Excavation — miscellaneous in Skehacreggaun

Archaeological features were identified by John Kavanagh and Peadar Quine during testing (Licence 07E0350) in advance of a housing development located approx. 300m NW of Mungret ecclesiastical site (LI013-009008-). 35 test trenches were excavated in an area identified as Site 1 (Kavanagh & Quine 2007 1134). ‘Testing uncovered archaeologically significant remains in fourteen trenches, concentrated primarily across the eastern half of the development site. These remains consisted primarily of agricultural activity such as ploughmarks and disused gullies and ditches. A total of four pits, two post-holes and a keyhole-shaped kiln were also identified ’ (www.excavations.ie 2007, Site No. 1134). 87 test trenches (License 07E0351) were excavated in an area identified as Site II (Kavanagh & Quine 2007 1135). ‘The archaeological activity identified was concentrated along the north and north-eastern area of the proposed development site. The majority of the features identified were the remains of plough furrows and gullies associated with past agricultural activities. However, a total of thirteen pits, two kilns and five post-holes were identified and these suggest possible habitation or industrial use of the area. The recovery of iron slag and medieval pottery from several features may also be indicative of small-scale industrial activity generally associated with medieval ecclesiastical sites’ (www.excavations.ie 2007, Site No. 1135). Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 7 July 2020