2011:564 - CLONMEL: Suir Island, Oldbridge, Tipperary

The remains of a mill structure, located below a car park on Suir Island, were excavated in advance of works associated with the Suir River (Clonmel North and East) Drainage Scheme—Civil Works Contract. The remains of the mill were originally identified during testing undertaken by Mary Henry (Mary Henry Archaeological Services Ltd) (Excavations 2006, no. 1837, 06E0651) as part of the finalisation of design details and investigations along the scheme in 2006. Further investigations in 2009 (Excavations 2009, no. 751) revealed the full extent and nature of subsurface remains of the mill. Henry concluded that the structures on Suir Island should be considered of industrial, social and archaeological importance, as they have played a major part in the development of Clonmel.

Five phases of construction were recorded at the mill site. The primary phase was a three-roomed structure. One of the rooms, which was roughly circular in plan, is believed to have housed a set of millstones. A cobbled area with a drain was located to the north-east of this building. The following phases saw the mill expand and some interior walls being removed and other features added.