County: Wexford Site name: Enniscorthy
Sites and Monuments Record No.: WX020-061002 Licence number: 13E108
Author: David J O’Connor
Site type: Urban
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 697328m, N 640057m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.503210, -6.566413
At the request of Wexford County Council, monitoring was undertaken of geotechnical investigations for the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme. The proposed development comprises of the construction of two separate stretches of underground pipeline within the town. Monitoring took place between 29 April – 1 May and 24 – 27 June 2013.
No features dating to earlier than the 19th century were observed, while the earliest finds date to the late 18th century. The remains of a wall footing (1.1m wide) and base (0.7m wide) located in ST103 at the junction of Mill Yard Road and the Promenade are likely associated with the Manor Mills tail race. Cartographic evidence suggests the wall was probably constructed between 1840 and 1903. Further investigation was not possible due to health and safety considerations. A large limestone block uncovered on the Promenade in ST103 may be in isolation, as no evidence that it formed part of a structure was observed. Further investigation was not possible due to health and safety considerations.
The Promenade, part of which is within the notification zone of archaeological monument WX020-061002 (Religious house - Franciscan Friars) is reclaimed land, extended eastwards towards the river in the 19th century principally through the dumping of waste material. Significant quantities of broken glass bottles and stoneware bottles and jars were observed, concentrated in places. Cartographic evidence backs up this finding. No evidence of wharfs, mooring posts or other riverine features was observed.
The area around Enniscorthy Swimming Pool was originally covered in 19th-century industrial buildings, which appear to have been demolished and the rubble spread over the site sometime between 1995 - 2000. This demolition layer, up to 1.5m deep in places, sits on top of an earlier disturbed layer which may contain garden soils or other material. The 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6” map of 1840 shows the area as gardens prior to its development in the later 19th century. The original settlement at Enniscorthy is believed to have been on the Templeshannon side of the river.
Undisturbed natural subsoil or bedrock was not observed in any of the trenches but was located in the boreholes around the swimming pool. Further monitoring will take place during the construction phase.
Magnus Archaeology, 57 Grianan Fidh, Aiken’s Village, Sandyford, Dublin 18
