1996:193 - MOORE ABBEY, Monasterevin, Kildare

An archaeological evaluation was carried out at Moore Abbey, Co. Kildare, from 6 to 8 February 1996 in compliance with a request from Kildare County Council for additional information in respect of a proposed convent extension.

Test-trenches, measuring a total of 112m, were inserted along the approximate foundation lines of the proposed development. Archaeological material was noted in two areas of the development site. The area immediately north of the existing convent and chapel produced an extensive spread of waste product from ironworking, but no evidence of any structures associated with this material was identified. The area in the western extremity of the proposed development revealed part a wooden structure lying in the natural estuarine deposits. it was not possible to determine, during the course of the excavation, the western extent of this structure, although its north-south extent seemed to be contained within the limit of test-trench.

The grant of planning permission for the convent extension required limited excavation in both of these specific areas, as well as monitoring of all excavation works associated with development. This work was carried out from 24 July to September 1996. The monitoring of all levels of reduction and foundation works associated with the convent extension and the rerouting of service roads and pathways in the grounds of the complex revealed no further archaeological features. Two areas were excavated by hand, in compliance with the planning conditions.

Area 1
An area measuring 32m2 was excavated in order to gain an understanding of the nature of the ironworking debris and associated layers. This material had already been investigated in a number of the foundation trenches. In general, the debris consisted of a matrix of slag/bloom in a crusty soil, and ranged in thickness from 2mm to 390mm, covering an area of c. 500m2. It lay directly upon the natural subsoil. The absence of any oxidisation on the surface of the subsoil indicates that the slag debris was cool when dumped. It was, in the main, covered by a layer of orange/red sandy silt, which was in turn overlain by pockets of ash. The levels across the surface of the ironworking debris were very similar, and it may represent an attempt to ‘level up’ the area.

Area 2
This measured 25m2 and was located at the base of a slope which possibly represents the original bank of the River Barrow. Two pits were uncovered in this area, both cut into the estuarine deposits which lay upon the natural subsoil. One of the pits, which was square in plan, was timber-lined and contained a number of timbers which may have collapsed from the original, more complete structure. The second pit was oval in plan and contained two fills, one of which produced a sherd of pottery of possible medieval date.

Further monitoring of service trenches will be undertaken at the site during the spring of 1997.