Excavation — miscellaneous in Drinnanstown South

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 7 (KD017-056----) was in the south-western part of the site. Twelve features were revealed and these were widely dispersed within an area of 2,500m2. There appeared to be a focus of activity represented by Features A-F. These consisted of anomalous subsoil-cut features containing charcoal inclusions. Areas of in situ burnt soil and possible pits were located in the surrounding area. There was burnt stone within Feature I, and Feature J contained one piece of possible prehistoric pottery. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011