2009:830 - BALLYMORE, Westmeath

A small-scale excavation was carried out prior to the proposed construction of six houses and a crèche at Ballymore, Co. Westmeath. This excavation followed on from a programme of testing and a desk-top assessment of the site. The excavation was carried out on behalf of Westmeath County Council from 23 to 27 February 2009. Subsequent monitoring of topsoil-stripping at the site was carried out on 2–9 March 2009. The proposed development forms part of a local authority housing scheme afforded Part VIII planning, subject to an archaeological assessment as stipulated by An Bord Pleanála.

The proposed development area borders the western extent of the RMP constraints area for the medieval borough of Ballymore (WM024–179) and is located c. 100m north-west of a stone tower/castle which is also recorded as 'Plary Monastery’ on the RMP maps (WM024–182/WM024–034).

The features identified during testing consisted of linear ditches and furrows and represent the remains of a field system of which no surface trace survives. With the exception of one linear ditch, these features were deemed to be of little archaeological interest. Excavation focused on a north–south-oriented linear ditch 1.8m wide by 0.6m deep which contained a rich organic fill with inclusions of wood fragments, charcoal, animal bone and a small quantity of 12th–14th-century pottery. This ditch probably represents a drainage or boundary ditch associated with the medieval occupation of Ballymore. No additional features were identified that would indicate further habitation evidence.