2013:091 - Kilmoylan Lower and Lisguagh, Limerick

Excavation was undertaken at Kilmoylan Lower and Lisguagh, Doon, Co. Limerick on behalf of BAM Contractors prior to the commencement of construction of a three storey post-primary school. The site consists of 6.5ha of greenfield which is proposed for the development of the school and associated access roads and amenities.

The licence was originally granted to cover test trenching at the site. In November 2012 the scope of the licence was widened to include the monitoring of ground works at the site as well as the excavation of three areas (Areas 1 to 3) of archaeology identified during testing. Monitoring of the ground works also revealed the presence of a burnt mound, designated Area 4 (Excavations 2012, No. 402).

Monitoring and full excavation of Areas 1 and 4 was undertaken in December 2012.  The final evaluation of the findings of the excavation suggests that the linear features identified in Area 1 were a mixture of post-medieval field boundaries and agricultural plough furrows. A small number of pits and post-holes was also identified although no specific function could be determined for them. In Area 4 a Middle Bronze Age (1533-1426 cal. BC (2σ) (SUERC 47483)) burnt mound was excavated. Monitoring and full excavation of Areas 2 and 3 was undertaken in March 2013. The possible burnt mound material in Area 2 proved to of natural origin on further investigation. The final evaluation of the findings of the excavation in Area 3 suggests that the linear features identified were a mixture of post-medieval field boundaries and agricultural plough furrows. A small number of pits, small deposits and a post-hole were also identified although no specific function could be determined for them. A single Middle Bronze Age (1612-1454 cal. BC (2σ) (SUERC 47484)) human cremation was also identified in this area.

Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd, Unit 2, Europa Enterprise Park, Midleton, Co. Cork.