2004:0166 - KILFENORA: Kilfenora Cathedral, Clare

Kilfenora Cathedral is undergoing extensive restoration works undertaken by the Department of Environment. Previously under this licence, four test-trenches were hand-dug at the corners of the nave in order to facilitate drainage from the new nave roof (Excavations 2002, No. 174). In this phase of works, the Doorty high cross which formerly stood in the graveyard to the west of the church is to be placed in the centre of the ruined north transept, which has been fitted with a transparent roof. A single test-trench was hand-excavated at the proposed location of the cross. The purpose of the cutting was to allow the project engineer to assess the bearing capacity of the ground at this point. The trench measured 1m north-south by 1.5m and was excavated to a depth of 0.2m. Although the matrix contained considerable amounts of human bone, no in situ burials or other archaeological features were recorded. At a depth of 0.2m, however, a clearly defined cut, probably representing the edge of a grave, was visible. The cutting was inspected by the project engineer and the trench lined with plastic and backfilled.