2009:462 - 5–8 DENNY STREET, TRALEE, Kerry

Testing was undertaken at this site in advance of the proposed development of an extension to the rear of four properties. The site is within the historic town of Tralee (KE029–119). There is also a graveyard (KE029–236002) to the west of the site and an unclassified castle (KE029–119030) to the north-east. All four extant buildings on the site are listed on the Record of Protected Structures in the Tralee Town Development Plan 2003–2009.
Nine trenches were opened to the rear of the existing buildings, varying between 2.5m and 10m in length. The width of the trenches was predominantly 1.5m. Medieval remains were uncovered at the northern end of the site while post-medieval structures were uncovered to the south. Wall remnants and concrete pits were also uncovered and these are likely to relate to the modern use of the site as a garage. The post-medieval remains included large stone slabs (perhaps a cellar floor), a red brick cellar and a cobbled stone surface. These are likely to relate to the 19th-century houses (protected structures) on the eastern side of the site. Two walls were uncovered at the northern end of the site and are interpreted as medieval in origin. One was a north–south wall, at least 4.5m in length and 1m wide, resting on a plinth totalling 1.25m in width, and constructed using large, undressed stones and lime mortar. It appeared to be contemporary with a similarly constructed east–west wall, which extended east from the first wall. Cartographic evidence suggests that these walls may be related to the Great Castle (KE029–119030; no upstanding remains survive). The latter appears to have been incorrectly located in previous records to the northeast of the present site.