1999:354 - BALLITORE, Kildare

Three phases of investigation were carried out along the route of the Moone–Timolin–Ballitore Hill N9 Realignment Scheme. Initially test-trenching at four potential sites (Sites 25, 36, 37 and 45) took place. (The numbering system used for the sites followed that used in the report: Archaeological assessment N9 Realignment Moone–Timolin–Ballitore Hill, Co. Kildare, by Dr Niall Brady of Valerie J. Keeley Ltd, February 1999.) Test-trenching at Sites 25, 36 and 37 took place between 13 May 1999 and 11 June 1999 and produced no finds or features of archaeological significance.

Testing at Site 45 took place between 14 and 30 May 1999. Nine hand-dug trenches were excavated within the area of the road-take. Trenches 1, 2 and 9 produced significant amounts of medieval pottery and the possible remains of medieval structures. It was clear that further excavation would be required to resolve the nature and extent of the features exposed.

The second phase involved excavation of Site 45. Trenches 1, 2 and 9 were extended and excavated over eight weeks between 30 June and 25 August 1999. The sod and topsoil were removed by machine under archaeological supervision. Further medieval finds and features were uncovered during this phase. However, despite the extended cuttings, the archaeology was not fully resolved.

The final phase involved topsoil-stripping of Site 45. It was recommended that large-scale sod and topsoil-stripping of the two fields within the area of the road-take be undertaken to ascertain the nature and full extent of the site. This was carried out using two machines, under archaeological supervision, before the construction phase of the road began. A full team was employed to excavate features that were exposed. This phase commenced on 26 October 1999 and was completed on 21 January 2000.

Site 45 lay in the townland of Ballitore at Chainage 144. It was defined as a circular earthen enclosure, lying on the western edge of the land-take of the proposed route. It was identified during field inspection and consisted of a raised central area with a further embankment to the south. It had an overall diameter of c. 41m. Three later field boundaries now trisect the site. A low-lying, boggy marsh area lies to the far south of the area, while the site itself has a prominent hilltop setting.

Remains of a significant medieval settlement were uncovered. The main feature identified was a large enclosing ditch, sweeping around the side of the hill/embankment. It began as three separate ditches, which ran for c. 25m, before all three joined to form one ditch. This was traced for a further 45m, giving an overall length of 70m. It varied from 3m to 4m wide and was c. 1m deep. Large amounts of animal bone and medieval pottery were recovered from the fill.

A series of ploughmarks and minor ditches was found outside this enclosing ditch, probably representing associated agriculture and drainage features. They extended up to, but not beyond, the ditch, suggesting that they respected the line of the already-existing ditch. These too contained finds of medieval pottery.

Within the area enclosed by the ditch were further small gullies and ditches, as well as the remains of two possible house structures. These structures consisted of the remains of foundation trenches with large packing stones. However, these were badly disturbed and difficult to trace, probably as a result of later ploughing activity. They were c. 12m long by 4.5m wide. Again, large amounts of medieval pottery were associated with these structures. These consisted mainly of Leinster cooking ware and local green-glazed wares, although some English and French wares were identified amongst the sherds.

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