2002:0174 - KILFENORA CATHEDRAL, Kilfenora, Clare

As part of the refurbishment of Kilfenora Cathedral, the slate roof of the nave is being replaced. To assess the nature of deposits for the purpose of drainage, four test-trenches were excavated by hand, at each corner of the nave.

Kilfenora was the site of a monastic institution, traditionally founded by St Fachnan, although the exact nature of this establishment is not known. It is first known from the Annals of Ulster, in which it is stated that Murrough O’Brien, the leader of the Dal gCais, burnt the abbey in 1055 and slew many of the inhabitants. By the mid-12th century Kilfenora was among the most important dioceses in Ireland. The present church was built in around 1190 and altered during the 15th century. The cathedral is famous for its four high crosses.

The four test-trenches were excavated from 28 March to 4 April 2002. All were 1m wide and 1.5–2m long. Trench 1 was at the south-eastern corner of the nave. Here a gravel path with a compact base overlay a mid-brown silt topsoil with frequent fragments of limestone and glass. Beneath this, at a depth of 0.1m, was a tightly packed undulating surface of irregular cobbles up to 0.25m wide. In Trench 2, to the south-west, a similar stratigraphy was present, although these cobbles were smaller and more regular. Trench 3, to the north-west, contained no surface, but excavation of the topsoil was halted at a layer containing a significant amount of disarticulated human bone. Trench 4, to the north-east, contained a less compact, rough surface, concentrated at the nave wall.

After consultation with Dúchas regarding the first phase of this excavation, it was agreed that the material within Trench 3 was sufficient to allow drainage but that in the remaining three areas extensions would be necessary to establish the nature and extent of the surfaces. Furthermore, another test-trench was requested across the threshold of the west chancel door, which has been partially buried by the build-up of largely gravel material. Trench 1 was extended to the south, and the surface was found to continue to 2m from the nave wall. Trench 2 was extended to the west, and here the surface was found to continue but with an edge defined by a kerb of significantly larger stones. In Trench 4, which was extended to the north, the surface was shown to be confined to the edge of the nave wall. A grave-cut was identified at the northern edge of this trench. Trench 5, across the transept door, revealed a threshold of cut limestone at a depth of 0.3m.

No artefacts were found within the matrix of the surfaces to allow dating. The only evidence is the curved kerb within Trench 2, which leads directly to the south door of the nave. This is thought to have been inserted in the 15th century, suggesting that the pathway is of similar or later date. It is probable that the cathedral was originally entered from the west and that this, better-quality path ran from the western entrance of the churchyard to the door.

Unit 6, Riveroaks, Claregalway, Co. Galway