County: Louth Site name: DUFFSFARM
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Deirdre Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services
Site type: Enclosure
Period/Dating: Late Medieval (AD 1100-AD 1599)
ITM: E 714226m, N 780416m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.760818, -6.267620
A watching brief was maintained on a proposed extension to a residential dwelling at Duffsfarm, Termonfeckin, on 18–20 September 1995. The site lies just north of a 16th-century tower house and is also just within the outer enclosure of the Early Christian monastery of St Fechin. Three areas were examined for archaeological deposits. Natural boulder clay was exposed in most cases close to the surface.
Area 1, in the centre of the site, showed signs of disturbance. This appeared to be relatively modern and is associated with the old house and field boundary that formerly existed on the site.
Area 2, along the north side of the site, is, however, archaeologically sensitive. Natural boulder clay was quite close to the surface but it was clear that a ditch-like feature (4m wide and 1.16m in depth) had been dug into it. Animal bone and charcoal came from this feature. The fact that the only sherd of pottery recovered is of 13th-century date would seem to indicate that this feature is at least medieval in date. However, it is possible that this feature forms part of the enclosure of St Fechin's monastery and was not filled until the medieval period. This ditch is located along the previously suggested line of the Early Christian enclosure. It is possible that the undisturbed ground to the south of the feature formed part of a causewayed entrance to the monastery. The full extent of the ditch was not exposed as it extends northwards outside the foundation trench.
Area 3, which is located towards the south of the site, showed no signs of ever having been disturbed. The sod here came directly down onto natural boulder clay.
30 Laurence St., Drogheda, Co. Louth
