2004:0876 - DUNKITT, Kilkenny

Waterford City Council proposes to construct an 18km bypass around Waterford city, with associated link roads. The route forms part of the N25 and runs from Kilmeaden in Co. Waterford to Slieverue in Co. Kilkenny. The work outlined here was undertaken at Site 3 in the townland of Dunkitt, Co. Kilkenny, as part of pre-construction investigations of the N25 Waterford bypass, Contract 3. On this site, testing in 2003 by Emmet Stafford identified archaeological features (02E0244) and full resolution was carried out in April 2004. The National Roads Authority through Waterford City Council administered the total archaeological cost.

Following topsoil-stripping, one linear feature, one oval pit and four irregular features were identified. The linear feature was oriented northeast/south-west and averaged 1.5m in width. The profile was irregular and the sides sloped gradually to an uneven base. It was 0.75m deep (maximum). The fill was sterile orange/brown sandy clay with c. 30% sub-angular and rounded stones. The oval pit was 0.9m by 0.7m and 0.42m deep. It had three fills. The irregular features were located in the north-east of the site. A fragment of roof slate was found in the fill of one of these features.

The linear feature was consistent with a filled-in boundary ditch. The other five features were situated near one another and followed a general north-east to south-west alignment, similar to that of both the boundary ditch to the south and an abandoned farmstead located to the north. This suggested that all were broadly contemporary. This interpretation was reinforced by the piece of modern roof slate that was found (the farmstead buildings were slated). Thefeatures may have been stone sockets and/or root holes, created when the nearby field boundary was removed.