2007:1927 - TONAPHORT, Westmeath

Testing was carried out as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway. The site was identified during testing undertaken by the writer in July 2005 (A016/029).

The site was excavated in April 2006. An excavation area measuring 25m by 15m was opened. The site consisted of a burnt-mound spread with associated trough, post-holes and a collection of isolated pits. The trough feature was 3m long by 1.5m wide and 0.8m deep and was perhaps the only feature whose definitive function can be reasonably identified. The four post-holes in the corners of the subrectangular trough are clearly associated with supporting a structural element and the single remaining base timber on the floor of the trough suggests that the trough was timber-lined. The spreads of burnt-mound material across the site have been interpreted as being the result of relatively recent (post-medieval/modern) agricultural practices. No finds were recovered during the course of the excavation.

This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority.

Editor’s note: Although excavated during 2006, the report on this site arrived too late for inclusion in the bulletin of that year.