Carhoomengar East, Kenmare, County Kerry
Iron-working furnace
Licence Number: 04E1267
Monitoring of this site in advance of a housing development, undertaken in August 2004, uncovered a circular, charcoal rich burnt feature, which was subsequently excavated. This proved to be the remains of a large iron-working furnace, measuring 1.25m north-south by 1.00m, with a short flue extending for 0.35m to the north. The feature had a maximum depth of 0.35m, and was filled with charcoal and a very large lump of iron slag. Charcoal was retained from the fill for analysis and dating, although an Early Christian date is anticipated.
(posted 2nd half 2004)
Furnace, from N
General Shot from NW

