2000:0540 - KILKENNY: 26–29 John Street, Kilkenny

A pre-development site investigation was carried out at 26–29 John Street, Kilkenny, between 20 and 29 September 2000, in advance of construction of the ‘Kilford Arms Hotel’. The site impinges on the zone of archaeological potential for Kilkenny City and comprised the area below property Nos 26–29, the rear garden area and an access strip leading north-west away from the site, towards an existing carpark. Part of the site (Nos 27–29 John Street) had been the subject of a pre-development archaeological/ architectural assessment. No features of archaeological merit were noted in the extant buildings either before (Barton and Downey 2000) or during their demolition (Patrick Neary, pers. comm.)

The subsequent site investigation comprised eleven test-trenches inserted across the development area, to determine the presence of archaeological activity on site. A limited amount of archaeology was identified. This comprised two medieval pits and several other cut features, which (though undated) were stratified below the demolished properties and appeared to be early in date. No medieval house foundations were noted. The rear garden area and rear access laneway produced thick ‘garden soil’ deposits of post-medieval date. Further archaeological excavation was recommended.

Reference
Barton, R. and Downey, G. 2000 An archaeological and architectural assessment of the ‘Kilford Arms’, Nos 27–30, 32–33 John Street, Kilkenny. Unpublished, Valerie J. Keeley Ltd.

44 Eaton Heights, Cobh, Co. Cork