Moyle Big - combs and pots

Excavations in the townland of Moyle Big, Co. Carlow, on behalf of the National Roads Authority in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme, Carlow bypass, revealed the presence of a series of pits and ditches.  One of these pits contained two antler combs and a large amount of coarse pottery.  The combs were dated to the 10th or 11th century, and were of a type which originated in Holland and North Germany.  The pottery was decorated with finger-impressed cordons and appears to represent the most southerly assemblage of Souterrain Ware yet identified in Ireland.