2024:743 - Kilmeage and Grangeclare East, Naas, Kildare

Archaeological testing was carried out over the course of six days from 16 October 2024 using a mechanical excavator fitted with a flat grading bucket. The trenches targeted geophysical anomalies and open green space in order to fully investigate the archaeological potential of the site. Testing revealed five areas of archaeological significance, which have been designated as Archaeological Areas AA1–5 (described below). The investigation has also confirmed the findings of the geophysical survey which indicated that the northern half of the site is clear of any large-scale archaeological remains.

• AA1 is characterised by a sub-oval enclosure defined by a ditch measuring c. 75m by 42m in length. Internal and external features in the form of ditches, pits and burnt spreads were also identified. The southern extent of the enclosure ditch and the burnt spread to the southwest of the enclosure were identified on the geophysical survey but the remaining extent of the enclosing ditch or the internal features were not. The enclosure is situated on a south-facing slope with good views of the landscape to the south and overlooks a natural water-filled hollow/pool immediately to the south.

• AA2 consists of a scatter of pits over an area measuring 50m by 30m. Many of the pits are small and one cluster may represent post-holes associated with a small structure rather than pits. One of the pits may contain a sherd of prehistoric pottery.

• AA3 contains two charcoal-production pits and AA4 contains a possible kiln with evidence for possible slag in the fills.
• Activity in AA5 was focussed on a cluster of six charcoal-rich pits, four of which had very small white flecks interpreted as being cremated bone, potentially representing a previously unrecorded flat cemetery. It is located on a small plateau immediately north of a natural hollow that is subject to seasonal flooding. The recorded monument (KD018-005 – enclosure) is clearly visible c. 110m to the southeast of AA5.