The Project
The N22 Baile Bhuirne–Macroom Road Scheme is a 22 km-long section of national road bypassing the towns of Macroom and Baile Bhuirne (Ballyvourney) in west County Cork. The scheme passes through the townlands of Slievreagh, Cappagh West, Cappagh East, Killeen, Ballymakeery, Toonlane, Coolnacaheragh, Coolavokig, Lackaneen, Lissacresig, Carrignamaddry, Inchinlinane, Carrigaphooca, Killaclug, Glananarig, Clonfadda, Codrum, Teerbeg, Gurteenroe, Kilnagurteen, Ballyveerane, Coolyhane, Bealick and Ummera. Approximately 189 hectares of land were acquired for construction of the road of which c. 180 hectares was classified as agricultural land. Archaeological investigations on the project were carried out on behalf of Cork County Council under Ministerial Directions (ref. no. A00074).
Geophysical surveys (survey registration nos R000449 & R000450) were carried out at 97 locations along the route in 2017.
For other pre-construction archaeological services contract management purposes the scheme was divided into three contract lots, Lots 1–3. Test excavation of Lot 1 (comprising the western third of the project) was carried out by Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd (E004865) in two phases (22 May–19 June, 2017, and 29 January–28 February, 2018). Separate reports were prepared for townland boundary/architectural heritage survey (survey registration no. S000128), metal detecting survey (survey registration no. R000454) and underwater/wade survey of affected watercourses (survey registration no. D000019).
Features of archaeological potential were identified by Stage (i) testing at a site designated Cappagh East 1 (ITM 520736, 577868).
Stage (ii) stripping and cleaning of 902 m2 at Cappagh East 1 was carried out in July 2017. Stage (ii) work confirmed the presence of archaeological features.

The Asset
This Stage (iv) Final Excavation Report describes the results of the Stage (iii) pre-construction archaeological excavation at Cappagh East 1 undertaken at the site between 7 and 9 of November 2017 under registration number E4914. The area of excavation measured 902 m². The excavated features consisted of two pits of Late Bronze Age date and two charcoal production pits of late medieval date.

The environmental remains recorded exclusively charcoal. The wood profile comparison between the Late Bronze Age pits (dominated by Hazel) is distinctively different to the late medieval charcoal production pits (dominated by oak).