Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)

Eachtra Journal

Issue 11 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation Report
E3585 - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary
Multi peroid site with a Later Medieval kiln

EACHTRA
Archaeological Projects

Derrybane 1
Co. Tipperary

Multi peroid site with a Later Medieval kiln

Date: July 2011

Client: Laois County Council and National
Roads Authority
Project: N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1)
E No.: E3585

Excavation Director: Laurence McGowan
Written by: Ewelina Chrobak and Enda O'Mahony

Derrybane 1
Co. Tipperary

Excavation Director

Laurence McGowan

Written By

Ewelina Chrobak and Enda O'Mahony

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
Mesolithic(c�8000to4000BC)�� 4
Neolithic(c�4000to2000BC)�� 4
�
BronzeAge(c�2000to600BC)�� 4
IronAge(c�500BCtoAD500)�� 6
Earlymedievalperiod(c�AD400to1100)�� 6
Highandlatermedievalperiods(c�AD1100to1650)�� 7
Post-medievalperiod(c�1650tothepresent)�� 7
5 Site location and Topography �� 9
6 Excavation methodology �� 11
7 Excavation results �� 12
8 Discussion ��23
9 References �� 26
Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index ��28
Appendix 2 Site Matrix ��29
Appendix 3 Groups and Subgroups �� 32
Appendix 4 Lithic artefacts report ��44
Appendix 5 Plant remains report�� 47
Appendix 6 Animal bone report ��56

i

List of Figures
Figure 1: The route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh overlain on the Ordnance Survey
Discovery Series map� �� 2
�
Figure 2: The route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh overlain on the Ordnance Survey
Discovery Series map with all the excavation sites marked� �� 5
Figure 3: Portion of the Ist edition Ordnance Survey Map TN21 showing the location of
Derrybane 1� �� 8
Figure 4: Location and extent of Derrybane 1 E3585 on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh� ��10
Figure 5: Post excavation plan of Area 1 �� 12
Figure 8: Section of pits C�142 and C�153 and kiln C�145 ��20

List of Plates
Plate 1: Aerial photograph montage of Derrybane 1� �� 9
Plate 2: Mid-excavation of pit C�153 �� 13
Plate 3: Post-excavation photograph of C�14, C�26 and C�50 looking southeast� �� 15
Plate 4: Post excavation of pit C�12 looking south� �� 15
Plate 5: Mid-excavation of hearth C�105� �� 16
Plate 6: Mid excavation of pit C�142 looking east� �� 17
Plate 7: Mid excavation of kiln C�145 looking south� �� 18
Plate 8: Post excavation of kiln C�145 looking north� �� 19
Plate 9: Convex end scraper E3585:1:1 ��21

List of Tables
Table 1 Dimensions of pits in Area 1 �� 12
Table 2 Dimensions of hearths in Area 2 �� 16
�
Table 3 Dimensions of pits in Area 3 �� 17
Table 4 Radiocarbon dates ��22
Table 5 Radiocarbon dates from other medieval sites with kilns on the N7 (Contract 1)� ��25

ii

Derrybane 1-e3585 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3585-derrybane1-co-tipperary/

Summary
Three separate cuttings were excavated at Derrybane 1. Area 1 measured 20 m by 20 m,
Area 2 measured 92 m by 30 m and Area 3 measured 13 m by 15 m. Three large pits were
excavated in Area 1. Area 2 was characterised by 22 small and shallow pits, located for
the most part in the centre of the site, 12 postholes and three hearths. The entire area was
truncated by modern drains and furrows. An Early Bronze Age date, an early medieval
and a medieval date were returned from pits and a hearth in Area 2. A corn-drying kiln
and associated pit were recorded in Area 3. The figure-of-eight type kiln comprised two
oval chambers separated by a flue. There was evidence for three or four phases of use in
the kiln. A large oval pit was located adjacent to the kiln. The pit contained large amounts
of burnt material, possibly waste from the kiln. The kiln was dated to the medieval period.

Road project name N7 Castletown to Nenagh
Site name Derrybane 1
E no. E3585
Site director Laurence McGowan
Townland Derrybane
Parish Ballymackey
County Tipperary
Barony Upper Ormond
OS Map Sheet No. TN21
National Grid Reference 192428, 192514
Elevation 85m 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 Sen-
ior Executive Engineer was Joseph Kelly and Kildare County Council Senior Engineer
was John Coppinger. The senior archaeologist was John Tierney and the post-excavation
manager was Jacinta Kiely. Illustrations are by Maurizio Toscano, photographs by John
Sunderland and Eagle Photography and aerial photography by StudioLab. Specialist anal-
ysis was carried out by Mary Dillon, Penny Johnston, Farina Sternke 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
archaeological 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
Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) in consultation with the National Muse-
um of Ireland. The principal aim of this phase of the project was to test for any previ-
ously unknown sites by a programme of centreline and offset testing and to test sites of
archaeological 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 construc-
tion 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 is-
sued 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

182550 198900 215250

2
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: The route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh overlain on the Ordnance Survey Discovery Series map�
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.
Tipperary. 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 ex-
tends back in County Tipperary and through the demesne of Greenhills before cross-
ing 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
Carboniferous limestone composition. These soils occur in Tipperary and Offaly and
have a wide use range being suitable for both tillage and pasture (Gardiner and Rad-
ford 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, Culleenwaine 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, Culleenwaine
E3741, Derrybane 1 E3585, Drumroe E3773, Greenhills 1 E3638 and Moatquarter
E3910. Neolithic pottery was recorded at Culleenwaine E3741 and Drumbaun E3912.

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

Derrybane 1

186400
186400
Derrybane 1-e3585

Castleroan 1
E 3909
Busherstown 1
E 3661
Loughan 1
E 4000
Greenhills 3
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: The route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh overlain on the Ordnance Survey Discovery Series map with all the excavation sites marked�
http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3585-derrybane1-co-tipperary/

5


Two new fulachta fiadh or burnt mounds were recorded at Clashnevin 1 E3586,
Culleenwaine 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)
Up to 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).
Three Iron Age dates were returned from pits in Castleroan E3909 and Drumroe
E3773 on the route of the N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1).

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 cho-
sen 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).
Early medieval activity was recorded at five sites on the route of the N7 Castletown
to Nenagh (Contract 1). A series of corn-drying kilns were recorded at Busherstown
E3661. A denuded ringfort (OF046-013) was excavated at Clynoe 2 E3774. An area of
iron-working and associated pits was recorded at Drumbaun E3912. Iron working activ-
ity, corn-drying kilns and settlement activity was recorded at Park 1 E3659. A group of
pits and associated ditch were recorded at Drumroe E3773.

6


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
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 medieval enclosure and associated field systems were recorded at Killeisk E3587. A
newly recorded moated site was excavated at Busherstown E3661. A series of ditches and
settlement activity was recorded at Park 1 E3659.

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.

7

192402 193402

8
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 Derrybane 1�


Derrybane 1 (E3585)
0 30 60
Meters ±

Plate 1: Aerial photograph montage of Derrybane 1�

5 Site location and Topography
The site at Derrybane 1 was located in the western portion of the townland (Figure 4,
Plate 1). Derrybane townland ranges in height from 85m O.D. to 94m O.D. and contains
113 acres of land. The townland name most likely refers to the whitish oak wood derived
from Doire meaning “oak wood” and Bane (Ban) meaning “whitish”. The townland is
enclosed by a national primary route (N7) to the south and by local tertiary roads to
the north and east. The townland boundary to the west comprises of a field boundary
and a disused pathway. In the south western corner of the townland there is no visible
townland boundary as it has been removed for 200 metres due to current agricultural
practices. The townland and the surrounding landscape is an undulating landscape with
both tillage and pastoral agricultural being the predominant land use. Due to current
agricultural practices there are no internal field boundaries within Derrybane townland
in comparison to the First Edition OS map sheet TN21 which shows fourteen fields (see
Figure 3). There is a very gentle gradient in the area of the excavation which sloped from
east to west.
The underlying geology is Dinantian Lower Impure Limestone while the subsoil
is BminDW which is a limestone derived till. These grey brown podzolics and brown
earths are derived mainly from basis parent materials.

9

192400 192770 193140

10
NEWTOWN

179200
179200

DERRYBANE
1600

1500

1400

1300
Area 2

120
0
Area 3

179000
179000

CLASHNEVIN

110
0

100
0
Area 1

900

800

700

600

178800
178800

500
KNOCKAHUNNA

400
Derrybane 1 (E3585)
0 100 200

192400 192770 193140
Metres ±
Figure 4: Location and extent of Derrybane 1 E3585 on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh�


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. The three areas were stripped systemically. Area 1 measured approximately
400sq m. Area 2 was located 50 m east of Area 1. It encompassed an area of c. 2700sq m.
Area 3 was located 40 m east of Area 2 and it enclosed an area of c.185sq m. A grid was
set up in the excavation areas and all archaeological features were sufficiently cleaned,
recorded and excavated so as to enable an accurate and meaningful 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 Ar-
chaeological works as attached to the licence method statements for excavation licences.
The full record of excavated contexts is recorded in the context register and the
stratigraphic matrix (Appendix 1 and 2). Detailed stratigraphic descriptions are found in
the groups and sub-groups text (Appendix 3). The context register maybe viewed in the
EAPOD (Eachtra Archaeological Projects office database) in the accompanying CD.

11


192660 192680

178968
±

178968
153

Area 1

161
159
178956

178956
0 10 m

192660 192680

Figure 5: Post excavation plan of Area 1

7 Excavation results
Three areas of excavation were excavated at Derrybane 1.

Area 1
Area 1 was the most westerly of the three areas. It measured c. 20 m by 20 m. Excavation
of Area 1 (Figure 5) revealed three large pits (C.153, C.159 and C.161). Pit C.153 was lo-
cated 9 m north of the other two pits which were adjacent to one another.

Context Dimensions
C.153 1.83 x 1.04 x 0.65
C.159 3.4 x 2.4 x 0.3
C.161 3.4 x 1.6 x 0.4
Table 1 Dimensions of pits in Area 1

The pit C.153 was smaller in size than the other two (see Figure 8). It was oval in
plan and showed signs of insitu burning along the base however the charcoal residue
was minimal (Plate 2). With the exception of a weed seed and some hazelnut shells no
charred cereals or metallurgical residues were recovered from the fills of the pit C.153.
The pit may have functioned as a hearth.

12


Plate 2: Mid-excavation of pit C�153

The other two pits were adjacent to each other and may have served as refuse pits.
Small fragments of possible animal bone were recorded in the pits.

Area 2
The excavations in Area 2 (Figure 6) revealed a total of 22 pits, three hearths and 12
postholes. The area of excavation measured c. 30 m by 90 m. The area was truncated by a
number of furrow which were aligned NW–SE and by a drainage ditch which cut east–
west across the site.
Five of the pits (C.20, C.29, C.35, C.42, C.43 and C.46) were located in a cluster at
the western end of Area 2. Pit C.35 cut pit C.46. The majority of the pits (C.12, C.13,
C.14, C.26, C.49, C.50, C.51, C.52, C.62, C.64, C.71, C.85, C.101 and C.137) were lo-
cated in the centre of Area 2 in a broad band in an area that measured c. 18 m wide by 38
m long and was aligned SW–NE (Plates 3 and 4). A medieval date of cal AD 1035–1162
(UB–15076) was returned from the pit C.62.
Three hearths were recorded in Area 3. Two (C.16 and C.87) were located on the
southern edge of Area 3. Hearth 87 was truncated by one of the furrows. Ten fills were
recorded within the hearth C.87, including basal layers of charcoal and burnt clay, indi-
cating several periods of burning. The third hearth C.105 was located at the eastern end
of Area 2 c. 32 m east of the main concentration of pits and within 50 m of the kiln in
Area 3. The base of the hearth was heat-scorched and was overlain by layers of charcoal
(Plate 5). Charcoal from the fill was dated to the early medieval period cal AD 778–885

13

192750 192800

14
33
±

111

99
Area 2 73 105

179017
179017

97
75 77 135
81
49 79
83 137 127

71
58
42 52 115
85
51
43 O
46 36
)
32 92 m O.D.
37 101 103
20 50 62
14
29
Drainage ditch 22
26 27 64 87

12

13 16

178988
178988

0 25 m
192750 192800



Plate 3: Post-excavation photograph of C�14, C�26 and C�50 looking southeast�

Plate 4: Post excavation of pit C�12 looking south�

15


Plate 5: Mid-excavation of hearth C�105�

(UB–15075). No charred cereals or metallurgical residues were recovered from any of the
hearths.

Context Dimensions
C.16 1.83 x 1.04 x 0.65
C.87 3.4 x 2.4 x 0.3
C.105 3.4 x 1.6 x 0.4
Table 2 Dimensions of hearths in Area 2

The postholes were located in association with the pits but did not form any apparent
structure. Two of the posts (C.36 and C.37) were located adjacent to one another, 4 m to
the south-east of the small cluster of pits, at the western end of Area 2. Three of postholes
((C.22, C.27 and C.28) were located in close proximity to one another in the central band
of pits. An Early Bronze Age date of cal BC 1622–1512 (UB–15077) was returned from
the posthole C.22. A small quantity of indeterminate animal bone was recovered from
the posthole C.27. The remaining five posts (C.58, C.75, C.77, C.79, C.81 and C.83) were
located close to one another to the east of pit C.49 at the northern end of the central band
of pits. Posthole C.71 was located 4.5 m SE and posthole C.51 was located 2.5 m SW of
the other five.
A flint scaper and a hammerstone were recovered from the topsoil in Area 2. They
were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age period.

16


Plate 6: Mid excavation of pit C�142 looking east�

Area 3
Area 3 was located 40 m east of Area 2. The area of excavation measured c. 15 m by 12
m. Two pits (C.142 and C.149) and a corn drying kiln (C.145) were recorded in Area 3
(Figure 7). The pits were located on the eastern side of the kiln.
The pit C.142 was located 1.5 m to the east of the kiln. It contained ten fills which
likely to have been derived from rake-out from the kiln (Plate 6). The pit was re-cut by
pit C.143. Four fills were recorded in the re-cut pit C.143. They were similar to those
recorded in pit C.142.

Context Dimensions
C.142 2.25 x 1.46 x 0.62
C.143 0.78 x 0.76 x 0.26
C.149 0.42 x 0.25 x 0.26
Table 3 Dimensions of pits in Area 3

The kiln was a figure-of-eight type kiln it comprised two oval chambers separated by
an elongated flue. The kiln measured a maximum of 6.2m by 2.2m and was orientated
north–south with the opening to the north. The sides of the kiln were stone lined while
the interior showed signs of collapse and deliberate backfilling (Plate 7). The stone lin-
ing was best preserved within the area of the drying chamber. The revetment stones were
large rounded limestone and sandstone field stones set three courses high by two stones in
depth. The stone revetment in the area of the entrance was the least well preserved. Evi-

17


192855 192863

±
Area 3
200
212
213
214
215 143
216
217
142
179023

179023
Kiln

149
145

0 5m
192855 192863


Plate 7: Mid excavation of kiln C�145
looking south�

18


Plate 8: Post excavation of kiln C�145 looking north�

dence of a hearth was recorded towards the northern end of the flue. The flue measured c.
2.5 m in length (Plate 8). The drying chamber measured c. 0.8 m wide internally.
In total 31 fills were recorded within the kiln (C.168, C.169, C.170, C.171, C.172,
C.184, C.189, C.190, C.191, C.192, C.193, C.194, C.195, C.196, C.197, C.198, C.199,
C.201 C.,202, C.203, C.204, C.205, C.206, C.207, C.208, C.209, C.210, C.211, C.218)
(Figure 8). The stratagraphic evidence suggested three or four phases of use for the kiln.
The upper fills in the kiln were brown sandy silts and clays and were derived from the
backfill of the kiln. Some of the basal layers included burnt clay, charcoal and charred
plant remains and were derived from rake-out of the kiln.
The western edge of the northern bowl was lined with six stakeholes (C.212, C.213,
C.214, C.215, C.216 and C.217) and a centrally placed posthole (C.200). They may have
formed part of a shelter or roof associated with the entrance. No stakeholes were record-
ed on the eastern side of the kiln.
Plant remains were recovered in large amounts from the kiln and the pit at Area
3 (see Appendix 5). Some of the layers that overlay the area of the hearth were rich in
plant remains and probably represent rake-out from the drying chamber. The cereals
were primarily oats followed by a smaller quantity of wheat, mostly identified as bread
wheat. Much smaller quantities of barley and rye were also found. The proportions
from the pit C.142 were the same as those from the kiln. A medieval date of cal AD
1181–1269 (UB–15040) was returned from oat grains from one of the fills that overlay
the hearth in the kiln.

19

20
Derrybane 1
Area 3
West facing section of kiln C.145

C.201 C.199
C.193
C.205

C.168 C.202
C.204 C.191 C.170
C.203
C.184 C.171 C.172
C.195
C.189
C.145
C.192

Derrybane 1
Area 3
West facing section of Pit C.142

C.183
C.167
C.180
C.166
C.182
C.165
C.164 C.180 C.181
C.143 C.181

C.180
C.179
C.177
C.177
C.175
C.178
C.176

C.174
C.175
C.174 C.142
C.142

Derrybane 1
Area 1
West facing section of pit C.153

C.154
C.188
C.187 #
# #
C.185 #
# # # # #
# #
# # #
# ##
# # # # # #
# # # # #
# # # #
# # #
# # # #
# # # # C.155
#
# # # #
C.173
C.156
C.186 10 cm 0 50 cm
C.153

Figure 8: Section of pits C�142 and C�153 and kiln C�145


Plate 9: Convex end scraper
E3585:1:1

Lithic artefacts
The lithics, a retouched artefact (Plate 9) and a possible macro tool, were examined by Fa-
rina Sternke (Appendix 4). The retouched artefact was a small convex end scraper which
was produced on a bipolar split pebble flake. The scraper dates to the Late Neolithic/Early
Bronze Age (Beaker period).
The macro tool is a possible quartz hammer stone. It bears possible traces of wear on
two opposed slightly flattened ends. It may also date to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze
Age.

Plant remains
The plant remains were examined by Penny Johnston (Appendix 5). A total of 36 samples
were scanned and plant remains were present in 25 samples. The plant remains from both
Area 1 and Area 2 are so scattered that it is likely that they are incidental finds. On the
other hand, plant remains were recovered in large amounts from the kiln and the pit at
Area 3. The cereals were primarily oats followed by a smaller quantity of wheat, mostly
identified as bread wheat. Much smaller quantities of barley and rye were also found. This
assemblage of cereal remains is typical of medieval deposits, possibly even dating to the
later medieval period.

21


Animal bone
The animal bone was examined by Margaret McCarthy (Appendix 6). Small quantities
were recovered from two features, from a post-hole C.27 in Area 2 and the backfill of the
kiln in Area 3.

Charcoal
The charcoal was examined by Mary Dillon in advance of radiocarbon dating.

Radiocarbon dates
Radiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University
Belfast (Appendix 6). Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev5.0.2 (©1986-2005 M.Stuiver
P.J. Reimer) and in conjunction with Stuiver Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004.

Lab no. Con- Material Un-calibrated δ 13 C Calibrated BC 2– Period
text date sigma dates
15040 171 Oat from kiln C145 810+/-26 -30.0 medieval
in Area 3 cal AD 1181-1269
15075 140 Oak charcoal from 1192 +/- 16 -28.0 cal AD 778-885 early medieval
hearth C105 in Area
2
15076 63 Pomoideae charcoal 922+/-21 -29.8 cal AD 1035-1162 medieval
from pit C62 in
Area 2
15077 5 Oak charcoal from 3292 +/- 21 -28.3 cal BC 1622-1512 Early Bronze
stakehole C22 in Age
Area 2

Table 4 Radiocarbon dates

22


8 Discussion
A group of pits, postholes, hearths and a corn-drying kiln were recorded in three separate
cuttings at Derrybane 1. The evidence from two stone artefacts, radiocarbon dates and
the plant remains assemblage suggested that at least three different phases of activity were
recorded at Derrybane. Radiocarbon dates were returned from the Bronze Age and early
and later medieval periods.

Prehistoric period
An Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date was returned from one of the pits in Area 2. A
flint scraper and a hammerstone, dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Period
were recovered from the topsoil. It is difficult to know how many of the pits or postholes
in Area 1 and 2 belong to the Early Bronze Age phase of activity.
Bronze Age domestic and funerary activity in the form of a series of cremation pits,
three structures and associated post-holes, hearths, pits and stake-holes, dated to the
Early and Middle Bronze Age were recorded in two cuttings at Derrybane 2 E3591
located c. 350 m east of Derrybane 1. Prehistoric activity, dated to the Middle and Late
Bronze Age, was recorded at Clashnevin 1 E3586 and Clashnevin 2 E3590 located c.
100 m to the west of Derrybane 1. The lowlying land stretching from Clashnevin to
Derrybane was settled in the Bronze Age and it is likely that many of the small pits and
postholes recorded at Derrybane are contemporary with this phase of activity.

Medieval period
A hearth at the eastern end of Area 2 was dated to the early medieval period. Two other
hearths were recorded in Area 2 and one in Area 1. The hearths maybe contemporary
with one another and with some of the pits recorded in Area 2. No charred plant remains
or archaeometallurgical residues were recorded in association with the hearths.
A pit in Area 2 was dated to the medieval period. A corn-drying kiln and associated
pit were recorded in Area 3. The kiln was dated to the medieval period, slightly later
than the pit in Area 2. The kiln was a figure-of-eight type with an elongated flue. It was
stone lined and orientated north-south with the entrance to the north. Monk and Kel-
liher (2005, 79) have noted that some kilns display features which would have enhanced
their use, for example kilns built into banks, narrowing flues where the floor rises to
meet the drying chamber and fire pits in front of flues.
There was no evidence that the kiln at Derrybane was associated with a field bound-
ary or that there was a change in the level of the floor of the flue. The base of a hearth
was recorded at the northern edge of the flue. Some of the layers associated with the area
of the hearth, C.191 and C.171 in particular, were very rich in charred plant remains
while charred plant remains were scarce or absent in many of the layers of backfill in the
flue.
Corn-drying kilns were used to dry cereal grains and other crops in order to facili-
tate crop processing, to harden grains prior to grinding and to convert the grain into

23


malt; the process of making malt is described in some early texts, and differs only mini-
mally from the manner of malt preparation today (Binchy 1980). Lowering the moisture
content of the grains also made them less susceptible to mould, fungal and insect attack
and therefore increased the likelihood that they would come through storage intact.
Drying kilns first appear in Britain during the Roman period, and it is possible that
their use may have been due to necessity; to fumigate the grain crops in order to stop
the spread of the stored product pest, the grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius): the earliest
findings of these beetles from archaeological contexts in Northwestern Europe are all
from within the Roman Empire (Reilly 2003). It is not known when the grain weevil
was introduced into Ireland, the earliest example found to date is from late Viking/early
Anglo-Norman levels at Waterford (Reilly 2003) and the use of kilns in this country
predates this (e.g. a radiocarbon date of Cal AD 410-485 was obtained from Kiltenan
North, Co. Limerick: 02E0666). Their use continued in some parts of Ireland into the
relatively recent past, Scott (1951) described several kilns that were still in use up to the
beginning of the twentieth century. These examples demonstrate that the timeframe
during which these monuments were in use was vast, spanning revolutionary changes in
the approach to and organisation of agriculture in Ireland.
O’Sullivan and Downey (2005) suggest that the geographical distribution of kilns
is predominantly northern and western based on patterns in early nineteenth century
Ordnance Survey maps. However, this pattern may have occurred due to the usage of
the kilns in these areas in the more recent past; many archaeological examples of corn
drying kilns have been found in Leinster and Munster during the course of recent infra-
structural development. This suggests that they are a common archaeological site type
and medieval texts suggest that there may even have been one kiln for communal use in
every rural neighbourhood (Kelly, 1998).
A series of early medieval and medieval dates were returned from features at Park
1 E3659, Busherstown E3661 and Killeisk E3587, sites located on the route of the N7
Castletown to Nenagh (Contract 1). More than 15 corn-drying kilns, dated to the early
medieval period, were recorded at Busherstown in an annex associated with a moated
site. The moated site and ditched annex at Busherstown were dated to the later medieval
period. No definite settlement site, contemporary with the kilns was recorded at Bush-
erstown. At least one corn-drying kiln, dated to the early medieval period was recorded
at Park. The archaeological activity at Park was recorded over a distance of c. 400 m and
while no definite domestic structure was associated with the kiln it is likely that at least
one was located in the vicinity. A kiln and associated pit, located 1.5 m to the west of
the kiln, were excavated at Killeisk. The kiln was located to the west of an enclosure and
may have been used by the occupiers of the enclosure. The radiocarbon date returned
from the pit was contemporary with date from the kiln at Derrybane but the date from
the kiln itself was later.

24


Site Name Features Lab. No. 2-sigma cal AD radiocarbon date
Killeisk E3587 Pit C.364 UB––15089 1167–1262
Killeisk E3587 Kiln C.358 UB––15090 1420–1617
Busherstown E3661 Kiln C.74 UB––15050 658–766
Park E3659 Kiln C.291 UB––15045 685–862
Table 5 Radiocarbon dates from other medieval sites with kilns on the N7 (Contract 1)�

The frequency of the plant remains and the dominance of the different species re-
covered from the kilns on the N7 (Contract 1) were varied. Monk and Kelleher (2005,
85) commented on this pattern which was apparent in the eight detailed plant remains
studies they examined from kilns excavated on sites in Counties Kilkenny, Westmeath,
Louth, Dublin, Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. The cereals recorded in the kiln at Der-
rybane were primarily oats followed by a smaller quantity of wheat, mostly identified as
bread wheat. Much smaller quantities of barley and rye were also found. By contrast the
plant remains from the kiln at Killeisk were almost exclusively wheat, however a large
portion of grain was not identifiable to type at Killeisk (Johnston 2010). The general re-
sults from the kilns at Busherstown indicate that barley was the most common cereal type
found, representing 59% of the identifiable cereal assemblage (Johnston 2010), followed
by oats. The general pattern of barley being dominant over oats (and all other cereal types)
holds for samples from most of the individual kilns, but there were a few exceptions. The
remaining cereals from these samples included both wheat and rye, although these were
only recovered in small portions.

25


9 References
Binchy, D.A. 1980 ‘Brewing in eighth-century Ireland’ in B.G. Scott (ed.) Studies in
Early Ireland: Essays in honour of M.V. Duignan.

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 Assocaitions of Ireland and Their Land Use
Potential. Dublin, An Foras Talúntais.

Johnston, P. (2010) Plant remains report in Final Excavation report Busherstown E3661
Co. Offaly. Eachtra Archaeological Projects Unpublished report.

Johnston, P. (2010) Plant remains report in Final Excavation report Killeisk E3587 Co.
Tipperary. Eachtra Archaeological Projects Unpublished report.

Kelly, F. 1998 Early Irish Farming Dublin: Institute for Advanced Studies.

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

Monk, M. and Kelleher, E. (2005) An assessment of the archaeological evidence for
Irish corn-drying kilns in the light of the results of archaeological experiments
and archaeobotanical studies in JIA, Volume XIV 2005, 79-113.

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

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

O’Sullivan, M. and Downey, L. 2005 ‘Corn-Drying Kilns’ Archaeology Ireland, Vol. 19,
No.3, 32-35.

Reilly, E. 2003 The contribution of insect remains to an understanding of the
environment of Viking-age and medieval Dublin in Duffy, S. (ed.) Medieval
Dublin IV Dublin Four Courts Press.

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,

26


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.

Scott, L. 1951 ‘Corn Drying Kilns’ Antiquity 25, 196-208.

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.

27


Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index

Please see attached CD.

28


Appendix 2 Site Matrix

29


30


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