2024:753 - Ballysaxhills, Kildare

Archaeological excavation was undertaken in relation to a proposed quarry development in Ballysaxhills, near Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. The excavation was undertaken in two separate phases. The following represents the preliminary results.

Phase 1 archaeological excavation was undertaken over a six-week period from May to July 2024 within seven discrete areas (A–G) and after subsequent archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping in the remainder of the development area, additional features were uncovered outside of the Phase 1 excavation areas and represented Phase 2. Phase 2 archaeological excavation was undertaken over a three-week period during December 2024.

Results from both phases revealed a series of pits, post-holes, deposits, burnt mound deposits, linear features, ditches and two ring-ditches. Based on a preliminary examination of the artefacts and the feature types, the site is likely to be multiperiod, with activity dating to the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age with likely later modern agricultural activity. The prehistoric pottery assemblage is likely to derive from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages (E. Lynch and J. McCarthy pers. comm.) The burnt mound material is likely to date to the Bronze Age, although burnt mounds were in use between the Neolithic and Iron Age. Three pieces of iron found within a ring-ditch suggest it was open and in use during the Iron Age. A cremation deposit was also found within one ring-ditch indicating its use for funerary purposes.