2000:0072 - ENNIS: Francis Street, Clare

Test excavations were undertaken here prior to a grant of planning permission. Testing was requested because of the location of the proposed site within the zone of archaeological potential as identified for Ennis. The demolition of the extant structure was also monitored owing to the possibility that it may have contained the remains of original medieval fabric. Monitoring of the demolition works indicated that all of the extant structure was post-medieval in date.

The area of the proposed development is referred to as the ‘Causeway’. The Causeway ran over marshy, low-lying ground and linked the medieval settlement on the island of Ennis to the adjoining settlement of Clonroad. This thoroughfare also connected Ennis to centres such as Sixmilebridge and Tulla. In medieval times one of the two main entries to the town was via the Causeway. Two trenches were opened.

Trench 1, 4.7m north–south by 1.5m with a maximum depth of 2.7m, was on the footprint of the proposed western boundary wall. Four layers were identified: C.1, 0.4m in depth, consisted of a pink/grey sandy gravel. C.2, 0.2m in depth, consisted of a mid-brown, silty clay. C.3, 2.1m in depth, consisted of a dark brown peat deposit. C.4 was natural subsoil consisting of compact, grey/white clay.

Trench 2 was located parallel to the northern boundary of the development site and positioned and excavated in accordance with the request of Barry O’Reilly of Dúchas The Heritage Service. It measured 6m east–west by 1.5m and had a maximum depth of 2.7m in the west (depth in the east was restricted to maintain the structural integrity of the adjoining buildings). Four layers were identified. C.1, 0.2m in depth, was a pink/grey, sandy gravel. C.2, 0.8m in depth, was a mid-brown, silty clay. C.3, 1.4m in maximum depth, was a dark brown peat deposit. C.4 was natural subsoil.

No artefacts or stratigraphy of an archaeological nature were identified.

3 Canal Place, Tralee, Co. Kerry