2001:609 - CASTLETOWN, Celbridge, Kildare

Excavation was undertaken at Castletown, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, between 10 July and 31 August 2001. This was designated as Site 4 on the Celbridge Interchange scheme. Excavation uncovered the remains of a ring-ditch and associated enclosure. The ring-ditch measured 9m in diameter, with a ditch 1.5m wide and 0.9m deep. Contained within the ditch were a series of individual deposits. All were contained within the one layer of fill and were spaced throughout the ditch. The deposits consisted of two separate pots, three small charcoal spreads, two cattle skulls, and part of a human cranium. The pottery appears to be Late Bronze Age in date. There were no remains of a central mound, and three small, possible pits in the interior proved to be natural features.

Enclosing the ring-ditch, and a considerable area, were a series of ditches. The largest of these ran north–south before curving and turning to the west. It followed and respected the curve of the ring-ditch at this point, which would suggest that the two were contemporary. As it turned from the ring-ditch it became more linear again. It had a total length of c. 35m, was 2m wide and 1.3m deep. Its northern terminus was not established as it went out under the road-take. It contained large amounts of animal bone with a high percentage of animal skulls. At its western end it was met by another ditch, also running east–west. This was 1–2m wide and 0.5–0.9m deep and ran west for 24m before terminating 1m short of another ditch. Contained within the fill of this ditch was the entire skeleton of a small horse or pony. The third ditch ran north–south for 28m and was c. 1.5m wide and 0.45m deep. The three ditches would have enclosed an area measuring at least 35m east–west by 25m. Also contained within this complex were a series of small pits and burnt hearth areas. Some of these contained cremated animal bone, but there was no evidence for any human bone. As with the ring-ditch and ditches, these are probably contemporary and Late Bronze Age in date.

Finally, there was limited later activity. This consisted of a stone-built kiln feature set into one of the ditches. Soil samples from the interior yielded grain, suggesting that this was a corn-drying kiln. This is also supported by the discovery of part of a quernstone in the kiln structure. A large pit nearby containing burnt material and an iron knife blade may also be contemporary. An Early Christian date is being suggested for this phase of activity.

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