2004:1223 - DRUMBARAGH/ CASTLEKEERAN (Testing Area 4), Meath

An assessment was carried out in advance of the planned M3 Clonee–North of Kells PPP scheme, Co. Meath, on the Navan–Kells and N52 Kells bypass (Contract 4) between July and October 2004. This section of the scheme is c. 11km long from the townland of Ardbraccan, north of Navan, to the townland of Cakestown Glebe, north of Kells. The EIS recommended testing any known or possible sites identified and Meath County Council further proposed to test the whole of the remainder of the route. For the purposes of testing, this section was divided into fourteen testing areas. The assessment methodology generally consisted of mechanically excavating 2m-wide test-trenches along the centre-line and perpendicular to the centre-line to the edge of the land-take every 20m. The work was carried out on behalf of Meath County Council, the National Roads Design Office and the National Roads Authority.

Testing Area 4 is located in the townland of Drumbaragh and Castlekeeran between Chainages 82700 and 84750; 16,412m2 within this area was trenched, providing a testing coverage of 12.54% of the total area.

Four areas of archaeological potential were discovered during the testing programme. Drumbaragh 1 comprised a number of dispersed features, including a probable hearth, surrounded by seven pits, a single shallow oval pit and a substantial post-hole, and a linear feature.

Drumbaragh 2 comprised thirteen pits and possible post-holes. No discernible structure could be identified, but it is probable that they relate to settlement activity.

Drumbaragh 3 comprised a burnt mound and a burnt spread in close proximity and two linear features that were filled with burnt-mound material.

Castlekeeran 3 comprised the remains of a burnt spread that was truncated by three cultivation furrows and a single circular pit that was filled by charcoal-rich silty clay.

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