2014:175 - Knockhouse Lower, Waterford

Excavation of three areas at the site of a proposed IDA development were carried out in September and October 2014. The excavations were undertaken on behalf of Waterford City and County Council in response to planning conditions attached to the proposed development (Planning Ref.: Part 8 01/14). It followed on from a programme of testing undertaken in August 2014 by IAC Ltd and a series of previous investigations including geophysical survey, testing and excavation.

The testing identified five areas of archaeology (Archaeological Areas 1–5) which included a previously identified enclosure (WA009-003001) in Area 1. Phase 1 of the development necessitated the excavation of Archaeological Areas 3 and 4 and part of Archaeological Area 1. Areas 2, 5 and the remainder of Area 1 (including the enclosure) were within the area for Phase 2 of the development.

In Archaeological Area 1 peripheral, but possibly associated, features (kilns and field ditch and a circular structure) of enclosure WA009-003001 were found. In addition to this a number of field ditches were also found which are likely to relate to WA009-003002, which is recorded as a field system. These ditches were interpreted as being post-medieval in date. A cremation burial and a pit/hearth were also identified in this area representing isolated prehistoric activity.

Areas 3 and 4 comprised a group of truncated burnt mound pits (Area 4) and a possible hut site with associated pits (Area 3) both of which are likely to be prehistoric. A linear ditch identified in Area 3 is undated at present however a confluence of field boundary ditches were also identified in Area 3 which seemingly correspond with boundaries depicted on 18th-century mapping for the area.

Post-excavation analyses are ongoing.

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow