2006:291 - CASTLETOWNBERE: Dunboy Castle, Cork

A non-disturbance underwater survey was undertaken of the proposed route of an 112m-long treated effluent pipeline. The proposed pipeline is associated with the adjacent Dunboy Castle development, which comprises a new hotel complex and wastewater treatment plant. In addition, the development will include the incorporation and restoration of the remains of a 19th-century country house, Puxley Manor.

The pipeline will enter the water at NGR: 666355 440178 and terminate at NGR: 667466 440497, approximately midway between two known archaeological monuments (Puxley Manor, CO128–019, and the medieval ruined complex of Dunboy Castle, CO128–001). The underwater assessment was concentrated within the immediate location of the proposed pipeline; however, a significant buffer zone was included in the dive survey, which extended the assessment beyond the proposed impact perimeters. The assessment was extended a minimum of 20m either side of the proposed impact zone.

Systematic visual inspection of the pipeline route and the surrounding seabed area did not reveal any features of archaeological significance and no upstanding features or particular seabed anomalies were noted that would indicate the presence of archaeology within the survey area. Only a small piece of petrified coal and a single red brick, of 20th-century origin, were recovered from the survey. However, conditions suitable for the preservation of archaeological remains were noted for much of the survey area, the sandy-silt seabed providing a good holding content. A magnetometry survey by handheld metal detection was also employed to assess the archaeological potential of the seabed along the proposed pipeline route. Detailed descriptions were made of seabed topography and bottom composition, and where possible metal detector hits were examined.

Brehon House, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny