2001:1034 - RATHMULLAN: Site 9A, Meath

A two-month rescue excavation was carried out on a site consisting of possible Neolithic and post-medieval activity in advance of the construction of the Northern Motorway, Contract 7. Twenty-nine negative archaeological features were recorded, including a possible cremation pit containing substantial quantities of Neolithic pottery.

The site was in the townland of Rathmullan, immediately north of the Donore Road, on flat agricultural land approximately 100m east of Site 9 (see No. 1033, Excavations 2001, 01E0390). The area of excavation measured approximately 70m north–south by 25m on average. Excavation began on 14 March 2001. A conservation specialist was required on site for two days to supervise the removal of a nearly complete Neolithic pot, and this has subsequently been excavated in the laboratory. All features were excavated to natural subsoil.

Excavation and post-excavation analysis have revealed that activity on the site dates from the Neolithic period onwards. The earliest activity has been assigned to groups of pits cutting the natural subsoil across the site. A pit which contained a large quantity of Neolithic material is included in this phase.

It is suggested that the next phase of activity on site relates to a north–south ditch which was approximately 67m in length. It varied in width from 0.55m to 1.9m, and was wider to the south of the site. It was also deeper to the south of the site, where it reached 0.8m in depth, while the northern sections of the ditch averaged 0.25m in depth. Seven fills were recorded in this ditch. The final phase of activity on site related to a number of post-medieval ditches orientated roughly east–west, a plough-furrow and a shallow pit.

Post-excavation analysis is ongoing. The project was funded by Meath County Council.