2002:0932 - KILLICKAWEENY (Site AE23), Kildare

Site-specific testing of specific and anomalous features of archaeological potential along the route of the proposed M4 Kinnegad–Enfield–Kilcock Scheme (Contract 3) was recommended in the environmental impact statement. Site AE23 was interpreted as a crescentic feature, c. 18m long, along with removed field boundaries. Field inspection suggested that the area might be of greater archaeological potential than previously recognised, with linear features identified that were possibly the remains of extensive archaeological deposits.

It was decided to excavate a central linear trench with offsets approximately every 30m. Consultation of the geophysical results indicated an area of possible disturbance on a ridge to the south-east. This was systematically tested with a series of north–south and east–west trenches organised in a tighter grid than that of the main area. A total of 22 trenches were excavated, with a combined length of 1650m. The trenches were excavated to the width of the machine bucket (1.82m).

The number and position of the trenches gave a good representation of the surviving stratigraphy at the site. In all trenches, except where archaeological deposits were recorded, the topsoil and ploughsoil directly sealed the natural subsoil, which varied across the site from bright yellow/orange clay to grey clay with high concentrations of decayed stone.

Mechanical and manual testing to the south-east of the field revealed a number of cuts/spreads and the possible remnant of a curving ditch cut into the natural geology. These produced evidence of both domestic and industrial activity, including concen-trations of ferrous slag, burnt and unburnt animal bone and iron objects. Other artefacts from this area included a blue glass bead, a flint end scraper and two sherds of possible prehistoric pottery.

Testing suggested evidence of an early medieval occupation site.

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