Excavations at Farranastack, Co. Kerry: evidence for the use of shaft furnaces in medieval iron production

Abstract

Recent archaeological excavations in Farranastack townland, Co. Kerry, revealed a pit that contained a small but interesting collection of industrial residues. Farranastack takes its place among a growing number of sites that have produced evidence for the use of shaft furnaces in the manufacture of iron in medieval Ireland. Until recently it was believed that Irish smiths used only the less effective bowl furnace.