Field system in Branstown

Situated on a slight N-facing slope. Earthwork features are visible on vertical aerial photographs (GSIAP: N 88, 89) from the 1970s covering an area of about 8 ha (c. 30 acres) and the relict features are grass-covered. A pond is at the central S edge of a system of grass-covered drains (Wth c. 1-2m; D 0.2-0.3m) creating a confused system of plots, some with cultivation ridges. Away from the pond and a S-N stream from it there are wider hollow ways (Wth 3-5m; D 0.5-1m) and longer curving scarps (H c. 1m) which would have extended outside the present field but they do not survive there. There are some platforms (dims 9m x 6m; H 0.1m) but none could be interpreted as house sites, and some sunken features (dims 11m x 5m) like ponds. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 10 July 2007 Amended: 13 April, 2022