County: Limerick Site name: BARRYSFARM, Hospital
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 32:147 Licence number: 99E0182
Author: Ken Hanley
Site type: Excavation - miscellaneous
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 570556m, N 636248m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.476865, -8.433413
Testing was carried out on the site of a proposed new GAA clubhouse, at St John's Park, Barrysfarm, in the medieval village of Hospital, Co. Limerick. The development is near St John's Well (site of), to the west of the main village road, c. 42m north of St John's Church (in ruins) and east of the existing Sports Ground. Six test-trenches were inserted, four (A–D) along the foundation lines of the proposed clubhouse building and two (E and F) along proposed service lines to the north and south. Testing was carried out from 1 to 3 May 1999.
Trench A revealed two cut features of unknown age; however, these were found below the level of proposed disturbance. Trench B revealed a field drain, which continued north through Trenches C and E. Trench C exposed three post-medieval/ modern pits and a deep furrow cut. Trench D produced no features except for a small, localised cluster of weathered stone. Trench E revealed the continuation of the sub-linear field drain from Trench B.
Most of the southern end of Trench F contained recent disturbance; however, a limestone wall was identified towards its northern end. The wall was quite substantial, and no associated finds were recovered. It could not be determined whether this undated feature formed part of St John's Well, the site of which is believed to have been in this general vicinity. However, according to local opinion, the well is believed to have been under the existing carpark, some distance to the east of Trench F. Realignment of a proposed drainage pipeline was recommended to avoid the structure in Trench F.
44 Eaton Heights, Cobh, Co. Cork
