County: Meath Site name: FENNOR
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 11E32
Author: Cia McConway and Kara Ward
Site type: Post-medieval
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 695901m, N 773901m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.705791, -6.546533
Archaeological Development Services Ltd were commissioned by the Water Services Section of Meath County Council to monitor topsoil-stripping in advance of borehole protection works in Fennor, Slane.
Meath County Council proposed to excavate an area of approximately 95m by 45m of topsoil in the vicinity of two pumping wells located 140m north-west of the existing pumping station on the southern bank of the River Boyne. The area of works lies within the Architectural Conservation Area of Slane Castle Demesne and in proximity to the canal and canal lock (RPS No. MH019-223), which are protected structures.
Monitoring of topsoil-stripping uncovered a metalled surface next to the pumping house. This measured approximately 10m east–west by 5m wide and may be the remnants of an old yard or farm track. This surface was sealed with terram and preserved in situ, as it was not necessary to reduce the ground further in this location.
Further to the west six features were uncovered; these were excavated in advance of the proposed works, as it was not possible to preserve them in situ. They consisted of pits and linear features of post-medieval date and are likely to be associated with metal-working and agricultural activities.
Archaeological Development Services Ltd, The Print House, 22–23 South Cumberland Street, Dublin 2
