2007:1628 - CLASHNEVIN/DERRYBANE/NEWTOWN/LISSANISKY/KILLEISK/GARAVALLY, 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 2 is located at Chainage 500–3.250 (2.75km), between 83m OD and 102m OD, and encompasses the townlands of Clashnevin, Derrybane, Newtown, Lissanisky, Killeisk and Garavally. Works were completed between 2 and 6 April and 8–9 May 2007.

Six archaeological sites were recorded in Area 2. A fulacht fiadh with associated pits and a small burnt spread was recorded at Clashnevin 1 (see No. 1629, Excavations 2007), a group of post-holes, stake-holes and pits were recorded at Clashnevin 2 (see No. 1630, Excavations 2007), a group of pits and post-holes and a kiln were recorded at Derrybane 1 (see No. 1652, Excavations 2007), a Bronze Age settlement site was recorded at Derrybane 2 (see No. 1653, Excavations 2007), an early medieval enclosure was recorded at Killeisk (see No. 1693, Excavations 2007) and a small group of features were found at Garavally (see No. 1669, Excavations 2007).

Phase 2 excavations of the sites were carried out between July 2007 and March 2008.