2004:1125 - SKIBBOLMORE, Louth

An assessment was undertaken over five days from 4 October 2004 at the site of a proposed residential development in the townland of Skibbolmore, Dunleer, Co. Louth. The site consisted of a large field containing a motte within its northern extent and two possible souterrains (SMR 18:64(07–09)). The assessment was carried out in response to results obtained in a geophysical survey by Earthsound Geophysics. This survey identified a large concentration of activity immediately west of the motte and this was interpreted as the location of the bailey. Following the establishment of a 20m buffer around the external perimeter of the motte, fifteen trenches were excavated at the locations of geophysical anomalies, along with an additional seven trenches excavated to determine the nature of a number of ditches encountered.

A number of archaeological features were exposed during the course of the assessment. Among these were ditches dating to the post-medieval, medieval and possibly prehistoric periods: a well with associated cobbling and stone wall, a wall with a probable associated stone drain close by, a deposit of burnt material with a quantity of red-brick inclusions, a post-hole containing fragments of prehistoric pottery and various archaeological spreads and agricultural furrows. Sherds of medieval pottery were retrieved from the topsoil.

The archaeological remains encountered were mainly confined to the northern portion of the site and probably relate to the motte. No souterrains were identified during the course of the assessment; however, if any are revealed during topsoil-stripping they will be preserved in situ. It is recommended that topsoil-stripping be monitored and that a full excavation of all features within the development area be implemented.

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