County: Meath Site name: BRACETOWN/DUNBOYNE/LOUGHSALLAGH (Testing Area 5)
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 04E0489
Author: Robert O'Hara, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
Site type: Burnt spread, Pit and Road - road/trackway
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 702065m, N 742342m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.421313, -6.464425
An assessment of the M3 Contract 1 (Clonee–Dunshaughlin), Testing Area 5, along the proposed route of the Mainline (Chainage 700–1100) and Bracetown Road (Chainage 200–900) was requested by Meath County Council. Located in the townlands of Bracetown, Dunboyne and Loughsallagh, the area comprised six fields along both banks of the Tolka River. A geophysical survey suggested that the area had the potential to contain archaeological sites.
A total of 79 test-trenches were excavated through the area, with a combined length of 4046m (resulting in a total excavated area of 8699m2). The assessment determined that some of the anomalies recorded in the geophysical survey were archaeological sites. A single rim sherd of medieval pottery was located within this area. It was a locally produced fabric with traces of an external dark-green glaze. Three separate sites were located within this area.
Bracetown 1 was a disturbed spread of heat-fractured stone and charcoal c. 13.2m north-south by 8.9m. There were no discernible associated features, which were probably obscured by the spread. The feature was situated next to the Tolka River, directly opposite the site of Dunboyne 1.
Dunboyne 1 comprised two circular pits containing cremated bone and charcoal. Each pit was 0.4m in diameter and survived to a depth of c. 0.1m.
Loughsallagh 1 was a post-medieval road or path. The road was noticeable at ground level as a raised area flanked by a narrow marshy line and an existing hedgerow. The road was constructed of rounded and angular cobbles, possibly sourced from the nearby Tolka River. The road measured 7.5m wide and had an average height of 0.25m. The road extends towards Loughsallagh cemetery (SMR 51:6), a 17th-century graveyard, and it is possible the road may be contemporary with that site.
Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth
