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A large bivallate enclosure was recently excavated at Stamullin, Co. Meath. It consisted of an inner enclosure (22.80m (NE-SW) x 29.75m (NW-SE)) encompassed by a more substantial outer ditch that enclosed an overall area of 46.87m (NE-SW) by 57.90m (NW-SE). A number of postholes and a cobbled surface were excavated in the inner enclosure, but a structural pattern

was not apparent. A four-post structure was excavated in the outer enclosure and has been interpreted as a raised granary, this feature highlighting the agrarian nature of the settlement. While surviving internal features were relatively rare, the artefactual assemblage from the enclosing ditches was significant and provides an insight into subsistence and symbolism in Late Bronze Age Ireland. Saddle querns, polishing stones, a large quantity of bucket-shaped pottery and three pieces of briquetage were recovered from the ditches, the briquetage suggestive of small-scale salt-production taking place on site. Two fragmentary human skulls were also found in the outer ditch.

For a more detailed account of the Bronze Age site at Stamullin please click here.