2000:0042 - LOUGH GOWNA, Cavan

An assessment was carried out at the site of the proposed treatment works for the Lough Gowna Sewerage Scheme, Co. Cavan, to be located on the northern shore of Swan Lough, on the outskirts of the village of Lough Gowna, Co. Cavan, which is situated to the west. A series of engineering test-pits and boreholes was excavated around the area of the proposed sewerage scheme with a concentration of excavations in the area of the treatment works. This work was monitored by ADS Ltd in November/ December 1999. During the course of this monitoring a number of features/deposits of possible archaeological interest were identified. Based on the monitoring results, it was advised that further investigation/archaeological assessment of these deposits be undertaken. The assessment was based on topsoil-stripping of an area measuring c. 28m x 20m and investigation of the underlying subsoil/deposits. This was undertaken on 16 and 17 October 2000.

The results of the assessment indicated that there was a high concentration of material of possible archaeological significance on the site of the proposed treatment works. The nature of these deposits suggested that there were concentrations of industrial activity and also possible associated settlement or structures. Areas of possible charcoal-rich material with a high slag content were identified. It was recommended that the whole area of the treatment plant be opened for full investigation/excavation.

This subsequent excavation was carried out in January 2001. Shortly after the commencement of the excavation it became evident that the deposits represented natural geological anomalies consisting of naturally occurring iron ores and that there was no significant archaeological material on the site.

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