2005:096 - CLONMELSH, Carlow

A concentration of pits (2) and post-holes (6) was identified during Contract 3 testing on the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme. No diagnostic finds or dating evidence was recovered from the pits, but two of the post-holes were investigated and a flint flake and possible animal-bone fragment were recovered. No recognisable pattern or structure was identified in the arrangement of these features, but a possible surface was identified in association with them and it is suggested that a structure is represented here. All of these features were contained within a 10m2 area.
A second possible site was identified close to the active limestone quarry at Clonmelsh and less than 100m from the above features. This site comprised a ditch orientated north-east/south-west containing large stones in its base; a bank was also noted in association with this feature. A similarly orientated ditch was noted almost 60m to the north-east and a flint flake was recovered from its fill. Between both ditches three features consisting of two possible pits and a charcoal spread were identified. No finds or diagnostic dating evidence was recovered from these features, but it is assumed that these are part of a more extensive prehistoric site in this area.