County: Kildare Site name: SITE 10, BALLYHADE
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: A021/015
Author: Brendon Wilkins, Headland Archaeology Ltd, Unit 4b, Europa Enterprise Park, Midleton, Co. Cork.
Site type: Pits
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 678113m, N 678878m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.855153, -6.840153
This site was identified during testing of Area 1 of Archaeological Services Contract 3, N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme: Kilcullen to Powerstown (A021/001). Area 1 ran from Prumplestown Lower to Russellstown townlands. Test-trenches totalling c. 19000 linear metres were excavated within Area 1 and nine areas of archaeological significance were identified (Sites 1–10; A021/006–015, this volume Nos 729–31, 733, 738–41 and 785–6).
This site was originally identified from aerial photographs (Site 3.1) and an agreed trench plan was designed. Once on site it became apparent that the photographic anomaly corresponded to a circular copse of trees. A surface investigation revealed the trees were not planted on any surface anomaly, and the landowner assured the excavator that he planted the trees recently to improve the view from his livingroom window. Three land drains and three pits, loosely compacted and poorly sorted, were identified near Site 3.1. Given the absence of dating evidence and the proximity to a previously identified site, full resolution of this area is required.
