2006:1536 - COLLIERSTOWN (1), Meath

This site was located within Contract 2 (Dunshaughlin to Navan) of the proposed M3 Clonee to north of Kells motorway. It was identified during geophysical survey (GSB Prospection, 2001) and confirmed during advance archaeological testing conducted by Linda Clarke in March 2004 (Excavations 2004, No. 1210, 04E0422). Full resolution began in October 2006 and is ongoing. Excavation to date has revealed 23 inhumations (11 stone-lined or long cist burials and twelve earth-cut burials), including eight female, eight male and two child burials. The bodies were laid out in different ways, some of which were suggestive of a shroud. Nearly all have been supine extended, although one was flexed and laid on his right-hand side. There are no associated grave goods. There are examples of successive burials within plots and a number of burials truncate earlier graves. There is currently no surviving evidence for grave markers. It seems likely that these burials date to the 6th or 7th century AD.

These burials surround a mound which sealed a square enclosure. There are parallel north–south linear features beneath the mound that are characteristic of cultivation furrows.

Several ditches and linear features have also been observed. The upper fills of one of the ditches contained animal bone, charcoal, iron slag and imported pottery—probably late or post-Roman fabrics.