Lissaniska, Co. Kerry—an archaeological and historical examination of an early medieval trivallate enclosure within the Kingdom of Corcu Duibne

Abstract

Abstract: Trivallate enclosures are extremely rare in Ireland and very few have been subject to archaeological excavation to date. Accordingly, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding their chronology, relationships to nearby contemporary sites and role within society. In 2017/2018, archaeological fieldwork carried out in advance of a road development on the N70 near Milltown in Co. Kerry afforded the opportunity to examine a former trivallate ringfort known as Lissaniska ( Lios an Uisce ; fort of the water). Excavation focused on the northern extent of the three ditches, revealing water management features and a side channel in the inner ditch containing a series of troughs or pits. The latter were interpreted as likely used for retting flax, perhaps also nettle. This was supported by the identification of flax and nettle pollen, a flax sheaf, and an insect assemblage that indicated temporary standing water mixed with decaying plant detritus. An important assemblage of well-preserved discarded structural wood and wooden vessels, both carved and stave-built, were also recovered from the inner ditch, hinting at the everyday life of those that once lived and worked here. Scientific dating of the site indicated it was built and occupied between the sixth/seventh and ninth centuries AD, while historical research offered insight into the contemporary political and social landscape. This suggested the site was likely part of the estate of Cell Achaid Coinchinn (Killagh), the chief church of the Mag Coinchinn, which was a local or petty kingdom in the regional kingdom of Corcu Duibne. It could therefore be speculated that Lissaniska was linked to the manufacture of linen, perhaps for the associated ecclesiastical community.