2026:186 - Carrigeendaniel, Kerry

Licensed archaeological testing was undertaken at a proposed development site (PDS) in the townland of Carrigeendaniel, Tralee, Co. Kerry in early March 2026. The zone of notification (ZON) of a recorded standing stone, KE029-116 partially extends into the south-easternmost limits of the PDS.

Previous testing within limits of the PDS  (Licence no. 06E0037) identified two Areas of archaeological interest (Areas A & B). The features comprised of seven cremation pits, eight post-holes, one hearth, three pits and one stake-hole in Area A, and a single cremation pit in Area B (Dunne & Bartlett 2006).

Recent archaeological testing at Carrigeendaniel took place in early March 2026. A series of 13 linear test trenches (T1-T13), extending for c.950m were opened across the PDS under the archaeological  supervision. Topsoil was incrementally removed using 14-ton track machine with 1.8m flat grading bucket. Nothing of an archaeological nature was noted in any of the test trenches and no artefacts were recovered.

Stratigraphy in all trenches was identical and consisted of mid-brown clayey silty sandy topsoil. This overlay natural subsoil, which comprised of a uniform orange or yellow soft clayey sandy material. Natural limestone bedrock frequently protruded through the subsoil and was encountered in every trench. The depth of the excavated trenches varied from 0.1m to 0.4m (particularly where high bedrock was exposed).

Reference:

Dunne, L & Bartlett, T. (2006). Pre-planning Archaeological Impact Assessment, Carrigeendaniel, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Unpublished report Eachtra Archaeological Projects.