2007:762 - BARONSLAND, Kildare

The site was identified during testing of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Carlow roadway by IAC Ltd. At this time the site was identified as a possible prehistoric habitation site. The site comprised an area of post-holes, which also contained an area of reddened clay with a horseshoe-shaped gravel band in the centre. In total ten post-holes, varying in diameter from 0.15m to 0.25m, were identified, the area of reddened clay measured 0.5m by 0.75m and the gravel band measured 2.75m by 2.45m.

An area measuring 625m2 was stripped of topsoil. This was subsequently extended southwards such that the area of excavation measured 32m north–south (maximum) by 25m. Excavation commenced on site on 13 August 2007 and was completed on 1 September 2007.

The area of archaeological significance as recorded by IAC was identified in the extreme south-west corner, where the further extension of the site took place. At this location the subsoil comprised fine orange/brown gravel. A number of potential features were identified during the hand-cleaning of the site, but excavation proved these to be areas of contrasting natural clays and rabbit burrows. No features of an archaeological nature were identified, but a small sherd of medieval pottery and a large flint flake with cortex were retrieved from the surface.

The retrieval of a flint flake confirms the overall prehistoric occupation of the Baronsland area, with a prehistoric site located 100m to the south (E2878, Excavations 2007, No. 761) and three further sites located to the north (E2881–E2884; see Nos 764–67, Excavations 2007,). A small number of additional flints and lithics were identified during random field-walking of the lands adjacent to E2879.

Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork