2006:1279 - Sheares Street, Kilmallock, Limerick

Monitoring and excavation was carried out at Sheares Street following on from findings during earlier test-trenching (Excavations 2005, No. 999, 05E1235). The proposed development of three dwelling houses and associated works is within the zone of archaeological potential for the historic town of Kilmallock. Monitoring was undertaken during the excavation of the foundation trenches for two houses fronting on to Sheares Street and no archaeological features or artefacts were uncovered. Archaeological excavation was also undertaken to the rear of the site, within the footprint of a single proposed dwelling, where possible archaeological features had been identified during testing. In total, six features were excavated, five pits and one spread. These are interpreted as probable post-medieval garden-type features, for use perhaps as refuse pits, and relating to post-medieval houses which would have once fronted on to Sheares Street. Animal bone was recovered from the site, as well as ex situ medieval pottery.