2007:1626 - CLASH AND PARK, Tipperary

Phase 1 trial-trench testing and townland boundary surveys along 17.1km (Contact 1) of the 35km N7 Castletown to Nenagh (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) national road scheme were commissioned by Laois County Council and the National Roads Authority. Contract 1 comprises the western half of the scheme and runs from Clashnevin to Castleroan, passing along the Tipperary North and Offaly county border regions. Contract 1 was divided into six areas, 2–7, during Contract 1 trial-trench testing. Area 4 is located at Chainage 7100–10000 (2.9km), between 105m OD and 120m OD, and encompasses the townlands of Clash and Park, Co. Tipperary, and Rosdremid and Clynoe, Co. Offaly. Works were completed between 6 and 20 April 2007.

Four archaeological sites were recorded in Area 4. A group of ten prehistoric pits and post-holes were recorded in Clash 1 (see No. 1627, Excavations 2007), a group of pits, post-holes, stake-holes and possible kilns were recorded in Park 1 (see No. 1710, Excavations 2007), and a fulacht fiadh with associated pit and burnt spread was recorded in Park 2 (see No. 1711, Excavations 2007). See Nos 1455–1456 above for County Offaly sites.

Phase 2 excavation works were carried out between July 2007 and March 2008.