Russellstown, Co. Carlow - Stone Age trade

This site was excavated on behalf of the National Roads Authority in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme, Carlow By-pass. A porcellanite axe was recovered from the upper fill of a small pit which was radiocarbon dated to 2480-2298BC, in the late Neolithic; it was found in association with a number of flint flakes. Two porcellanite outcrops are known to have been exploited in Ireland throughout prehistory – both located in County Antrim. Therefore, the recovery of this axe in County Carlow provides insight into early prehistoric trade links within Ireland.