2005:1596 - RATTIN, Westmeath

Excavations were undertaken in advance of realignment of the N6, between Kinnegad and Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, in 2004 (Excavations 2004, No. 1748, 04E0908). Three sites (Rattin 3, 4, and 5) were excavated in Rattin townland, near the eastern end of the scheme. Rattin 5 was c. 500m south of the Kinnegad River valley and was in an area of low hillocks. The feature uncovered during testing was in situ burning, interpreted as being a possible hearth. No other archaeological remains were encountered within the test-trench but the presence of a possible prehistoric barrow site located 20m to the north prompted further investigation.
On 31 January 2005 the test-trench was reopened. The proposed excavation area was partially enclosed within an ESB security fence erected to facilitate the dismantling of a pylon that lay within the road-take, c. 30m from the barrow. A 5m by 10m area was opened along the western boundary of the fence within the compound. There was evidence of surface disturbance, both from the initial test-trench and subsequent work undertaken prior to the removal of the pylon. Nothing of archaeological significance was found. A second 5m by 10m area was opened outside the fence mirroring the first excavation. This area was undisturbed. The topsoil, 0.25m in depth, was mid-brown silty clay. The subsoil was light-brown sandy clay with frequent large stone inclusions. No archaeological remains or evidence of burning were found.
It is surmised that the burnt area observed during the initial testing may have been inadvertently removed during the erection of the ESB fencing.