2007:1459 - Durrow, Offaly

Further limited archaeological investigations were undertaken at Durrow as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument on behalf of the OPW (see Excavations 2006, No. 1691 for previous work). Four trenches were excavated to the south of the entrance lodge, which is outside the zone of archaeological potential for the archaeological complex, in advance of proposed facilities for a visitor centre, by mini-digger fitted with a flat bucket. All trenches were orientated east–west, measuring 20m by 1.5m in width. All were dug to an average of 0.15m in depth. The topsoil in this location was very dark and humic, given the nature of the location, which is surrounded by trees. The natural parent material was a grey gravelly clay and was revealed in all of the trenches. Nothing of an archaeological nature was found at this location.
Two trenches, measuring some 200m in length, 0.5m in depth and 0.5m in width, were excavated by mini-digger at either side of the avenue to Durrow House. Approximately half of the avenue’s length is within the zone of archaeological potential for the complex. These trenches are proposed for future service conduits for the church structure which now houses the high cross. The trenches were sealed with varying modern stony surfaces for the avenue, which was underlain by the natural parent material of reddish-orange/brown compacted sandy clay. According to aerial photographic evidence for the site, the avenue bisects a circular enclosing element for the early medieval monastery. However, the two trenches dug did not reveal any information on this element. It is likely that this feature does remain subsurface and the depth of the trenches dug did not reach it.
Human remains were located at the western end of the southern trench. They were located outside the current graveyard, though inside the likely enclosing element of the monastery. Furthermore they lay to the north-east of a high cross base, locally known as the ‘socket stone’. The human remains were examined in situ and found to be previously disturbed, though likely to have been articulated when buried. The remains were orientated east–west with the heads to the west, in the Christian tradition. The minimum number of individuals was estimated at three adults. It was agreed that these remains could be left in situ, protected under the proposed conduit route. A short trench was dug across the avenue at its western end to connect the two trenches with service trenches dug in the previous season. All trenches were then lined with plastic and backfilled.
During the winter of 2006, a tree fall occurred immediately outside and to the north-west of the graveyard. When the area was inspected it was found that human bone had been exposed. During this season’s works, this exposed area plus the tree root ball itself were investigated. A large quantity of human bone was revealed. Upon examination it was found that most of this human bone was disarticulated and that the root action of the tree had further disturbed the remains. The human bone which remained in the ground was recorded and preserved in situ. The human bone and soil which had been entangled in the tree roots was excavated and retained for further study.