2001:858 - HAGGARDSTOWN, Dundalk, Louth

Test-trenching was carried out in two fields in the townland of Haggardstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth, between 9 and 17 January 2001. Test-trenching was recommended following the results of ploughzone analysis.

The total area of the site measures 122,569m2. It is bounded by the rear of houses to the west and green fields to the north, south and east. A north–south-aligned field boundary divides the site in two. The land in the west field rises gently from the south to a height roughly at the centre of the field and gradually slopes downwards to the north, west and east. The east field is low-lying and relatively flat. A possible souterrain is located to the south of the site. The area of ploughsoil analysis carried out in both fields (hereafter referred to as the west field and the east field) by Tim Coughlan of IAC Ltd revealed no archaeological artefacts within the ploughsoil.

Thirty-nine test-trenches in the form of three main east–west-aligned trenches and 36 smaller ‘branches’ were excavated. In all, 2.6% of the surface area of the site was trenched. The fieldwork was carried out by the author and up to six assistants.

Topsoil and sod consistently overlay a compact reddish to yellowish brown sandy silt with frequent inclusions of small to medium-sized stones and moderate inclusions of pebbles exposed at the base of excavations.

West field
Substantial archaeological deposits in the form of north–south- and east–west-aligned ditches, walls and areas of occupational debris were observed in a large proportion of the test-trenches excavated in the west field. A possible multi-period enclosed settlement site is located at the top of the low hill in the field. Test-trench 1 revealed four north–south-aligned ditch features and a substantial north-east/south-west-aligned ditch. Two substantial north–south-aligned possible wall foundations were also uncovered. A fragment of souterrain ware was recovered from one of these ditches along with fragments of human bone. In Test-trench 2 an east–west-aligned ditch was observed and appeared to curve to the north. To the west of this feature a second ditch was revealed, running north–south. Further west, evidence of burning in the form of a hearth and a pit feature were observed. At the top of the hill, lying between Test-trenches 1 and 2, a layer of dark brown silty clay containing one north–south-aligned cut with inclusions of human bone in the fill, spreads of burning, charcoal deposits, shell remains and human and animal bone fragments was observed, suggesting significant human activity in this area.

Further ditch features were observed at the north and south ends of the west field. A north–south-aligned ditch was observed to the north in Test-trench 3. To the south, in Test-trench 29, at a depth of 1m below modern ground level, another east–west-aligned shallow ditch was observed. This appeared to curve to the south, although its precise line was difficult to discern, given the restraints of the test-trench. A low bank was observed in section immediately to the south of, and associated with, this ditch, suggesting the presence of a second possible enclosure at the southern end of the west field. This cannot be concluded for certain without further investigation.

A significant number of ditches and related features were observed in Test-trenches 1 and 2, aligned primarily north–south in Test-trench 1 and east–west in Test-trench 2, and an east–west-aligned ditch was observed in Test-trench 29. These remains cover an area of approximately 19,600m2. The ditch features in Test-trench 1 continue to the north. It is not possible to determine with any certainty the nature or extent of these features. At the top of the hill substantial areas of burning with frequent fragments of animal bone and other occupational debris were observed, indicating a possible occupation layer.

East field
The east field revealed little of archaeological significance in the northern, western or eastern parts. However, a possible souterrain was uncovered in the south-western part of the field in Test-trench 33. It was not possible to determine for certain the length or orientation of this feature, although it is possible that it continues to the east and west and may be part of SMR 12:6.

200 Dún na Coiribe, Galway