County: Kildare Site name: CURRAGH CAMP, CURRAGH
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 97E0388
Author: Martin E. Byrne
Site type: Enclosure, Ringfort - rath, Earthwork and Burial
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 676417m, N 718362m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.210189, -6.855984
An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in the vicinity of the Ammunition Depot, Curragh Camp, from 15 to 17 October 1997. The work was carried out on behalf of the Dept of Defence and in compliance with a request from the National Monuments Service.
The general area of the Curragh Plains is designated an area of archaeological potential as listed in the RMR for County Kildare. The proposed area of development is positioned close to a number of archaeological sites: (a) SMR 23:42-Ringfort (Gibbet Rath); (b) SMR 23:43-Earthwork; (c) SMR 23:44- Enclosure (?); (d) SMR 23:46-Enclosure (?); (e) SMR 23:47-Enclosure (?); (f) SMR 23:60-Graves; (g) SMR 23:61-Enclosure (?); (h) SMR 23:74-Potential Site (Cartographic).
Sites a–g are marked on the 1st ed. OS 6" map, but only sites a, b, and f are marked on the 2nd edition. Site g was destroyed by quarrying and it is assumed that sites c–e were destroyed, or at least levelled, as a direct result of military activity in the area. The area was generally very much disturbed by previous construction and military activities. Much of the area to the north-east of the Depot had previously been utilised as a 'demolition area', where explosive material was destroyed. Furthermore, it was not possible to evaluate the entire area of development because of the concentration of services and security fencing along part of the northern perimeter of the Depot.
A total of 29 trial-trenches were excavated by machine fitted with a 'ditching' bucket. The trenches were c. 1600mm wide and were dug to such a depth as to expose a c. 200mm thickness of the 'natural' subsoil. The lengths of the trenches ranged from 10m to 100m. In general, the topsoil consisted of a moderately loose dark brown sandy clay and ranged in thickness from 80mm to 420mm, below which was the 'natural' sterile subsoil. No features, structures or finds of archaeological interest were uncovered during the course of the work. However, given the general archaeological potential of the area, it was proposed that a programme of limited archaeological monitoring be undertaken at the site. This recommendation has subsequently been endorsed by the National Monuments Service and it is likely that further work will be carried out at the site during spring 1998.
39 Kerdiff Park, Monread, Naas, Co. Kildare
