2025:576 - TWA-13, Mondellihy, Limerick

Stage (i) archaeological testing was carried out at a proposed Temporary Works Area (TWA) for a compound in Mondellihy townland, adjacent to Lands Made Available (LMA) for the Foynes to Limerick Road (including Adare Bypass), Co. Limerick and a subsequent programme of archaeological monitoring undertaken in adjacent lands to the east (outside of the LMA) to facilitate the construction of a farm access track. The TWA site (TWA-13)  is located in proximity to burnt mound spreads fully excavated within the LMA by Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) in 2024, namely Mondellihy 6 (Registration No.: E005713). TWA-13 is also situated in close proximity to two ringforts (LI021-011001- ringfort – rath and LI021-011002, ringfort – cashel) and adjacent to the Zone of Notification (ZoN) of an enclosure (LI021-145).

Geophysical survey was subsequently carried out at TWA-13 under Registration No. R000752 by AMS on 24 March 2025. The results of the geophysical survey indicated a series of drains running across the site and some possible pits and burnt deposits. Stage (i) archaeological testing consisted of 21 trenches totaling 373 linear metres.

A single archaeological feature was recorded during the work (designated as Mondellihy 9). This comprised a burnt spread measuring 8m long by 4m wide and 0.3m deep. It was decided, in consultation with the NMS, TII Project Archaeologist, and LCCC Resident Archaeologist that this site could be preserved in situ and ‘fenced-out’ of the TWA area with an established buffer of 5m around the perimeter of the identified archaeology.

Subsequent to this phase of testing the registration number (E005823) was extended to include for a programme of archaeological monitoring for a farm access track to the east of TWA-13 in the townland of Kilgobbin. Two areas of archaeology were identified in this phase of monitoring: Kilgobbin 7 (two pits) and Kilgobbin 8 (a burnt spread) measuring 7m long and 4m wide (within the confines of the access track footprint) with associated features. As the pits at Kilgobbin 7 presented as isolated features, it was agreed with the NMS to fully resolve these features under the existing registration number. The burnt mound spread at Kilgobbin 8 was preserved in situ in consultation with the NMS, TII Project Archaeologist, and LCCC Resident Archaeologist.