2007:1266 - BETAGHSTOWN, Meath

Excavation was carried out in Bettystown, Co. Meath, in 2005 and 2006 in advance of the construction of a hotel and residential development (Excavations 2005, No. 1158; Excavations 2006, No. 1512). Areas of archaeological activity were identified comprising a post-medieval pit and recut grave pit and a habitation site dating from 5th–7th centuries AD. Additional archaeological features including burnt spreads, a hearth, pits, linear ditches and a section of a curving ditch were excavated in 2006. These features were located south of a possible souterrain and 4–5 inhumations that were excavated by John Lehane in 2004 (Excavations 2004, No. 1187, 02E1709; 04E0533).

Further monitoring was undertaken in 2007 at the extreme eastern extent of the development on a site that was previously occupied by a modern bungalow and garden. The yard, driveway and lawn sealed a mid-brown garden soil that extended to a maximum depth of 0.4m. The natural sand was exposed at this level. No features of an archaeological nature were identified and no further archaeological work was considered necessary.