2003:2053 - WEXFORD: Paul Quay/Oyster Lane, Wexford

Testing was undertaken here in December 2003. Four trenches were excavated in areas of greatest construction impact to a maximum depth of 2.5–3m, and archaeological material was encountered in three of them. The deposits were sealed beneath a layer of garden soils which contained both medieval and post-medieval pottery. In Trench 2, a possible wall and timbers were uncovered beneath a layer of sand containing medieval pottery. In Trench 3, another wall and timbers were uncovered. In Trench 4, a well-preserved section of wall was uncovered. The wall is 1.6m wide, orientated north-south, and is abutted to the west by layers containing organic matted material. A sherd of Leinster ware was found adhering to this material. It is likely that the deposits, walls and timbers represent medieval quays.