Excavation

Archaeological testing undertaken by Goorik Dehaene (Licence 07E0369) in advance of a housing development located approx. 75m NW of Mungret ecclesiastical site (LI013-009008-). The results of the testing were summarised as following; ‘Fifteen parallel test-trenches were excavated at intervals of 8–11m. The trenches totalled 2413m. All fifteen trenches contained some archaeological material. Thirty-eight individual features were identified. These features comprise a Man-made underground passage, a possible kiln, 26 pits and ten linear features. These 38 features have been summarised into eight groups. Group 1 contains two pits in the north-west of the site. The pits are adjacent to each other, suggesting a common function. Group 2 comprises a single linear feature aligned east–west and extending over six trenches in the centre of the site. The feature is probably a relict field boundary. Group 3 is two pits in the west of the site. Group 4 is two pits and two linear features, extending over three trenches in the north of the site. An arc was extrapolated from one of the linear features which produced a diameter of 37m. This group may represent an enclosure located at the highest position of the site. Group 5 is similar to Group 4. A similar arc was extrapolated from a curvilinear feature that produced a diameter of 20m. This group of features was located to the east of Group 4 in the north-east of the site. Group 6 includes three pits and a linear feature in the east of the site. Group 7 is a Man-made underground passage, a possible kiln, associated pits and a linear feature. These features were located in the centre of the site. The Man-made underground passage was identified by an intact ‘drop-hole’ with a chamber extending northwards. No further investigation of the Man-made underground passage was conducted. It is assumed that the pits, kiln and linear feature are associated with the Man-made underground passage activity. Group 8 is similar to Groups 4 and 5. A circle was plotted based on three pit-type features. Should these small pits comprise post-holes (the remnants of upright wooden posts) it is probable that a circular hut-type structure with an estimated diameter of 10m is represented’ (www.excavations.ie 2007, Site No. 1151). Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 7 July 2020