Glass works in Gorteens

Testing of the environs of Glass House, Gorteens, Co. Kilkenny, was undertaken in April 2001. The trial-trenches were excavated on the line of the proposed drainage. There is no written or cartographic evidence for the exact location of the early 18th-century glassworks at Gorteens, but it was assumed that they lay somewhere in the vicinity of the house. In view, however, of the size, fuel requirement and danger of the kiln, it is possible that the glass furnace was located downslope from the house — possibly close to the old quay. The quay area is not included in the current development application, consequently it did not form part of the assessment. There was no evidence for furnaces, wasters, slag or any other indication of glass-making in the areas tested. Given the likely extent of an 18th-century glass furnace, the absence of evidence for glass-working over an extensive area surrounding the house is taken to indicate that, wherever the glassworks was located, it was not adjacent to the house or yards. The absence of evidence must necessarily focus attention on the riverfront as a possible location for the glass furnace. (Hurley 2003, 260) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 14 February 2012