2005:1538 - DEMESNE OR MEARSPARKFARM (4), Westmeath

Testing along one section of the planned N6 Athlone–Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath, was undertaken on behalf of Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority between 4 January and 4 February 2005. An oval-shaped burnt mound was identified during testing. This site occupied the most northerly position of the sites within this townland, sitting on the crest of a slight north–south-aligned ridge, which overlooked low-lying marshland to its north. A gentle valley of low-lying marshland interrupted two parallel ridges, one of which ran outside the northern side of the road-take, while the other traversed the entire length of this townland within the road-take. Several drumlins were also visible north of this undulating pastureland, which was evidently sculpted by glacial activity. Most of the sites investigated in this area were located upslope from, or on the margins of, this wetland valley. This area was located c. 130m from Demesne or Mearsparkfarm 3 (see No. 1537, Excavations 2005), the latter being the westernmost site within Contract 2.

Investigation revealed two spreads of material deriving from burnt-mound activity. Excavation of these revealed typical inclusions associated with fulachta fiadh; i.e. burnt and heat-shattered stones within a matrix of black, charcoal-rich material. A subrectangular trough was exposed below the main concentration of burnt-mound material, the base of which was cut by four stake-holes. A network of up to 21 stake-holes was present to the south-west of this; these were sealed by the secondary refuse generated by the trough. Numerous peat-filled pits were also present to the north of the site. While no artefactual material was obtained from this site, numerous environmental and charcoal samples were retrieved for dating purposes.

Post-excavation work and specialist analyses are currently ongoing; these will culminate in a final report within one year.

Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny