2014:446 - BANDON: Mawbeg East, Cork

A metal detection survey was undertaken as part of a request for further information in advance of a proposed quarry development in the townland of Mawbeg East, Co. Cork. Local tradition holds that the site is thought to have been the location of a militia camp associated with the response to the threatened French invasion of Bantry Bay in 1796.

The proposed development involves the extension of an existing quarry pit over an area of 6.86ha and the retention on an excavated portion of a pre-existing quarry pit over an area of 2.38ha.

Previous archaeological works in support of this planning application have included an assessment carried out by Dr Maurice Hurley, a geophysical survey undertaken by Target Archaeological Geophysics (Licence 11R0149) and subsequent testing of identified anomalies undertaken by Dr Hurley (Licence 11E0435), amounting to a total of thirteen test trenches across the site. In addition, previous works associated with the initial phase of quarry development adjacent to the proposed development included monitoring works carried out by Sheila Lane & Associates (Licence 06E0076). Testing did not identify any notable sub-surface archaeological features at the site.

On 27 March 2014 the Cork County Archaeologist requested that the developer undertake a detailed and systematic metal detecting survey across the site, to be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist with military experience and under licence. This work was carried out by Damian Shiels under Detection Device Consent Number 14R0126 and Excavation License 14E0440.

The metal detection survey was carried out between 25 November and 4 December 2014. A total of 59 metal artefacts were detected and recovered from the site. These included 56 ferrous and three non-ferrous objects. The finds recovered are suggestive of past agricultural activity and provided no indication as to the presence of sustained military activity in the investigated area.