2026:184 - Srah, Greenhills, Wood and Rhode, Offaly

Nine areas of archaeological interest (Areas 1–9) were identified during archaeological testing undertaken in early 2025 within the permitted Garr Solar Farm (GSF), located in the townlands of Srah, Greenhills, Wood and Rhode, Co. Offaly (Dunne, Ficner & Labaj 2025).

Area 9 comprised a large sub-rectangular enclosure identified in the north-western extent of the GSF (Field 1). This feature is considered to most likely represent a medieval settlement complex and was mitigated to be preserved in situ.

Excavation of Areas 1-8 was carried out over a nine-week period between November 2025 and January 2026 under an extension to Licence 24E0001.

A total of 43 archaeological features were recorded and excavated. These comprised pits, some of which may represent bowl furnaces; a possible sunken-featured structure with a possible associated entrance; a few spreads; post-holes; and several linear features.

Seventy-six samples, including soil, charcoal, animal bone, and a substantial quantity of slag, were collected for archaeo-environmental analysis and potential radiocarbon dating.

Artefacts recovered during the excavation included an early medieval ringed pin and two lithic artefacts. In addition, fragments of tuyères and slag cakes were identified among the iron-production debris. Specialist analysis will be undertaken to determine the nature and technology of the iron production represented on the site. The majority of the slag was recovered from secondary (ex-situ) dump deposits within linear features and pits, suggesting the redeposition of iron-working waste rather than in-situ production deposits.

Reference:

Dunne, L., Ficner, H. & Labaj, K. (2025) Interim Archaeological Impact Assessment Report, Srah, Greenhills, Wood and Rhode townlands, Co. Offlay. Unpublished LDA ltd report.