt.

Cut of possible modern furrow. Related to possible furrow C4 in same grid. Orien-tated E-W. Probably hand-dug ‘ridge and furrow’ type furrow.


The furrow was linear in plan. Break of slope top was gradual on North sharp on South. Sides were moderate and smooth on North, steep and smooth on South. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was linear in plan; concave in profile. The feature measured 14m by 0.7m and had a maximum depth of 0.1m. The fill was a very soft, compact, mid brown silty sand.

Cut of shallow furrow. Similar to other furrows in close proximity.


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The furrow was linear in plan. Break of slope top and base was gradual on Northern and Southern sides: gentle and smooth on North, gentle and irregular on South. Base was linear in plan and flat in profile. The furrow measured 18m east west by 0.6m by 0.05m deep. The fill was a very soft, compact, mid brown silty sand.

Cut of linear furrow. Related to other ‘ridge and furrow’ features running in an E-W direction.


The furrow is square in plan with square corners. Break of slope top was imperceptible on SE; gradual on S; sharp elsewhere. The sides were vertical and smooth on N and W; gentle and convex on S; moderate and smooth on E. Break of slope base was imperceptible on E and SE; gradual on S; sharp elsewhere. Base was square in plan and flat in profile. The furrow measured 0.8m east west by 0.4m and had a maximum depth of 0.3m. The fill was a loose, mid brown silty sand.

Cut of furrow. Part of ‘ridge and furrow’ system.

Interpretation

The furrows were orientated E-W and were spaced at interval of c. 4 m. Furrows C.4 and C.7 truncated the area of archaeological activity at the southern section of the site.

Group 7 Modern features

Ditch C.148 filled with C.147

The ditch was located in the NE section of the site. Break of slope top was gradual. Sides were moderate and stepped on NE; moderate and smooth on SW. Break of slope base was sharp. Base was linear in plan and concave in profile. The ditch measured 28m east west by 1.35m wide and had a maximum depth of 0.53m. The fill was a firm, mid orangish brown clayey, sandy silt.

The ditch was hand dug and functioned as either a field boundary or drainage ditch. It is not marked on any editions of the OS maps and may therefore be quite recent. It has been disturbed by ploughing.

Group 8 Natural features

Natural hollow C.115 filled with C.116

The depression was sub-circular to irregular in plan. Corners were rounded on S and square on E and W. Break of slope top was sharp. Sides were gentle and concave on E; gentle and undercut elsewhere. Break of slope base was gradual. Base was irregular in plan and flat in profile. The hollow measured 0.2m north south by 0.18m and had a maximum depth of 0.17m..

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Group 9 Void numbersC.38, C.72, C.126, C.148, C.149 and C.150


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Appendix 4 Analysis of the plant remains

Penny Johnston

IntroductionThis report details the results of plant remains analysis carried out on sieved samples from Clashnevin 2, Co. Tipperary. The site comprised a series of stake-holes, post-holes and pits. A radiocarbon date indicated Late Bronze Age occupation.

MethodologyThe samples were collected on site as bulk soil and were processed using machine-as-sisted floatation (following guidelines in Pearsall 2000). The floating material (or ‘flot’) from each sample was collected in a stack of geological sieves (the smallest mesh size was 250mm). When all the carbonised material was collected the flot was then air-dried in paper-lined drying trays prior to storage in airtight plastic bags.

The flots were scanned under low-powered magnification and the results of prelimi-nary scanning were presented in an assessment report (Johnston 2009). A total of 32 samples from the site were sieved. Flots were retrieved from 24 samples and the results of the assessment are listed in Table 1 at the end of this report. A total of 8 samples did not contain any plant material and did not produce flots (these are listed in Table 2 at the end of this report). Charred seeds were present in 14 of the samples from the site. Plant remains were extracted from the flots and the material was identified under low-powered magnification (x 10 to x 40) using a binocular microscope. The plant remains in the sam-ples are listed in Table 3 at the end of this report. Nomenclature and taxonomic order fol-low Stace (1997). Use of scientific names is restricted to the tables at the end of the report in order to facilitate easy reading of this text.

ResultsCharred seeds were present in 58% of the samples (14 samples). This is a relatively high percentage for ephemeral prehistoric occupation sites. The plant remains from this site in-cluded a small quantity of hazelnut shell fragments, a very small quantity of cereal grains, numerous weed seeds (in particular those from the dock and the goosefoot families), fragments of fruit stones (from sloes or cherries) and possible berry or tuber fragments.

Seeds were recovered in greatest quantity from the southern part of the site. The re-maining samples that contained seeds were recovered from a small group of features in the northern part of the site. Each group of samples contained different plant assemblages and these are dealt with separately below.

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The plant remains assemblage from the southern part of the site included material from the following samples: C.10 (S.5), C.12 (S.7), C.13 (S.8), C.23 (S.9), C.9 (S.16), C.55 (S.28), C.63 (S.32), C.70 (S.36), C.75 (S.40), C.127 (S.61), C.136 (S.68) and C.147 (S.76).

Most of the plant remains were recovered in very small amounts apart from the weeds from the dock family (76 seeds were counted from this part of the site). The remains were mixed with other weed seeds (including fat hen and grass seeds), a small quantity of ce-real grains (4, where identifiable these were barley) and waste (shell fragments) from the consumption of hazelnuts. The predominance of seeds from the dock family is illustrated in the pie-chart (Figure 1); dock seeds make up more than two thirds of the entire seed assemblage from this part of the site.

Goosefoots13%

Dock/Knotgrasses69%

Barley2%

Ceralia5%

Grass and weeds11%

Figure 1: Percentage cereal composition in deposits at the southern part of the site

A comparative assemblage of plant remains that was rich in seeds of the dock family was found in samples from three Middle Bronze Age round houses excavated at Mitchel-stown 1, Co. Cork (Johnston 2005). At this site the quantity of dock seeds recovered was greater than at Clashnevin 2, but this could be the result of greater sampling frequency. Over all, the results for both sites are remarkably similar, with large quantities of dock seeds found, very small numbers of cereal grains and no cereal chaff recovered.

Because the seeds from the dock family were recovered in relatively large amounts from Clashnevin 2 and from Mitchelstown 1, particularly when contrasted to the number of other plant types found, it is tentatively possible to suggest that they were at the site because they were deliberately collected as food. The seeds are edible and they have been found amongst the gut contents of prehistoric bog bodies (Behre 2008, 68).


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Cereals usually tend to survive in greater quantities than other plant types in archaeo-logical deposits because part of the process of preparing them for consumption includes heating them (usually to remove chaff) and this can cause charring and consequently preservation by carbonisation. Similarly, hazelnut shell fragments are common in archae-ological deposits because after kernel extraction the hard nut shell is often thrown on the fire in order to discard the waste. Once again this often leads to carbonisation and preser-vation. On the other hand, it is relatively unusual to retrieve large quantities of weed seeds from prehistoric deposits. Why is there such a disproportionate retrieval of weed seeds from Clashnevin 2 (and indeed at Mitchelstown 1)? It is possible that they were charred because they were being roasted as a flavour enhancement: the cultivated buckwheat is a near relation and this is frequently roasted prior to cooking.

However, Behre (2008, 66) thinks that large, pure (or almost pure) samples of col-lected weed seeds must be found to corroborate suggestions that these plants were delib-erately collected in the past. From the examples listed, it is clear that he identified almost pure samples as ones where more than 75% of the sample contents are the same seed types (in some instances 99.5% of the sample was the same plant type). The pie-chart demon-strates that the results from Clashnevin 2 are not pure enough to fit into this category. In addition, no effort has been made here to divide the seeds from the dock/knotgrass family into separate identifiable categories. This is because of the dual constraints of poor preservation and a limited budget. The plants from this family of seeds have a very wide ecological platform and full identification is unlikely to contribute a great deal to the understanding of the habitat that these seeds were retrieved from (dock/knotgrass family plants are hardy ruderals that colonise waste and disturbed ground). Because the results from Clashnevin 2 do not conform to the standards set by Behre it is impossible to say whether or not these seeds were deliberately collected.

How else might these charred seed types have become incorporated into archaeologi-cal deposits? It is possible that these were burnt as waste, by-products from crop process-ing that were discarded and put on a fire as a disposal mechanism. But this suggestion is less likely than collection for food because of the complete absence of chaff in any of the samples that were examined from the site. Despite the fact that chaff tends to burn to ash quicker than many other plant component parts, in particular seeds (see Boardman and Jones 1990), if this assemblage represented crop processing by-products it is likely that at least some chaff would have been recovered. In addition to this it should be noted that the second most common seed type recovered from this site were goosefoots, plant types that have been deliberately collected (Behre 2008, 68 – 69) and may even have been cultivated (Stokes and Rowley-Conwy 2002). The fact that these made up an additional 13% of the assemblage at this site lends credence to the suggestion that this assemblage may represent deliberately collected wild foods.

The only identifiable cereal grains recovered from Clashnevin 2 were barley. Just two grains were found (associated with pits C.17 and C.18) and since preservation was poor, these could not be identified to type. Barley was the most common Bronze Age cereal identified from Co. Tipperary sites excavated along the route of the N8 Cashel to Mitch-

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elstown, although most of these samples are apparently from a Middle Bronze Age kiln and the assemblage is therefore a somewhat atypical one (Halwas 2009, 265 – 269). How-ever, barley was also the most common cereal type identified at the Middle Bronze Age settlement site at Chancellorsland Site A, Co. Tipperary (McClatchie 2008, 475). In gen-eral, both wheat and barley are recovered in Irish Bronze Age contexts, and barley tends to be the most common cereal type recovered, certainly from the Middle Bronze Age onwards. Comparative Late Bronze Age plant remains assemblages from Co. Tipperary settlement sites include the material from Ballyveelsih and Curraghatoor. At both of these sites barley was the most common grain type found (Monk 1987, 30– 31. McClatchie 2007, 64 – 65). Small quantities of goosefoots and knotgrass were also identified at Cur-raghatoor (McClatchie 2007, 64 – 66). The plant remains from another Late Bronze Age site excavated along the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh at Clash 1 also indicated that barley was the most common cereal type of this period (Johnston 2010).

A small group of contexts in the northern part of the site also included plant remains: C.152 (S.78), C.156 (S.82) and C.164 (S.84). The plant remains assemblage from this part of the site was sparse and each sample contained a single plant item each, respectively an indeterminate cereal grain, a sloe or cherry stone and one seed from the dock/knotgrass family. The plant remains assemblage from this part of the site is so sparse it is likely that these represent the recovery of stray plant fragments and it is not a significant indicator of activity in this part of the site.


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ReferencesBehre, K.-E. 2008 ‘Collected seeds and fruits from herbs as prehistoric food’, Vegetation

History and Archaeobotany 17, 65 – 73.

Halwas, S. 2009 ‘Macro-plant remains’, pp. 262 – 275 in McQuade, M., Molloy, B. and Moriarty, C. In the Shadow of the Galtees. Archaeological excavations along the N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown Road Scheme. Dublin, National Roads Authority.

Johnston, P. 2010 Analysis of the plant remains from Clash 1. Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Johnston, P. 2009 Assessment of environmental remains from the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty). Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Johnston, P. 2005 Appendix 4 Charred plant remains from Mitchelstown 1, Co. Cork (04E1072). Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

McClatchie, M. 2008 ‘Plant remains from Site A’, pp. 473 – 478 in Doody, M. The Ballyhoura Hills Project. Dublin. Discovery Programme Monograph No. 7.

McClatchie, M. 2007 ‘Plant remains’, pp. 62 – 67 in Doody, M. Excavations at Curraghatoor, Co. Tipperary. Cork, UCC Department of Archaeology Archaeological Monograph.

Monk, M. 1987 ‘Appendix V: the charred plant remains from Ballyveelish, pp. 30 – 31 in Doody, M. ‘Late Bronze Age settlement, Ballyveelish 2, Co. Tipperary’. In Cleary, R.M. Hurley, M.F. and Twohig E.A. (eds.) Archaeological Excavations on the Cork-Dublin Gas Pipeline (1981-82). Cork, Department of Archaeology.

Pearsall, D. 2000 Paleoethnobotany: a Handbook of Procedures. New York, Academic Press.

Stokes, P. and Rowley-Conwy, P. 2002 ‘Iron Age Cultigen? Experimental Return Rates for Fat Hen (Chenopodium album L.)’, Environmental Archaeology. The Journal of Human Palaeoecology, 7, 95 – 99.

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Table 1Sample Context Charcoal Seeds Percentage5 10 Medium Low 1007 12 Medium Medium 1008 13 Low Medium 1009 23 Low Low 10011 25 Low Absent 10015 34 Low Absent 10016 9 High Low 10024 46 Low Absent 10027 54 High Absent 10028 55 Low Low 10032 63 Low Low 10036 70 Low Low 10040 75 Low Low 10045 91 Low Absent 10054 109 Low Absent 10061 127 High Low 10068 136 Low Low 10069 138 Low Absent 10070 139 Low Absent 10076 147 Low Low 10078 152 Low Low 10081 162 Low Absent 10082 156 Low Low 10084 164 Low Low 100

Table 1: Scanned samples from Clashnevin 2, Co� Tipperary (E3590)

Table 2Sample Context12 2713 2914 3318 7819 8334 6741 8055 111

Table 2: Samples that did not produce flots


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Table 3Context 10 12 13 23 9 55 63 70 75 127 136 147 152 156 164

Sample 5 7 8 9 16 28 32 36 40 61 68 76 78 82 84Hazelnut shell fragments (Cory-lus avellana L.)

1 1

Fat-hen (Chenop-odium album L.)

1

Indeterminate seeds from the goosefoot family (Chenopodiace-ae)

6 4 3

Indeterminate seeds from the pink fam-ily (Caryophyl-laceae)

1

Black bindweed (Fallopia con-volvulus (L.) Á. Löve)

2 1 1 2 1

Indeterminate seeds from the Knotgrass family (Polygonaceae)

3 37 15 1 1 1 10 1 1

Cherries: plum/sloe/cherry stones (Prunus L. species)

1

Barley grains (Hordeum vul-gare L.)

1 1

Indeterminate cereal grains

3 2 1 1

Indeterminate grass seeds (Poaceae)

1

Indeterminate weed seeds

3 1 1 4 2

Possible tuber or berry fragment

1 1 1

Table 3: Identified plant remains from Clashnevin 2, Co� Tipperary (E3590)

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Appendix 5 Animal bone report

The excavated features and deposits at Clashnevin 2 were dated to the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age and two occupation layers associated with this prehistoric site produced small samples of animal bone. Nine fragments were recovered from occupation layer (C48) and identified species from here include cattle and hare. An adult cow is repre-sented by two worn molars and the capture of hares for their flesh and pelts is attested from the recovery of seven lagomorph bones including humerus, tibia and loose teeth. A larger faunal sample was recovered from occupation layer (C49) and the two identified species in this collection of 50 bones are cattle and horse. The bones are soft and eroded and have clearly suffered from the effects of weathering during prolonged exposure on the living surface of the site. Identified cattle bones consist of midshaft fragments of a humerus and a radius and four small pieces of vertebrae representing at least one adult individual. The remains of a mature, perhaps male, horse are also present with identified specimens including a fragmented mandible and 13 loose teeth including two canines. Eleven fragments are sufficiently large to indicate that they belong to a large-sized animal such as cattle or horse and the remaining 19 fragments are indeterminate.

Archaeological Report - Clashnevin 2, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)

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