2002:1222 - LIMERICK: Pikes Row/Lower Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick

Seven 1m-wide test-trenches were excavated by machine before a proposed development. Trench 1 was 33m long, oriented east–west, and was excavated down to the naturally occurring boulder clay. A demolition layer of mortar, brick and stone was noted, but no structures were encountered. Trench 2 was 8m long, oriented east–west, and was excavated down to the naturally occurring boulder clay. The demolition layer was also encountered in this trench. The undisturbed remains of a small cellar, probably dating to the 19th century, were also noted. Trenches 3–7 were similar to Trench 1. Also in Trench 7, a layer of brown silty clay was encountered, with occasional oyster shells and a small quantity of pottery sherds. These included fragments of blackware and tin-glazed earthenware.

Although the site lies within the zone of archaeological potential of Limerick city, no archaeological features were noted in any of the trenches. The Urban Archaeological Survey had indicated that the 17th-century defences may have been situated on this site. No evidence of such structures was found. They may have been obliterated by the buildings that stood on the site in the 19th century, or, as not a single indication of medieval activity was noted, it is possible that they were situated to the north and east of the site. The demolition layer that was uncovered probably represents the demolished 19th-century buildings.

16 Avondale Court, Corbally, Limerick