2005:1202 - KILLEEN: Killeen Castle (Site G), Meath

Site G was located c. 307m south-east of Killeen Castle and c. 193m south-east of a wayside cross (SMR 38:14). Excavation was undertaken for four weeks, commencing on 9 May 2005, within an area that measured 42m north–south by 35m. There were 141 features, the majority of which can be dated to the medieval period. An original streambed was identified, as were medieval working areas, a medieval structure, a complex drainage structure and post-medieval activity.

The site has a distinct form, characterised by a trilateral enclosing ditch. This ditch and the area it enclosed formed the eastern extent of the site. The western extent was formed by complex phases of activity that appear to have a specific if as yet unidentified function(s). The defining element of this phase was the riverbank activity. Located adjacent to the original river course were four distinct areas that may have constituted workshops. They appeared to have a relationship with complex north–south drainage activity.

The structure was aligned north–south and had external dimensions of 9.7m by 7.1m. It intersected with linear ditches F17 and F51, which also formed the western limit of the feature. Three internal phases were identified: the basal phase was characterised by four intersecting drains; the second phases by a flooring deposit and stake-hole setting; the upper phase of activity was defined by redeposit and post-occupational activity.

The material assemblage for Site G is dominated by pottery. A total of 1181 sherds, both glazed and unglazed, have been retrieved and preliminarily dated as from between the 12th and 14th centuries. There were sixteen iron objects, many of which were nails. Notable was an intact iron key and a silver coin, both dating to the 15th century.

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