2007:859 - Srowland, Kildare

Testing of the above site took place during November 2007. Geophysical survey carried out previously had highlighted the existence of a large, previously unknown bivallate enclosure with internal and external features. The enclosure measured 70m in diameter and lay to the north-east of KD035–001 and to the east of KD034–005, both enclosure sites. Eight test-trenches, two of which lay outside the enclosures, were excavated.
These trenches confirmed the presence of a large bivallate enclosure with ditches of over 2.2m in width and 1.2m in depth. Pits and post-holes, together with other archaeological features, revealed evidence for settlement and/or industrial activity dating from the Early Christian/early medieval period within the enclosure. Metalworking activities were also revealed outside the enclosure to the south, where a possible kiln or furnace was recorded. Slag and small fragments of metal from the ditches within the enclosure would also indicate that metalworking activities took place on site. Abundant charcoal and animal bone was recovered from sections through the ditches. Finds from the testing strategy also included a possible medieval coin or token, a lead musket ball, two possible rubbing stones, iron slag, post-medieval pottery and abundant modern ferrous objects. While the majority of the archaeological remains are formed by the enclosing ditches and features within the enclosures, it is evident that considerable peripheral archaeological features exist outside the enclosures to the south and also to the north-east. It is also possible that more isolated discrete archaeological features may be located within the wider development area.