2015:287 - Borris, Twomileborris, Tipperary

Testing was carried out at the site of a proposed extension at Two Mile Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Archaeological testing and geophysical survey was recommended to be undertaken as part of a detailed archaeological assessment in the area of the proposed graveyard extension to form an integral part of any subsequent planning submission. The proposed development consists of the extension of the existing graveyard and will be expected to involve ancillary works including the laying out of access roads and pathways, construction of boundary walls, drainage works, and ultimately the excavation of graves. The proposed site for the extension is located within the Zone of Archaeological Potential at Two Mile Borris, as identified in the Urban Archaeological Survey of North Tipperary. The site is located within the confines of TN042-052, settlement, and there are a number of monuments identified within this complex including TN042-05201 towerhouse, TN042-05202 church, TN042-05206 graveyard, TN042-05204 graveslab and TN042-05203 possible ringwork. The proposed graveyard extension is immediately beside and west of TN042-052(003) (possible ringwork). The proposed development area is also immediately adjacent to and east of the medieval church and associated features.

A previous geophysics survey commissioned by the NRA associated with the M8 Cashel to Cullahill scheme (Ref: 07R0104) identified the south-westerly portion of the curving outer ditch associated with ringfort site TN042-05203. A burnt/fired feature was also recorded at the base of the earthwork associated with TN042-05203. The results showed the presence of an extensive network of interconnecting ditch remains, which were for the most part roughly aligned north–south/east–west. This pattern of response conforms to the general alignment of those features excavated at sites AR31 & AR32 during NRA excavations to the south and south-west of the proposed development site. Evidence of further burnt/fired remains was indicated 10m from the southern edge of the graveyard TN042-05203, and c.50m further to the south-west. The potential that this response may reflect a corn dryer or two kiln locations was suggested.

The test trenching has confirmed that many of the linear anomalies identified in the geophysics survey do correspond to linear ditch type cut features. No diagnostic material was retrieved to confirm the date of the features. The ditches relate to the enclosing elements of TN042-05203, a possible annex that extends to the south-west of this monument, and a subsequent field system that developed and extended from the ringfort and its associated ditches. Testing of the magnetic responses was inconclusive but confirmed the possibility of kiln related activity in the immediate vicinity. In general all of the geophysical anomalies tested are likely to be of archaeological significance although no diagnostic material was identified to enable any of them to be dated.

Twomileborris, Tipperary