County: Kildare Site name: GREENHILLS
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Valerie Keeley
Site type: Mound
Period/Dating: Medieval (AD 400-AD 1600)
ITM: E 683432m, N 711631m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.148651, -6.752740
Having established during the 1988 season that this tumulus was of artificial construction, it was then subjected to full excavation during a nine-week period early in 1989. The stratigraphy consisted of layers of sod, sand and clay. The old ground surface was readily observed as a band of greyish decayed sod and humic soil. Several small depressions were noted within the make-up of the mound. Seven sherds of ceramic were recovered from a depression on the old ground surface. It is a well-fired red ware with traces of a green mottled glaze on the outer surface, medieval in date. Five of the sherds have been refitted. The recovery of the pottery from this level gives a terminus post quem for the tumulus. Its purpose, however, is not clear; one possibility is that it is associated with the nearby Greenhills castle and may be an ornamental feature.Excavation was required owing to the proposed construction of the Kilcullen Link Motorway Scheme.
29/30 Duke Street, Athy, Co. Kildare
