2015:315 - Rathmore & Rathbeg, Kinsale, Cork

Planning permission was granted for the construction of a large residential development on this site in 2005 at which time testing was undertaken by Tony Cummins (licence number 05E0583). The location of a large circular enclosure (CO112-032002-) previously identified from aerial photography was confirmed at the western end of the development site. No evidence associated with activity relating to the Battle of Kinsale was revealed in testing. The development did not proceed at that time. Subsequently a military camp (CO112-098) associated with the Battle of Kinsale was added to the SMR a short distance to the west of the proposed development site.

A new planning application for a residential development was lodged in 2015 to a revised layout from the 2005 development with the western end, where the enclosure was identified, remaining as an undeveloped green area.

A geophysical survey was undertaken in early 2015 (Gimson) (licence number 15R0024) which revealed a large number of linear anomalies and a smaller number of sub-circular anomalies. A metal detector survey (licence number 15R0072) was also undertaken prior to testing in which 20 metal objects were identified, most related to agricultural activity. No finds of archaeological significance, including any possibly relating to the Battle of Kinsale, were revealed.

Thirty-four test trenches were then mechanically excavated across the site. No features of archaeological significance were revealed in any trench. The geophysical anomalies related to agricultural and land improvement activity and also underlying soil and geology. Many of these agricultural features and geological trends were apparent extending across a number of trenches. A number of modern finds were identified generally in topsoil and included ceramics, mostly porcelain and occasional red earthen-wares, shards of glass and modern rubbish.

Lane Purcell Archaeology, 64 Fr Mathew Road, Turners Cross, Cork