2008:658 - Castletown House, Celbridge, Kildare

Testing was undertaken in the grounds of Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. The aim of the works was to locate and assess elements of a path network depicted on the first-edition OS map (1836). A number of path and route-ways were identified, including the old Celbridge–Dublin road, which was relocated during the 18th century. Also a water management mechanism, thought to relate to an artificial cascade, was uncovered on the banks of the lower stream.
There were several pits excavated in the confines of Castletown House during the course of the year. There was a percolation pit excavated in the east yard. The pit was excavated to a depth of 2m below the current surface level. It measured 2m in length by 2m in width. At c. 1.8m below the current surface level there was a cobbled surface uncovered. This surface could be related to the old entranceway, which once approached from the north-east of the house, possibly ‘Gay Avenue’. There were no finds recovered from the pit and the stratigraphy of the pit was formed of layers of clays and gravels.
To the rear of the farmyard buildings another two percolation pits were excavated. Here, as with the eastern yard of Castletown House, there was a layer of cobbles uncovered. These cobbles lay just beneath the surface and are associated with the remaining part of the farmyard that is laid in cobbling. There were no finds recovered from the pits and their stratigraphy was formed of layers of clays and topsoil. These percolation pits were excavated in advance of the refurbishment of the farm buildings.
At the Batty Langely at the south-eastern end of the demesne two further percolation pits excavated, but no features or material of archaeological significance was uncovered.