2001:943 - BALGEEN 4, Balgeen, Meath

The site was exposed during monitoring of topsoil-stripping carried out under licence number 01E0090 between the River Nanny and Dardistown Lane at the north-eastern edge of the road-take between chainages 17700 and 17680, c. 350m north of the site exposed at Balgeen 3 (No. 942, Excavations 2001). The site contained two circular/oval pits, two spreads and two linear field drains. As the proposed motorway would have a direct impact upon the site, a full archaeological excavation was conducted.

Only three archaeological features were exposed and identified on site. The subcircular pit contained a large amount of charcoal (dated to the early medieval period) at the base, which indicates that it may have been used briefly as a hearth or small cooking-pit, as suggested by the small amount of bone recovered from the fill. The second pit may have served a similar purpose, and the oval spread may indicate waste or upcast. However, no structural remains in the form of post- or stake-holes were uncovered, either on the site or in the immediate area, to indicate a settlement or the presence of a large site. It is possible that the excavated features may be part of a potential site outside the road corridor to the east and north-east.

Three post-medieval/modern features were also excavated. These consisted of one 19th/20th-century stone and clay spread and two post-medieval field drains.