2002:1168 - CARROWARD EAST, Dromcolliher, Limerick

Monitoring before the construction of five dwelling units took place at Carroward East, on the south-eastern outskirts of Dromcolliher. The development is on the edge of the zone of potential of a ‘settlement’.

The area of development measured c. 40m east–west by 40m. A stream bounded the site to the south. A number of buildings and yards were present along the northern half of the site; these were demolished before monitoring. The topsoil was shallow, averaging 0.15m deep. It consisted of a mid-brown sandy clay with occasional fragments of modern crockery. In the southern 20m of the site the topsoil overlay a very mottled, sandy clay that varied from white to grey to yellow/orange. In the 10m strip to the north of this the topsoil overlay a mid-brown sandy silt with flecks of charcoal, which was a maximum of 0.5m deep. This overlay a less mottled version of the natural. The northern 10m of the site had previously been extensively disturbed.

Extensive evidence of drainage was visible after topsoil removal, consisting of earth-dug, stone-lined and plastic-pipe drains. A south-facing cut was observed in the northern half of the site, apparently related to the previous buildings on the site. A broad ridge running parallel to the stream in the south resulted from the stream being cleared periodically by Limerick County Council. Nothing of archaeological significance was observed.