Field boundary in Maynooth

An archaeological assessment (Licence no. 02E1452) of a proposed development site at the rear of No. 8 Main Street, Maynooth revealed the presence of a ditch running N-S. A short length (L c. 30m) was subsequently excavated (Licence no. 02E1452 ext.) and proved to be of medieval date, having 13th-14th-century pottery in its base. It remained open until the site was developed in the mid-18th century. It measured up to 2.6m in width and 1.1m in depth. The remains of an 18th and 19th century stone-lined drain, a well and cistern overlay the ditch. It seems likely that the ditch was simply a field boundary, but it forms part of the line of a putative large enclosure surrounding the earlier part of the town. (www.excavations.ie) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011