2009:862 - KILCOOLE: Lott Lane, Wicklow

An assessment which included test-trenching for the proposed construction of a house, associated site works and a park/playground area was carried out at Lott Lane, Sea Road, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow. The site is within an archaeologically sensitive area, adjacent the ecclesiastical site, WI013–029.

Approximately 1050m of test-trenches were excavated across the site outside a buffer zone which surrounded the ecclesiastical site. The archaeological features were grouped into three areas, 1–3. Area 1 defined the area south of the buffer zone for the ecclesiastical site and comprised the archaeological features in Trenches 18–29. A total of twelve postholes, six stake-holes, seven pits, five ditches, three curvilinear features and four linear features were exposed in Area 1. A possible gully with internal features was discerned in this area. Stratified finds of medieval pottery from two of the ditches suggest that these features may be associated with the ecclesiastical site.

Area 2 was located east of the ecclesiastical site and comprised the archaeological features in Trenches 1–5, 16, 17 and 30–33. A total of seven post-holes, fifteen pits, two ditches, six linear features and a kiln were exposed in Area 2. Stratified finds of medieval pottery, slag, and a crucible suggest at least some of these features were related to metalworking. These features, in conjunction with the kiln, are features typically associated with ecclesiastical sites.

Area 3 was located towards the centre of the site, at the point where the field became very wet. A trough and linear feature which was filled with burnt-mound material was exposed in this area. It is possible that a burnt mound is preserved between the unexcavated test-trenches. These features primarily date to the Bronze Age and the wet marshy ground at the eastern part of the field is a typical location for such sites.

A series of other linear features and ditches were also exposed in Areas 1–3 which were potentially archaeological, however in the absence of diagnostic finds an exact date could not be ascertained.