2005:979 - CROAGH, Limerick

Two test-trenches were excavated before the construction of a 7.29m2 water treatment plant within the zone of archaeological potential surrounding the historic settlement of Croagh. The area to be impacted by the proposed scheme was covered in a level surface formed by a hardcore fill material that was deposited during the erection of an ESB pylon in this area. The stratigraphy uncovered in both trenches consisted of a layer of modern stone fill material, measuring 0.6m in maximum depth, which sealed a 0.2m-deep topsoil layer. The depth of stratigraphy increased towards the south end of the site reflecting a natural fall in the ground level down towards a stream located to the south of the development area. The natural subsoil consisted of a light-yellowish-brown silty clay and was uncovered at a depth of 1m below modern ground level at the south end of the site and 0.2m at the north end. No archaeological features or finds were uncovered in either of these test-trenches.