2002:1781 - BALLYDUFF EAST/KILLOTERAN/WOODSTOWN/KNOCKHOUSE UPPER/GRACEDIEU WEST, Waterford

Owing to the restriction of access to a number of sites along the proposed N25 alignment, part of the N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 1, it was decided to carry out testing on the remaining properties and at additional areas along the proposed route where the respective landowners permitted entry. These properties were in the following townlands: Ballyduff East (Chainages 190–300), Killoteran (Chainages 5200–520), Woodstown (Chainages 6840–920), Knockhouse Upper (Chainages 7900– 8020 and 8180–660) and Gracedieu West (Chainages 8660–9300 and 9860–10360). Assessment, carried out between 29 April and 23 May 2002, involved machine-assisted trial-trenching along the centre-line of the road, with offsets at 45º angles at intervals of 30m on alternate sides. The centre-line trench and numerous offset trenches were excavated along the proposed route.

Fifteen fields were assessed. A limited geophysical survey was also undertaken between Chainages 9920 and 10030 in Field 13. Small features, including hearths, pits, post-holes, stake-holes, spreads, furrows, field drains and field boundaries, were scattered over the entire route. Four fulachta fiadh were discovered along the route. The two largest sites were at Chainage 8590, and the site at Chainage 6840 was also quite substantial. The fourth site, at Chainage 5450, appeared to be the ploughed-out remains of a fulacht fiadh. Test-trenching and geophysical survey in these additional areas of the proposed route identified fourteen areas of archaeological activity that require further investigation.

Area 1, in Field 4, comprised a ploughed-out fulacht fiadh and a possible streambed between Chainages 5400 and 5460 in the centre-line trench. Although the extent of the fulacht was established, it is possible that other sandstone spreads and pits survive in the area.

Area 2, in Field 5, comprised an intact fulacht fiadh between Chainages 6850 and 6870 in an offset trench west of the centre-line trench. Although the extent of the spread was established, given its location beside the River Suir, it is possible that associated features survive in the area.

Area 3, in Field 5, consisted of a curving feature over 11m long and a charcoal spread, both of unknown date and function, between Chainages 6890 and 6910 in the centre-line trench. Although it was unclear whether these features were archaeological, they should be further investigated because they are situated in the same field as the fulacht fiadh.

Area 4, in Field 7, comprised a small curved feature and a possible furrow of unknown date between Chainages 7920 and 7930. Only the faint remains of both features survive, and it was unclear whether they are archaeological. These require further investigation.

Area 5, in Field 9, consisted of a shallow ditch of unknown date and function between Chainages 8340 and 8360 in the centre-line trench. It is unclear whether this is archaeological, and therefore it should be further investigated.

Area 6, in Field 9, comprised a possible hearth and a charcoal spread between Chainages 8420 and 8445 in an offset trench. Although these features were 20m from each other, they may be related and form part of a larger site. These require further investigation.

Area 7, in Field 11, consisted of two fulacht spreads, a linear feature that is possibly a drain, and an area of peat where a trough may be situated; it was between Chainages 8570 and 8600 in three offset trenches and the centre-line trench. The full extents of the fulachta fiadh were not established as land clearance was not permitted, but they probably extended as far as the stream. These features require further investigation.
Area 8, in Field 12, consisted of a charcoal spread identified near Chainage 9130 in the centre-line trench. The function and date of this feature are unknown, and it may be archaeological.

Area 9, in Field 12, comprised a possible post-hole identified near Chainage 9275 in an offset trench north-west of the centre-line trench. The function and date of this feature are unknown, and it may be archaeological.

Area 10, in Field 13, consisted of a cluster of features identified in three parallel offset trenches between Chainages 9950 and 10020. The features comprised four pits, two spreads and two furrows. They may form part of a larger site and may be associated with each other.

Area 11, in Field 13, consisted of two pits between Chainages 9890 and 9960 in the centre-line trench and an offset trench. These features may form part of a larger site and may be associated with each other.

Area 12, in Field 13, comprised a spread with frequent charcoal inclusions identified near Chainages 10000 and 10020 in the centre-line trench. The function and date of this feature are unknown, and it may be archaeological.

Area 13, in Field 15, consisted of a large circular spread with charcoal inclusions identified near Chainage 10240 in an offset trench. The function and date of this feature are unknown, and it may be archaeological.

Area 14, in Field 13, consisted of potential archaeological features between Chainages 9920 and 10030, between Trenches 5 and 7. The nature and function of these features are unknown, as they were identified through geophysical survey only, but they may be associated with features identified in Trenches 5 and 7.

As these areas will be directly affected by the construction of the proposed road corridor, it is recommended that further investigations be undertaken and that all archaeological features be fully resolved before the construction stage.

Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth