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

Eachtra Journal

Issue 11 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation Report
E3590 - Clashnevin 2, Co. Tipperary
Stake-holes, Post-holes, Pits and Layers

EACHTRA
Archaeological Projects

Clashnevin 2
Co Tipperary

Stake-holes, Post-holes, Pits and Layers

Date: July 2011

Client: Laois County Council and National
Roads Authority
Project: N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1)
E No: E3590

Excavation Director: Jo Moran
Written by: Jacinta Kiely

Clashnevin 2
Co Tipperary

Excavation Director

Jo Moran

Written By

Jacinta Kiely

EACHTRA
Archaeological Projects

CORK GALWAY
The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway
tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: info@eachtra.ie tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: galway@eachtra.ie

© Eachtra Archaeological Projects 2011
The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork

Set in 12pt Garamond
Printed in Ireland

Table of Contents
Summary��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 �� 9
Pits�� 9
�
OccupationLayers��17
Post-holes��17
Stake-holes��17
ModernActivity��19
Plantremains��19
�
Animalbone��20
�
Charcoal��20
Radiocarbondates��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

i

List of Figures
Figure 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 Plates
Plate 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 Tables
Table 1: Dimensions of the pits �� 12
Table 2: Dimensions of post-holes �� 17
Table 3: Radiocarbon dates ��20

ii

Clashnevin 2-e3590 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3590-clashnevin2-co-tipperary/

Summary
The 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 2
E no. E3590
Site director Jo Moran
Townland Clashnevin
Parish Ballymackey
County Tipperary
Barony Upper Ormond
OS Map Sheet No. TN21
National Grid Reference 192591 178929
Elevation 89 m O.D.

iii

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

Acknowledgements
The 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.

iv


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 location
The 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,

1

2
182550 198900 215250

193300
193300

!
(
Nenagh
issUe 11: eaChtra JoUrnal - issn 2009-2237

Derg (Lough)

182950
182950

172600
172600

0 5 10

182550 198900
Kilometres
215250
±
Figure 1: Portion of map of Ireland showing the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) Road Scheme (Contract 1)�
arChaeologiCal exCavation report


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 environment
North 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.

3


4 Archaeological and historical background
Archaeological 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.

4

190400 196200 202000 207800

Clashnevin 2

186400
186400
Clashnevin 2-e3590

Castleroan 1
E 3909
Busherstown 1
E 3661
Loughan 1
Greenhills 3 E 4000
E 3658

Moneygall 2
Culleenwaine 1 E 3635
E 3741 Moatquarter 1
Clynoe 2 E 3910
E 3774

181800
181800

Park 1 Drumroe 1
Garravally Kilgorteen 1 E 3659 E 3773
E 3589 E 3739
Drumbaun 2
Derrybane 2 E 3912
E 3591 Greenhills 1 Greenhills 2
E 3638 E 3637
Clashnevin 2
E 3590 Clash 1 Park 2
E 3660 E 3772

Derrycarney 1
E 3740

Clashnevin 1 Derrybane 1 Killeisk 1
E 3586 E 3585 E 3587

177200
177200

0 3 6

Kilometres ±
190400 196200 202000 207800
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 excava-
http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3590-clashnevin2-co-tipperary/

5
tion sites�


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

6


Clashnevin 1 (E3586)
0 30 60
Meters ±

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

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 topography
Clashnevin 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.

7

8
192402 193402

BALLINREE

NEWTOWN

179468
179468

LISSANISKY

CLASHNEVIN Derrybane 2

Clashnevin 2

Clashnevin 1
RATHFALLA
Derrybane 1
DERRYBANE

178818
178818

BALLINTOTTY
KNOCKAHUNNA

SHANBALLY

BALLYNALICK

0 300 600

¥ Meters
192402 193402

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


6 Excavation methodology
The 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 results
The 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).

9

192213 192583 192953

10
179152
179152

DERRYBANE
140 0

130 0

120
0

11 0
0
CLASHNEVIN

100
0

900

178922
178922

800

700

600

500

400
KNOCKAHUNNA

300

178692
178692

Clashnevin 2 (E3590)
0 100 200
Metres ±
192213 192583 192953

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

192570 192600

163
±
Clashnevin 2-e3590

161

153

178934
178934

159 157 155
165

O
)
89 m O.D.

143
133 134
60
131 125 53
121

178920
178920

19 128
115
140 137
103 127
92 90
37
4 15
44 49
64 58 17 48
62 112
9
7
110
0 10 m Layers
192570 192600
Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of Clashnevin 2 E3590�

11


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

Context Dimensions Shape
15 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.4 Circular
16 0.5 x 0.2 x 0.29 Oval
17 0.8 x 0.46 x 0.23 Oval
18 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.3 Oval
19 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.74 Sub-oval
37 0.51 x 0.24 x Sub-oval
121 2.2 x 1.7 x 0.11 Sub-rectangular
125 1.99 x 1.14 x 0.5 Irregular
128 0.35 x 0.34 x 0.19 Circular
131 0.36 x 0.39 x 0.18 Circular
133 0.86 x 076 x 0.23 Irregular
137 2.52 x 1.43 x 0.34 Sub-oval
143 0.4 x 0.23 x 0.14 Oval
157 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.24 Circular
159 0.19 x 0.12 x 0.12 Oval
163 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.

12

Clashnevin 2
South facing section

C.23
Clashnevin 2-e3590

C.20

C.24

C.19

Clashnevin 2
South-east facing section of C.121

C.122

C.121

Clashnevin 2 Clashnevin 2
South-west facing section of C.18 and C.17 South-east facing section of C.131 and C.133

C.130
C.132
C.12
C.13
C.131 C.133

C.17

0 500 mm
C.18

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

13


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�

14


±
192593 192597

19

115 137

108
103 140 127
178917

178917
105 146

90
92 86
84
82 99 101 37 39
4

77 30 32
44
28 26 15
58 16
24
120
18
81 118
64 94 76 74
89 98
96 17
47 71
66 52 56
62
178912

178912
43
112
68 114

9

7 110

Layers 0 2.5 m
192593 192597

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

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.

15


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�

16


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 Layers
Four 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-holes
Four 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).

44 0.27 x 0.24 x 0.38 Circular
60 0.56 x 0.56 x 0.5 Circular
90 0.25 x 0.23 x 0.33 Circular
134 0.55 x 0.4 x 0.44 Oval
Table 2 Dimensions of post-holes

Stake-holes
A 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).

17


North facing section North-east facing section of C.90

C.61

C.91

C.79

C.90

C.60

South-east facing section of C.134 East facing section of C.44

C.135

C.45
C.136

C.44
C.134

0 500 mm

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

18


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

Modern Activity
A 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 remains
The 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.

19


Animal bone
The 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.

Charcoal
The 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 dates
Radiocarbon 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 Context Material Un-calibrated δ 13 1 sigma calibration 2 sigma
code date C calibration
UB- 12 Hazel charcoal 2461+/-20 -25.7 BC 749-687 666- BC 754-685
12364 from pit C.17 643 591-577 567-514668-609 599-483
466-415
UB- 127 Hazel charcoal 2498+/-36 -26.6 BC 765-732 691-678 BC 788-507 459-
12365 from layer C.127 675-661 650-545 453 439-419
Table 3: Radiocarbon dates

8 Discussion
The 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

20

191232 208232

¢
Clashnevin 2-e3590

184059
184059

178059
178059

191232 208232
Barrow (11) Cairn (1) Fulacht Fiadh (15) Megalithic tomb (3) Pit group (3) Standing stone (9) 0 2.5 5
Burnt spread (2) Cremation (2) Linkardstown burial (2) Mound (6) Settlement site (9) Km
Figure 9: Prehistoric sites on and in the environs of N7 Castletown to Nenagh�

21


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.

22


9 References
Farrelly, 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.

23


Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index

Please see attached CD.

24


Appendix 2 Site matrix

25


26


Appendix 3 Groups and Subgroups
Group Description Amount/Description Context No
Number
1 Natural deposits Topsoil C.1
Subsoil C.2
2 Layers 4 layers C.9, C.48, C.49 and C.127
3 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.142
7 Modern features 1 ditch C.148
8 Natural features 1 natural hollow C.115
9 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.

27


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
15 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.4 Circular
16 0.5 x 0.2 x 0.29 Oval
17 0.8 x 0.46 x 0.23 Oval
18 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.3 Oval
19 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.74 Sub-oval
37 0.51 x 0.24 x Sub-oval
121 2.2 x 1.7 x 0.11 Sub-rectangular
125 1.99 x 1.14 x 0.5 Irregular
128 0.35 x 0.34 x 0.19 Circular
131 0.36 x 0.39 x 0.18 Circular
133 0.86 x 076 x 0.23 Irregular
137 2.52 x 1.43 x 0.34 Sub-oval
143 0.4 x 0.23 x 0.14 Oval
157 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.24 Circular
159 0.19 x 0.12 x 0.12 Oval
163 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.2 Circular

28


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.

29


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.

30


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.

31


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 Posthole
44 0.27 x 0.24 x 0.38 Circular
60 0.56 x 0.56 x 0.5 Circular
90 0.25 x 0.23 x 0.33 Circular
134 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

32

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

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

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