County: Dublin Site name: NEWTOWN
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 14:13 Licence number: 01E1214 ext.
Author: Martin Fitzpatrick, Arch. Consultancy Ltd.
Site type: Excavation - miscellaneous
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 713092m, N 725187m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.264960, -6.304733
Testing was recommended to assess the potential impact on archaeological remains in the area of the proposed development at Newtown, Kilshane, and to establish a buffer zone around the motte and bailey situated in a field proposed for development. During 2001 seven test-pits were excavated by Fiona Rooney; no features or artefacts of archaeological significance were revealed (Excavations 2001, No. 456).
Nineteen test-trenches were mechanically excavated. The soil profiles in the trenches were fairly uniform, and any changes recorded appear to have been the result of varying topography as opposed to anthropogenic factors. The ground was generally drier, and the bedrock closer to the surface, in areas where the ground was higher than the surrounding area. The softer dark material and sand recognised in the trenches to the west of the field were a result of the ground being low lying and close to the stream that forms the western boundary of the field. A notable feature of all trenches was the lack of finds from the topsoil, apart from some fragments of black earthenware, blue-patterned delft and glass.
A number of features were recognised. A ditch, 2.45m wide, running north-west/south-east was noted at the base of Trench 13, with a small fragment of brown glass in its fill. An old field drain that was cut into the subsoil and disturbed by two relatively modern field drains was revealed in Trench 16. A small fragment of brown earthenware was noted in the upper part of the fill mixed between the large stones. Two flint nodules were found in the fill at the base of the cut. A linear cropmark could be seen running approximately east–west across the field, and a large ditch was recognised in Trench 17 where this cropmark crossed the trench. This feature may be associated with an old field boundary marked on the OS maps or may represent the ditch for a large drainage pipe. At the base of Trench 10 a small modern post-hole and a circular pit containing wood fragments were revealed.
Nothing of archaeological significance was noted. The area south of Trenches 1 and 13 and west of Trench 12 can be said to have been resolved; however, the area north of Trenches 1 and 13 and east of Trench 12 has not been resolved. This line should represent the limit of the buffer zone surrounding the monument.
Ballydavid South, Athenry, Co. Galway
