2003:0096 - RIVER FERGUS, Clareabbey, Clare

Underwater archaeological non-disturbance assessment and metal-detector survey of the riverbed sediments in the River Fergus downstream of the medieval abbey at Clareabbey, Co. Clare, was carried out as part of the BGE Pipeline to the West scheme, where a previous assessment by Eoghan Kieran (02D130, 02R200) had identified the possible remains of a logboat. The present work was charged with confirming this finding, and carrying out further more detailed recording of the riverbed within the works area footprint.

A small fragment of a logboat was identified from the earlier assessment, secured to the riverbank. The present work recorded an area of scouring that had exposed a submerged layer of peat and the remnants of an ancient forest. Numerous metal-detector hits were noted, the majority of which were identified as being modern debris, with the exception of an iron pike/axe.

In the area outside and immediately downstream of the works area, the fragile remains of a largely intact logboat were discovered. It measures 6.25m long and c. 0.76m wide. The vessel is partly buried in the riverbed deposits, and one side of its gunwales is exposed up to 0.25m above the surrounding silts. The hull structure is filled with sediments and debris in places, yet two sections of rib framing remain. A very preliminary survey was undertaken, and the remains are thought to be early medieval in date, revealing similar features to logboats identified in the River Shannon alongside Clonmacnoise. Indeed, the similarity of the find context, adjacent to an important medieval monastic centre, is worth noting. The Clareabbey logboat had been exposed by the erosive forces that were at work within the works area.

41 The Orchard, Kilkenny