2011:506 - BALLYBOUGHT/BALLEEK BEG/GORMAGH, Offaly

Testing was undertaken as part of the EIA for the proposed N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link Scheme in the townlands of Ballybought, Balleek Beg and Gormagh. The assessment was undertaken on behalf of Offaly County Council and the National Roads Authority and it took place between 4 and 11 May 2011. A total of 4,771 linear metres were excavated within the seven areas (Areas 1–7). The test trenches targeted various geophysical anomalies identified as part of a geophysical survey (Licence 10R137) carried out along the scheme. Four archaeological sites were discovered (Ballybought 1, Ballybought/Balleek Beg 1, Balleek Beg 1 and Gormagh 1). Ballybought 1 consists of two badly disturbed burnt mound spreads. The first deposit measured 1.4m by 1.1m by 0.18m deep. The second spread measured 1.3m by 0.7m by 0.12m deep. Ballybought/Balleek Beg 1 consists of two ditches, a kiln and two pits. An east–west-aligned ditch measured 1.6m wide x 0.55m deep and a north-west/south-east-aligned ditch measured 1.6m wide x 0.37m deep. The latter ditch corresponded to a linear geophysical anomaly highlighted as possible archaeology. A sample was dated from the first ditch. This produced a 2-sigma calibrated date of AD 779–966, placing it within the early medieval period. A roughly keyhole-shaped kiln was also identified at the site, which measured c. 3m by 2m (max.). This feature was also dated and produced a 2-sigma calibrated date of AD 1298–1408, placing it in the medieval period. Two small pits were also identified in the southern field. A suboval pit measured 0.8m long by 0.4m wide and a second pit measured 0.4m in diameter and 0.16m in depth. Balleek Beg 1 consists of three pits. An isolated pit measuring 0.5m by 0.4m was half-sectioned to reveal a depth of 0.16m. Two large pits, 1.7m in diameter by 0.17m in depth and 0.6m by 0.46m by 0.11m, were also recorded. One of the pits was subject to dating and produced a 2-sigma calibrated date of 3771–3651 BC, placing it in the Early Neolithic period. Gormagh 1 consists of a subcircular pit, measuring 1m x 1.2m x 0.32m deep. It contained three distinct fills and may be a metallurgical pit or furnace. The feature was dated and produced a 2-sigma calibrated date of 177–3 BC, placing it in the Iron Age. A second pit was located, which measured c. 0.25m in diameter and 0.09m in depth. Should the proposed development go ahead as planned these features will be directly affected. It is recommended that they be fully excavated prior to the development.