2003:1541 - FERBANE, Offaly

Testing was carried out on a proposed development site in the grounds of Gallen Priory Nursing Home, Ferbane, Co. Offaly, on 24–25 February 2003. The north edge of the site is within the area of constraint around ecclesiastical remains. Testing comprised the mechanical excavation of four trenches, varying from 30 to 100m in length. The stratigraphy comprised grey/brown sandy silt topsoil (0.4m deep) overlying yellow/brown and grey/white silty sand subsoil. Areas of grey fine to medium sand and grey coarse sand, gravel and cobbles were encountered across the tested area. A number of relatively modern features, including two sand pits and an old track/road, marked on OS maps, were uncovered. Five further shallow features were found to be of probable post-medieval or early modern date. One of these yielded several small red-brick fragments and a potsherd, suggesting a 19th-century date. All are cut into sand, and gravel deposits may be broadly contemporary.

Unit 3, Howley Court, Oranmore, Co. Galway