2010:666 - Carrick, Walterstown, Higginstown, Dalystown, Calverstown and Clonfad, Westmeath

Testing was undertaken in advance of the N52 Carrickbridge to Clonfad road scheme, Co. Westmeath. The work was untaken on behalf of Westmeath County Council and took place between 13 and 29 September 2010.
A total of 15,076 linear metres was excavated within the fifteen areas to be tested (Areas 1–15). A total of eight archaeological sites were discovered during the course of the works. These comprised a possible habitation site at Carrick 1, a possible cairn at Carrick 3, two burnt spreads at Dalystown 1 and 2, a single pit at Calverstown 1 and three areas of in situ burning (Carrick 2, 4 and 5).
Carrick 1 comprised a section of a curvilinear gully 5m in length. Carrick 2 comprised a series of three small, scattered areas (Carrick 2a–2c) of in situ burning identified as patches of fire-reddened clay. Carrick 4 and 5 were similar in form to Carrick 2, each comprising a single small patch of fire-reddened clay.
The mound at Carrick 3 measured c. 8m x 8m and was topped with a boulder. Test Area 5 where the site was identified was very stony and the mound may represent a field clearance cairn; however, the landowner did not have any recollection in his time of any field clearance. Therefore an archaeological function for the mound could not be ruled out. It is possible that it represents the disturbed or truncated remains of a cairn which may be associated with prehistoric burials.
Two burnt spreads at Dalystown 1 and 2 comprised black silty clay with frequent burnt sandstone fragments and measured 11m x 9m and 5.2m x 3.7m respectively.
It is planned to excavate these features in the coming months.