County: Louth Site name: HAYNESTOWN
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 12:4 Licence number: —
Author: Valerie J. Keeley
Site type: Souterrain
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 703928m, N 803611m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.971328, -6.415874
The site lies close on the lower northern slope of a gentle hill. Initially excavation was scheduled for the summit of the hill where evidence of a crop-mark existed. However due to a change in plan, the alignment of the new road now lay further to the north, avoiding the crop-mark. Nonetheless, due to the proximity of the road, it was considered prudent to investigate this area. A series of cuttings were extended along the land requirement area of the road. The first evidence uncovered was a dark humic deposit with animal bone inclusions. Extension of the cuttings yielded evidence of a stone structure. This was represented by a series of large stone lintels, some of which were displaced. A gap in the roof of the structure revealed that the walls were of dry stone construction. It is believed that the structure is a souterrain, a monument very common in Co. Louth. Full excavation is planned for 1993.
29/30 Duke St, Athy, Co. Kildare
