1999:888 - TAGHMON, Wexford

Archaeological excavation and monitoring were conducted at a site in Taghmon, Co. Wexford, intermittently between December 1998 and December 1999. Testing had previously revealed the presence of archaeological features, at least one of which appeared to represent a ditch (Excavations 1998, 217–18). As a result, a monitoring requirement was incorporated within the grant of planning. Groundworks commenced in December 1998, and shortly afterwards a pattern emerged that indicated the presence of two large, parallel ditch features running from north-west to south-east through the northern end of the site (Ditches 1 and 2). Other linear features, which did not appear to form part of any comprehensible pattern, were found in the area of these two large ditches.

Continued monitoring in early 1999 revealed further ditch features along the western side of the site (Ditches 4 and 5). These were smaller than Ditches 1 and 2, and Ditch 4 formed a clear-cut arc of c. 10m diameter, curving from north-east to south-east. Further south on the western side of the site another, smaller ditch (Ditch 5) ran from the north-west to the south-east. Along the southern side of the site the ditch features that had been characteristic of other parts of the site were virtually absent, and instead the evidence indicated a cluster of more discrete features, mainly pits.

All evidence appeared to suggest that the most sensitive areas of the site were in the north and north-west. Accordingly, an agreement was reached with the developer that the north-west corner would be reserved for open-plan excavation before development. Open-plan excavation of an area measuring 27m north to south by 16m was carried out in August 1999. This revealed another large ditch feature (Ditch 3) running from north-west to south-east. This ditch ran parallel to Ditches 1 and 2 and was of similar proportions; all three were of approximately equal distance apart. A length of this ditch measuring 26m was uncovered, and a slight curve to its line could be discerned over this distance. This ditch lay amidst several smaller and separate ditches, and there were three well-defined points of convergence between Ditch 3 and the other ditches, where it could be unequivocally demonstrated that Ditch 3 was the latest feature.

The branching network of ditches uncovered in the open-plan excavation helped to place in context the more incongruous linear features identified in and around Ditches 1 and 2. Although the three large ditches were originally interpreted as contemporary and related features, the radiocarbon and pottery results indicate a 1st–5th century date for Ditch 1 and a 12th-15th century date for Ditch 3 and possibly Ditch 2.

Further large ditches were transected by service trenches to the south of Ditches 1 and 2. It is likely that some of these represent continuations of Ditches 1 and 2, although this could not be demonstrated. Most of these are aligned in the opposite direction to Ditches 1 and 2 and thus argue strongly in favour of a south-west return to the previously noted south-east line of these ditches. No evidence of the continuation of these ditches was found along the western side of the site, precluding the possibility of a full circular enclosure.

Only one apparent linear feature was recorded along the southern side of the site, and the principal archaeological feature here was of the discrete variety. Many of these features produced ceramic evidence consistent with the medieval date of the large ditches. One feature found in this part of the site was prominent by virtue of its size and associated features; this was a large pit, over 3m in diameter and c. 0.6m deep, with sides that were almost perfectly vertical and a flat, sloping base. This pit produced considerable quantities of charcoal, many pieces identifiable as small twigs and branches of hazel, as well as significant quantities of cremated bone. The concentration of charcoal and burnt bone from this pit was considerably greater than found anywhere else on the site. A small, funnel-shaped channel led from the western side of this feature, and a row of three stakeholes was identified a short distance from the pit's edge, on the same side. This may suggest some form of superstructure associated with this pit. This pit has been radiocarbon dated to AD 660 to 795 (95% probability).

There was much evidence of surface truncation of the archaeology on this site, while evidence of modern disturbance in the upper levels of the archaeology in the area of the open-plan excavation was also noted. The site had been partially developed in the 1970s, and this doubtlessly resulted in a considerable degree of disturbance. The entire eastern side of the site had been heavily disturbed well below the level of the natural, and it is impossible to determine whether the archaeological site originally extended into this area, but, given the distribution of archaeology within the site, it seems likely that at least some outlying activity occurred here.

The site at Taghmon seems to contain two distinct phases of activity. Evidence suggests that some of the smaller ditches in the north-west corner of the site, and possibly Ditch 1, date to the Iron Age/Early Christian period, while there is a 12th–15th-century date for Ditch 3, Ditch 2 and several of the discrete features. The later phase of activity seems to be the more predominant on the site, but the 7th/8th-century date for the large pit on the south side suggests that the earlier phase of use may also extend some distance. This chronology is borne out by the stratigraphic evidence where some of the smaller ditches of earlier date are cut by Ditch 3. While the occurrence of archaeological material of two distinct phases can only be viewed as coincidental, the parallel alignment and similarity of dimensions and fills between the large ditches, especially between Ditches 1 and 2, are very surprising in view of their disparate dates.

31 Millford, Athgarvan, Co. Kildare