Dig uncovers African beads buried in ancient village

BEADS that originated in Africa are some of the treasures archaelologists have found as they begin to explore an ancient settlement in north Cork.

Test trenches also revealed pottery and weapons from a medieval period.

In addition, there was evidence of prehistoric settlements in the area and an early ecclesiastic settlement, possibly from the 7th-8th century. Evidence of a large moat and cobbled walkways were also uncovered.

Experts are due to conduct major excavations within weeks.

One archaeologist said: “It’s one of the most exciting discoveries in the county in recent times.”

Cork County Council confirmed it will be seeking tenders from archaeological companies for excavations at Newtwopothouse, near Doneraile.

Last February, a small team of archaeologists moved into the site — on the Doneraile/Mallow road — to dig test trenches.

The site is part of a planned realignment scheme.

County archaeologist, Cathryn Power, said she believed the area has “huge potential”.

“Newtwopothouse was known as a potentially important site. It is where the important Caherduggan ringfort and castle is supposed to have been and a large fair was held there annually. The settlement was actually where the original Cahirmee Fair was held. It only moved to Cahirmee (near Buttevant) in the 19th century,” said Ms Power.

Nobody knows why such a thriving settlement began to decline, but archaeologists believe the area may have a wealth of artifacts waiting to be unearthed.

“When you consider that there is evidence of prehistoric activity in the area and that there is also medieval activity, then you are potentially looking at a large site which had been continuously inhabited for maybe more than 3,000 years,” added Ms Power.

She explained that the discovery of African beads showed that communities in Ireland were carrying out trade with north African ports.

Aidan Weir, a senior executive engineer with Cork County Council, said the planned archaeological excavations would delay the road realignment for at least several months.

“We will be putting the archaeological contracts out to tender shortly. It is very important to our heritage that we do this work and find out what may be there,” said Mr Weir.

The excavations last February involved digging 158 test trenches in eight fields. An network of unusual landscape features — possibly manmade — was also noted.