2006:1570 - Hanlonstown 1, Meath

This site was located within Contract 3 (Navan bypass) of the proposed M3 Clonee to north of Kells motorway and was identified during advance testing by Aidan O’Connell in April 2004 (Excavations 2004, No. 1246, 04E0579). A pit (1.2m by 0.76m by 0.21m) containing a possible post-hole may represent the remains of a charcoal-producing kiln. A further five pits were identified, one of which contained burnt-bone fragments and may have been a cremation pit. An irregular cut associated with fire-reddened clay was interpreted as the result of tree burning. A field boundary and multiple plough furrows indicated agricultural use of the land. No artefacts were recovered from the excavation area. The pits may be associated with a token cremation.