2004:0886 - GRANNY (Sites 24–30), 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 Sites 24–30 in the townland of Granny, Co. Kilkenny, as part of pre-construction archaeological investigations of the N25 Waterford bypass, Contract 3. On this site Contract 2 testing by Catherine McLoughlin in 2003 identified archaeological features (Excavations 2003, No. 1002, 03E0421) and full resolution was carried out in 2004. The National Roads Authority through Waterford City Council administered the total cost.

During testing on Site 24 a total of nine features of possible archaeological significance were identified, but no artefacts were recovered. On Sites 25 and 26 (Site 6, Field 3) a total of six possible features were identified but could not conclusively be shown to be archaeological in nature. On Site 27 a substantial number of features of possible archaeological significance were identified in the seventeen test-trenches (Site 5, Field 1). These features appeared to be randomly distributed but did not form any recognisable patterns or structures. One feature (pit F104) produced a flint scraper, but no other finds of archaeological significance were recovered. On Site 29 (Site 1, Field 8) a possible hearth (F419) and several undated pits were identified. On Site 30 (Site 2, Field 7) a number of small areas of in situ burning and a possible post-hole (F425) were identified.

Full resolution took place on these sites between April and July 2004. On most of the sites the features identified during Contract 2 testing either failed to be relocated or were shown to be not archaeologically significant. Site 24 provided very limited archaeological evidence in the form of a pit containing burnt-mound-type material and slight evidence for in situ burning. Both Sites 25 and 26 proved to be archaeologically sterile. On Site 27, the truncated remains of two Neolithic structures and a number of associated pits and post-holes were identified. A spread of burnt-mound material, a small number of possible roasting pits and pits containing burnt-mound material, as well as numerous geological solution holes, were also identified and investigated. Sites 28 and 30 contained apparently isolated hearths, post-holes and charcoal-rich pits, but no structural or artefactual evidence was found. Site 29 provided enigmatic archaeological evidence in the form of a possible double arc of pits and postholes across the centre of the site, but no artefacts were recovered from these features. This site also contained a number of natural solution holes of geological origin.

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