2005:072 - BUSHERSTOWN, Carlow

This report deals with the results of testing of Area 2 of Archaeological Services Contract 3, N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown. Area 2 ran from Russellstown to Moyle Big townlands. Fourteen areas of archaeological significance were identified (Sites 1–14: A021/016–29, see Nos 54, 70–71, 73–78 and 97–100, Excavations 2005). This site at Busherstown was initially identified through geophysical assessment undertaken in the area prior to Contract 3 testing. The assessment revealed evidence of a subcircular enclosure truncated by the northern boundary of a field. Approximately one-third of the enclosure will be damaged by the proposed route.

The feature formed a broad arc across all three trenches excavated here. The ditch had steeply sloping sides and was 0.7m in width across the top and narrowed to 0.16m at a flat base. The maximum depth of the feature was 0.8m and the fill comprised homogenous dark-reddish-brown silty clay with occasional charcoal and small stones. Based on the testing, the overall enclosure had a radial length of c. 25m. No datable artefacts were recovered from the ditch and testing did not uncover any evidence of internal features within the enclosure.