Excavations of an Early-Medieval period enclosure at Ballynagallagh, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick

Abstract:The site was first detected in an aerial survey of the Bruff region as a large oval enclosure, visible as a crop mark. Geophysical prospection techniques indicated evidence of archaeological remains inside and outside the enclosure. The excavation concentrated on the enclosing element and part of the interior. The excavated area was small relative to the size of the site and produced evidence for sequential use from the early-sixth to early-eleventh centuries AD. The settlement included sixth century circular houses that appear to have been unenclosed and the construction of a double palisade fence around the site in the eighth-ninth century. Pits within the enclosure have similar dates to the palisade and others date to the early-eleventh century. A trackway on the west side of the enclosure pre-dated the palisade fence and was in use from the seventh century. Upcast from digging the footings for the palisade fence covered part of the trackway surface. The site included a second trackway and part of an enclosure ditch dating from the late-tenth to early-eleventh century. The site had a long period of use and the settlement may have been relatively continuous. Evidence for the economy was provided by the animal bones that showed a reliance on cattle and charred plant remains confirmed barley cultivation. Iron working debris, albeit limited, suggested some industrial activity on the site.