2005:1199 - KILLEEN CASTLE, Killeen, Meath

A geophysical survey of this site was undertaken by Joanna Leigh of Margaret Gowen and Co. Ltd under licence number 05R030 ext. A total of six sites (C–H) of possible archaeological origin were identified during the testing programme, which was carried out over two weeks in April 2005, to test the veracity of geophysical survey results.

Site C was located east of the lake and north of the stables, situated under rough pasture in open fields with views of the castle. The geophysical survey results indicated an extensive area (190m north–south) of possible archaeological origin characterised by field divisions and possible structures. A total of six trenches were opened mechanically. In all, 49 features were identified and were on average 0.35m below current ground level. The defining feature was a regular boundary which correlated with a field boundary extant on the 1836 OS map. The results of the test excavation reflected the linear anomalies of the geophysical survey, the majority of these features being of agricultural origin consisting of field boundaries, land drains and furrows. An early 19th-century limekiln was also identified near the northern limit of the site. Virtually all features were associated with post-medieval pottery or whitewares, indicating an 18th/19th-century date.

Site D was located adjacent to the northern limit of the site, under rough pasture. Four test-trenches were opened. In all, nineteen features were identified between 0.35m and 0.7m below current ground level. There were two foci of activity, c. 140m apart. The first consisted of two interlinked enclosures. The eastern had a considerably more definite response on the geophysical survey and was irregular in form. Test excavation revealed the northern limit to be a single substantial ditch, while the outer return consisted of a double ditch. This was subsequently excavated. The adjacent enclosure was more ephemeral in the geophysical response, which was reflected in its physical remains. The double response of the eastern limit of the subrectilinear enclosure was confirmed on the ground as two relatively shallow ditches, 1.05m apart. The second focus of activity presented as a circular double-ditched enclosure. The outer enclosure ditches measured c. 4m in width and sondages established they were cut into subsoil for 0.6m. The inner enclosure ditches define an area c. 29m in diameter which was characterised by spreads of charcoal-rich deposits, pits, linear features and a circular stone setting, virtually all of which were associated with animal bone. No diagnostic features were retrieved. This enclosure has been preserved in situ.

Site E was located immediately south of the castle and extending down to the vicinity of the wayside cross. It measured c. 170m north–south by 200m. It was characterised by linear anomalies that appeared to have some delineating or retentive function. A total of eight trenches were opened and 58 features were identified. They were on average 0.4m below current ground level. The northern broad linear anomalies, which were confirmed as large ditches, may have constituted a field division that pre-dated 19th-century demesne modifications and the OS maps. The majority of the features, especially those near the castle, proved to be post-medieval in date. A number of field boundaries and a significant number of gravel pathways were also identified. Three linear features produced medieval pottery although they were heavily truncated by later activity (insertion of drains, etc.). The site was mounded over.

At Site F, located in a low-lying field, the geophysical survey depicted linear and curvilinear features. Test excavation here by John Ó Néill in 2000 (Excavations 2000, No. 758, 00E0067) had identified extensive deposits of stone, which were interpreted as reflecting the boundary of the estate in the mid-18th century. Three trenches were opened and seven features identified, on average 0.6m below current ground level. These included an extensive deposit of stone. The major linear anomaly was confirmed as a broad gravel pathway. No features of archaeological significance were identified.

Site G was located east of the stream, which extends from the lake near to the castle and west of the access road. It was characterised by irregular magnetic responses and a rectilinear-shaped response. Four trenches were opened and sixteen features identified. The majority were linear and were identified 0.7m below current ground level; most produced medieval pottery. The features that formed an indistinct globular pattern on the geophysical survey were identified as medieval in origin and were subsequently excavated.

Site H was located in open fields east of the castle and west of Loughmore Stud. Geophysics had identified a D-shaped enclosure, 35m in diameter, and possible associated field systems. Four trenches (I–IV) were opened and 39 features recorded. Trenches I and II concentrated on the D-shaped enclosure and associated anomalies, while Trenches III and IV were opened over a cellular field system c. 40m to the east. Features were identified 0.4m below the ground surface. The eastern, western and southern elements of the enclosure, identified on the geophysical survey, were confirmed through the test excavation. Internally, evidence for extensive activity, including a stone-set feature, was identified. Two skeletons were also found, although it is not clear if the primary usage of the site was for habitation or burial. The associated anomalies, while not producing any diagnostic artefacts, were of similar fill and proximity of location to suggest a relatively contemporary date of usage. The majority of the site was preserved in situ; a partial element of the associated field system was excavated.

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