2012:644 - Mullycagh Lower, Wicklow

Testing took place in the townland of Mullycagh Lower along the proposed N81 Mullycagh Lower Bridge widening and Road Realignment scheme in Co. Wicklow. These works were carried out in June 2012 on behalf of Wicklow County Council and the National Roads Authority.

Three test trenches were excavated within the test area along the scheme (T1 x 30m, T2A x 11m, T2B x 60m). A burnt mound was identified in the northern end of the test area close to Mullycagh Bridge and adjacent to the Carrigower River. The area around the burnt mound was extended and fully exposed in order to identify the full nature and extent of the archaeological site. The extended area measured 168m².

The burnt mound deposit measured a maximum of c. 0.3m deep at its thickest near the centre and was 6m wide (east-west) by 14m in length. Sections excavated through the burnt mound revealed two potential trough features. The first trough (Trough no. 1) located in the south of the north-south section, measured 0.82m wide and 0.23m deep. The portion within the section was only excavated. It had vertical sides with a flat base and a large flat stone lining the base, filled by a dark black charcoal-enriched sandy clay deposit with burnt stone inclusions, similar to the burnt mound deposit.

A second potential trough feature (Trough no. 2) was identified in the east-west section on the eastern edge of the burnt mound. It consisted of a linear feature which contained dark black charcoal-enriched silty sand with frequent burnt stone. Occasional large wood fragments (oak) were identified at the edges and throughout the top of the deposit. This feature was not sectioned and was left in situ, as it is likely that it is a wood-lined trough. Two samples were taken from the site for dating purposes.

The site will be preserved in situ within the design of the scheme and in agreement with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

National Roads Authority, c/o Westmeath NRDO, Culleebeg, Mullingar Co. Westmeath