Convoy Excavated Enclosure Site

Excavation licence number 04E1302. Testing works were carried out as part of further information for planning permission to construct a large housing development on the outskirts of Convoy. A standing stone (DG069-014-) is recorded within the development site, although there is now no trace of the monument. Two other stones are located nearby. A total of 23 test-trenches were opened on the site. It was immediately apparent that the area had been systematically ploughed for some time, although only evidence for post-medieval cultivation was discovered, manifest in the uniform furrow width and alignment visible in a number of trenches. A concerted attempt had been made to improve this field during the 20th century, with the introduction of a drainage scheme which criss-crossed the field and the removal of the large boulders visible within the internal field boundary. As trenching progressed from west to east, a natural depression was encountered. This feature initially appeared to meander across the site on a predominantly north-west/south-east alignment. Where the trenches cut across the base of the depression a number of substantial double-ditch features were discovered cut into the base of the depression along its alignment. It was apparent that all these features were part of a very large double ditch, with a central bank of redeposited natural enclosing the hummock. Dimensionally the full width of the ditches averaged 5m, with the bank c. 1m, enclosing an area c. 145m (north-south) by 125m. No artefacts other than from the latter part of the post-medieval period were discovered in any of the trenches; in fact, apart from the enclosing ditch, very few features were discovered. Although there was a lack of settlement evidence upon the natural hummock, it is suggested that the enclosing banks are part of a very large archaeological monument which should be classified as an enclosure. (Excavations Bulletin 2004) Mary Henry, Mary Henry Archaeological Services Ltd, 17 Staunton Row, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

A local fairy fort (ringfort/rath); wider significance not recorded.