2002:0978 - PITCHFORDSTOWN (Site AE26), Kildare

Testing was carried out as part of the Kinnegad–Enfield–Kilcock (Contract 3) Bypass. The overall scheme (Contracts 1–3) involves the excavation of c. 35km of motorway, commencing to the south-west of Kinnegad in County Westmeath and continuing eastward through counties Meath and Kildare, terminating at the western end of the existing M4 motorway at Kilcock. Contract 3 covers the route from Kilcock to the east of Enfield (c. 11km).

One linear and fourteen offset trenches were excavated across the area of Site AE26 to assess the extent, character and condition of previously unrecognised archaeological deposits in this area. Testing revealed topsoil sealing geologically deposited strata across the whole of the site. Topsoil was on average 0.4m deep over the natural, compact, light to mid-brown clay. Two modern field drains were recorded within AE26.

Approximately 50m along the linear trench, to the west of the eastern field boundary of AE26 at c. 1m below present ground level, the natural ground sloped downward, with the main trench filling with water to a depth of 0.3–0.4m. At this point a series of timbers was revealed extending for c. 7m north-west/south-east by 2m. Initial inspection suggested that they may have been in a cut and may have formed a structure. The depth of the recorded material, however, coupled with the waterlogged ground conditions, made detailed reporting and analysis difficult.

As a consideration in ensuring satisfactory preservation, it was agreed not to undertake detailed testing and recording but to record the timbers as they appeared in the trenches. An excavation was subsequently carried out on this site by Tim Coughlan (see No. 974, Excavations 2002, 02E0991). This revealed it to be an infilled field boundary, with the trees having been thrown into the ditch after they were cut down. These were found to seal a water pipe, and the site is therefore of no archaeological significance.

An aerial photographic survey undertaken to enhance the archaeological record before road construction revealed potential subsoil features within the land-take of AE26. These were recorded as two linear features and a faint circular feature, c. 34m in diameter. It was suggested that the straight lines may represent field boundaries or drainage features. The circular feature was interpreted as possibly representing an enclosure.

These potential features were tested through both the linear and the offset trenches, but no features of archaeological significance were revealed. This is supported by the results of the geophysical survey, which failed to record any such features in this area.

A two-day geophysical survey was undertaken by GeoArc Ltd to provide comment on the extent, character and condition of potential archaeological remains revealed in this area by the aerial photographic survey. Preliminary analysis of the geophysical survey suggested the presence of two potential subcircular archaeological features at the eastern and western sides of AE26, along the very northern area of the land-take.

Testing failed to reveal any archaeological deposits or finds in these two areas. Topsoil sealed geologically deposited strata, which were revealed c. 0.4m below present ground level.

This project was funded by Westmeath County Council.

8 Dungar Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin