County: Kildare Site name: ARDREIGH
Sites and Monuments Record No.: KD035–032 Licence number: 07E0044
Author: Martin E. Byrne, Byrne Mullins & Associates, 7 Cnoc na Gréine Square, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.
Site type: Medieval settlement
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 669215m, N 692405m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.977926, -6.969365
Testing was undertaken within a proposed development site located at Ardreigh, Athy, Co. Kildare. Ardreigh (or Ardree) was the site of an early Anglo-Norman borough, but nothing is known of the pre-Norman settlement there and even the original Irish form of the name is unclear. A zone of archaeological potential has been established at Ardreigh, a portion of which encompasses part of the subject site. Located within the zone of archaeological protection is the site of the borough, a motte, church and potential area of former medieval domestic houses. In terms of the present development proposals, archaeological excavations to the west and north-west of the overall development site, undertaken by Hillary Opie (Excavations 2000, No. 458; Excavations 2001, No. 597; Excavations 2002, No. 856; Excavations 2003, No. 861; and above, No. 737; all under 00E0156 and ext.), have uncovered evidence of prehistoric activity, possible Early Christian ecclesiastical enclosures and associated features as well as an extensive graveyard.
A geophysical survey of the area was undertaken by Margaret Gowen & Co. in April 2006. In summary, responses of archaeological potential were identified within the zone of archaeological potential, although interpretation was hampered by modern magnetic disturbance. Elsewhere, several small responses of possible archaeological origin were identified, as well as ploughing trends.
A total of fifteen test-trenches were excavated, the positions of which were dictated by the results of the geophysical survey. In general, it was determined that most of the anomalies detected by the geophysical survey were of natural origin, while others were caused by buried modern ferrous objects. Furthermore, a number of areas of iron panning were also uncovered. One possible feature of archaeological interest was uncovered in the north-western area of the site. This was an area of burnt clay with an associated deposit of charcoal.
A total of 23 sherds of pottery were recovered from the north-western area of the site, of which eighteen were identified as being of medieval origin (C. McCutcheon, pers. comm.).
The results of the geophysical and testing programmes will be used as baseline information with respect to the preparation of archaeological impact assessments in relation to all future planning applications within the overall landholding.
