2015:482 - DUNNAMAGGIN, Kilkenny

The proposed development is located within the area of constraint for KK031-003, Settlement Deserted. Monuments in the vicinity of the deserted medieval settlement include KK031-003001 Holy Well, KK031-003002 Church, KK031-003003 Cross, KK031-003004 House – Early Medieval, KK031-003005 Castle – Unclassified, KK031-003006 Mill – Unclassified and KK031-003007 Graveyard. The location of the proposed development was therefore considered to be an area of high archaeological potential. This was confirmed during test excavations, which revealed evidence of probable medieval settlement across the entirety of the proposed development area.

A total of 58 potential archaeological features, spread across 6 individual test trenches, were identified over the course of testing. These included two possible structures, Structure A and Structure B, three possible kilns, a series of parallel linear features running south from the main road which may represent medieval property boundaries or burgage plots, and at least 22 pits which produced a total of four sherds of medieval pottery. The remainder of the features comprised of a series of burnt spreads and compacted surfaces. No finds definitely dating from the post-medieval period were uncovered below the A horizon, where the majority of these features occurred.

These findings combine to suggest that a medieval settlement, along with associated structures and working areas, is present in the proposed development area.