2007:1276 - CASTLEKEERAN (1), Meath

This site was located within Contract 5 (Kells–North of Kells) of the proposed M3 Clonee to North of Kells motorway, was identified during testing by Gillian McLoughlin of IAC in 2004 (Excavations 2004, No. 1200, 04E1056) and was excavated in January 2007. A small keyhole-shaped corn-drying kiln (2.3m by 1.5m by 0.74m) which displayed evidence for a stone lining was revealed. These small sub-rounded stones were set within an earlier fill, which indicated that the kiln was used on at least two occasions and had been slightly altered in shape and size. Eight metres to the south-west of the kiln was a large subcircular pit (3m max. diameter by 0.76m depth). Containing small quantities of cremated bone, animal bone and three fills with high levels of organic material, it probably represented a rubbish pit. The remains of a field boundary, which, due to the frequency of roots and organic material within its fill, was probably a hedge, were also observed.