2003:1977 - KILBEGGAN: Relic Road, Westmeath

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Westmeath Site name: KILBEGGAN: Relic Road

Sites and Monuments Record No.: WM038-017---- Licence number: 03E1110

Author: Colum Hardy, for Valerie J. Keelely Ltd.

Site type: No archaeology found

Period/Dating: N/A

ITM: E 633156m, N 735469m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.368377, -7.501793

Trial-trenching took place at Relic Road, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, on behalf of Westmeath County Council, between 28 July and 1 August 2003, due to its location immediately west of a graveyard (SMR 38:17(02)). The site covers an area of c. 1600m2. This work preceded the construction phase of a proposed housing development. The site lies within the zone of archaeological potential associated with Kilbeggan (SMR 38–17(01)).

Three trenches, all measuring 8m by 1m, were opened. Trench 1, orientated north-south, was located parallel to the eastern side of the graveyard wall. A modern pit containing wood and modern packaging material was discovered at the southern end of Trench 1. Trench 2, orientated north-south, was located just south of the centre of the site. This trench was sterile, with natural soil encountered at a depth of 0.2m. Trench 3 was orientated east-west, perpendicular to the Relic Road. Natural soil was encountered at a depth of 0.6–0.7m. The entire fill of the trench to this level comprised modern redeposit, backfill and disturbance. Pieces of clothing, paper, plastics and similar material were recorded to the lowest levels. No deposits or material of archaeological significance were recovered.

Subsequent to the archaeological investigations, monitoring was required of further groundwork in September 2003. In the course of topsoil-stripping it was discovered that dumping of waste material had occurred across the site some time in recent years. No deposits, features or material of archaeological significance were recovered during the monitoring of topsoil removal.

Subsequent to these investigations, monitoring of further ground disturbance was undertaken by Breandán Ó Ríordáin (No. 1978, Excavations 2003).

Brehon House, Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny