County: Waterford Site name: WATERFORD: 21 O’Connell Street
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 9:5 Licence number: 02E0015
Author: Maurice Hurley
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: N/A
ITM: E 660437m, N 612620m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.261967, -7.114647
As planning permission had not yet been granted for the removal of any structures, it was necessary to undertake testing within the confines of existing structures. A relatively comprehensive assessment of the archaeological content of the site was achieved by excavating two test-pits in the back yard, where the major structural components of the proposed refurbishment were to be situated. The site is within the zone of archaeological potential of Waterford city.
The testing revealed that the earliest cultural material in the back-yard area was of 19th-century date, although some residual 18th-century material was present. The foundation of a 19th-century wall and two drains were the earliest surviving features identified in the trenches. The wall and drains were built/cut into a layer of naturally deposited yellow boulder clay.
There was no evidence from the testing that material or occupation of earlier date exists on the site. In May 2002 groundworks were monitored by Miriam O’Carroll under an extension to the licence. The removal of soil for all of the below-ground excavations for the lift-shaft pit, wall foundation trenches and drainage of the site was monitored. No finds or features of archaeological significance were recorded.
312 Bruach na Laoi, Union Quay, Cork
