County: Waterford Site name: ADAMSTOWN (Site 4)
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 03E0406
Author: Ian Russell, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
Site type: Structure
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 653486m, N 609571m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.235280, -7.216938
Three fields were tested by machine-assisted test-trenching. Fields 1 and 2 were grassed, while field three consisted of a low-lying marsh.
Seven test-trenches were excavated in Field 1. The sod and topsoil measured an average of 0.3m in depth and lay directly above the orange-coloured sandy clay. No archaeological features or deposits were exposed.
Ten trenches were excavated in Field 2. The sod and topsoil measured an average of 0.45m in depth and lay directly above the natural orange sandy clay. No archaeological features or deposits were exposed.
Sixteen trenches were excavated in Field 3. The sod and topsoil measured an average of 0.7m in depth and lay directly above the dark-grey marly clay. Two small and shallow burnt spreads were exposed in Trench 14, which were possibly associated with the large burnt mound exposed at Killoteran 7 on the other side of the field boundary and the old canal to the east.
Elements of a timber structure, consisting of a layer of brushwood and post and planking revetment, were exposed in Trench 26 at a depth of 2m. The brushwood layer measured 5.4m in width and was orientated north-east/south-west. The northern edge of the site was defined by a row of four posts, set at irregular intervals and measuring an average of 0.15m in diameter. Four sections of revetment were exposed. The longest section measured 1.5m in length, was constructed from five planks laid perpendicular to the four posts and measured 0.6–0.95m in length, 0.25m in width and 25mm in thickness. The planks were set into a mortised base plate measuring 1.25m in length by 0.15m in thickness. A number of samples have been sent for radiocarbon analysis.
Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth
