2026:223 - Montgarrett Castle, Wexford

This summary presents the results of archaeological monitoring undertaken during the installation of a
protective fence adjacent to the southern side of Mountgarrett Castle, New Ross, Co. Wexford. The works were carried out under Ministerial Consent C001516, Works Approval W000896 and Excavation Registration E005914. Mountgarrett Castle is a Recorded Monument, RMP No. WX029-009.  The fence was required on health and safety grounds due to the structurally unstable condition of the monument. Mountgarrett Castle has experienced a number of significant structural failures in recent years, including collapses in 2010, 2016 and 2021.  The present works comprised the installation of a short section of freestanding protective fencing along the southern side of the castle. Six fence-post pits were excavated along the proposed fence line. The fence was positioned so that it did not come into contact with, or place any load upon, the surviving masonry. No archaeological artefacts were recovered. Masonry was encountered in P1, P4 and P6, including possible foundation material in P4 and the battered base of the castle wall in P6. Excavation ceased immediately where stonework was exposed. All masonry was preserved in situ, covered with a protective membrane and the pits were subsequently backfilled. The fence was installed without adverse impact on the standing remains of the castle or on the masonry encountered.