2004:1088 - DROGHEDA: Moneymore, Louth

Excavation was carried out on this site in the townland of Moneymore, Drogheda, Co. Louth. There have been numerous phases of development at this site and consequently excavation has been conducted in a phased manner over the years. Excavation of the main part of the site undertaken by Deirdre Murphy in 1998–1999 exposed extensive deposits and structures of medieval origin (Excavations 1999, No. 574, 98E0544). In February–March 2003, excavation conducted by Stephen Linnane (Excavations 2003, No. 1242, 02E1695) exposed a 17th–18th-century refuse pit, two small 14th-15th-century pits and the remains of a corn-drying kiln. The area to the north of the site fronting onto William Street was resolved in April 2003 by Deirdre Murphy (Excavations 2003, No. 1244) and the existing licence was transferred from Stephen Linnane. Excavation in this area of the site exposed 32 features, including three pits of 14th-century date, a section of a clay-bonded wall, the remains of a clay floor and numerous pits and walls of post-medieval date.

Under an extension to the existing licence, further excavation was undertaken in 2004 and two mortared stone walls of probable 18th-century date and late medieval garden soil was exposed. Finds recovered included post-medieval earthenware sherds, slipware sherds, local and non-local late medieval pottery and fragments of glass.

Excavation concluded that a high degree of disturbance has taken place in the last two centuries in the central part of the development site. Further excavation is still necessary at this site and it is anticipated that this will be carried out in April 2005 when demolition is completed and the land becomes available.

Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth