2004:1731 - DEMESNE OR MEARSPARKFARM (2), Westmeath

These sites were identified during testing on the N6 Kinnegad–Kilbeggan dual carriageway (04E0579, No. 1246, Excavations 2004) at 0–6m north of the centre-line, at Chainages 30165 and 30180. They were identified as two burnt mounds, one in a low-lying wetter area and a larger example at the base of a gravel ridge. An area of 2261m2 was mechanically stripped in advance of excavation and this exposed the two mounds, a series of cultivation ridges and extensive modern drainage features. Initially two licence numbers were assigned to the sites (A001/078, Stonehousefarm 6.1, and A001/079, Stonehousefarm 6.2); however, after stripping, the two sites were excavated in a single cutting under licence number A001/078.

Stonehousefarm 6.1
A single trough was located in a peat-filled depression to the south of a small thin mound. The trough was 3.05m long, 1m wide and a maximum of 0.4m deep, with rounded sides and a concave base. There was a large stone at each end of the trough that may have served as a step or ledge. The mound was 10.5m east-west by 5.5m and 0.1m deep and was composed of fire-cracked stone, mostly sandstone, and some charcoal. There were no finds, evidence for a hearth or other associated features.

Stonehousefarm 6.2
This site was located 6m to the east of Stonehousefarm 6.1 and consisted of a substantial burnt mound with three troughs, a trough/pit, a hearth, two pits, two post-holes, three stake-holes and a windbreak.

The mound was oval, measuring 16.5m east-west by 12m and up to 0.6m deep. It was nestled at the base of a gravel ridge and there was no surface expression prior to excavation. Five principal mound accumulations were recorded, including two primary deposits.

Two of the troughs (F77 and F81) and the trough/pit (F79) were entirely covered by the mound and it was not possible to establish a relative chronology between the features. However, trough F77, 2.92m by 1m by 0.2m in depth, was located beneath the deepest part of the mound and may predate the others. Redeposited natural from the excavation of trough F55, 2m by 1m by 0.24m in depth, was uncovered above an early episode of mound accumulation, suggesting that this was the last surviving trough in the sequence. No obvious water source was located for the troughs, although cuts F79 (1.4m by 1.33m by 0.24m) and F81 (1.4m by 1.33m by 0.24m) are cut through the boulder clays below the water table and naturally fill with water. Two small springs were noted at the base of F79 that made excavation difficult; this feature may have served as a water source for F77 or F55 rather than as a trough.

A subcircular hearth pit, 1.2m by 0.84m and 0.28m deep, was located beneath the upslope edge of the mound. An inclined post-hole was positioned on one side and may have served as a spit. An area of oxidised soil that may also have been a hearth was located further beneath the mound edge and two possible roasting pots were located near the hearth pit. At the north-western edge of the mound there was a possible windbreak composed of a shallow slot with three post-holes along its length. Two further post-holes and three stake-holes were at the northeastern edge of the mound, two of which were not covered by mound material.

The finds consisted of 18th-century and later pottery, a metal lock from the fill of a field drain and a possible rough-out for a chert projectile point from an area of 19th-century disturbance. A single animal bone was recovered, which was also from a disturbed area. A series of samples from across the features have been selected for palaeoenvironmental analysis and radiocarbon dating.

Unit 6, Dundrum Business Park, Dublin 12