Excavation

Identified in 2001 through the monitoring of topsoil-stripping on the eastern slope of Boston Hill (OD 538 feet) to facilitate the expansion of a quarry (Excavations 2001, No. 638, 01E0916: www.excavations.ie). Archaeological deposits were uncovered in seven areas: Area 1 (Designated KD017-052----), Area 2 (Designated KD017-050----), Area 3 (Designated KD017-051----), Area 4 (Designated KD017-053----), Area 5 (Designated KD017-054----), Area 6 (Designated KD017-055----) and Area 7 (Designated KD017-056----). According to the excavator (SMR file), 'Following discussions with the client, it has been established that quarry works will not impact upon Areas 2 to 7 for an estimated 30 years. It may therefore be possible to provide archaeological mitigation for these areas in the form of preservation in situ.' Area 5 (KD017-054----) was approximately 40m south of Area 4. Here only five features were identified, contained within 500m2. They consisted of possible pits containing charcoal, burning and burnt stone. No finds were revealed to suggest either the date or the function of these features. (www.excavations.ie) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011