1995:286 - WEXFORD: Westgate, Wexford

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Wexford Site name: WEXFORD: Westgate

Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 95E0185

Author: Cia McConway, ADS Ltd

Site type: Midden

Period/Dating: Modern (AD 1750-AD 2000)

ITM: E 704527m, N 622050m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.340088, -6.466031

The location of the proposed drainage pipe lay just outside the medieval town wall, running approx. north-west/south-east from the Westgate. Owing to the obviously sensitive nature of the area, it was decided to assess what impact the installation of the pipeline, some 100m+ long, would have on the archaeology. Seven trenches were mechanically opened along the proposed drainage line. The natural boulder clay occurred at roughly 2m below ground level while the pipes were to be laid at 3m below ground level.

Topsoil overlay a substantial deposit of 20th-century material, presumably brought in to help landscape the area. Through this infilled material a series of old service lines and some 20th-century rubbish pits were cut. This overlay a relatively clean, dark, loose garden soil material which immediately overlay the natural boulder clay.

All the deposits were post-medieval.

There was no indication of a medieval horizon along the area investigated.

Powerhouse, Pigeon House Harbour, Dublin 4