2015:422 - BGN Wexford Feeder Gas Main, Wexford

Monitoring of ground disturbance was undertaken intermittently between September 2015 and January 2016 along the length of the BGN Wexford Feeder Main. 17 Areas along the scheme were monitored (Areas 1-13 and A-D). 

Archaeology Area 1: This ran east–west across the centre of WX039-018007-,an ecclesiastical enclosure, passing adjacent to the location of watermill WX039-018008- and church with associated graveyard WX039-018002-. The ditch for enclosure WX039-018007- was picked up twice in the pipe trench with fill material consisting of backfilled natural clay. Two pits, a cobbled surface and a lake/pond were also identified

Archaeology Area 2: The trench in Area 2 passed to the north of demolished tower-house WX046-034001- at a distance of approximately 60m. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 3: This area ran along the northern edge of ringfort WX039-087, identified from aerial photographs as a bivallate circular enclosure. A single ditch (C15) crossed the trench in two locations. This would seem to correspond with the outer ditch for the bivallate enclosure.

Archaeology Area 4: Monitoring was undertaken along the side of Church, graveyard and Bullaun stone WX039-023001-WX009-023003. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 5: This area ran along the southern side of a 50m diameter circular enclosure (WX039-071----), visible on aerial photographs. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 6: This area was divided into two. Area 6a was 50m to the north of ringforts WX039-067001- & WX039-067002- . Area 6b ran along the northern edge of ringfort WX39-081----. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 7: The trench in Area 7 passed to the north of ringfort WX040-068---, at a distance of approximately 30m. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 8: This area passed to the north of holy well WX040-006---. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 9: The trench in Area 9 ran along the western of multi-vallette ringfort WX040-005---- at a distance of approximately 20m. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 10: This area ran alongside intact Motte & Bailey WX040-009----, 1m to the east of the existing motte fosse. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 11: The trench in Area 11 ran along the north side of ringfort WX040-014---- and battlefield WX041-068----. No archaeology found.

Archaeology Area 12: Archaeological Area 12 encompasses the zone of potential for the historic town of Taghmon (WX041-008000-008016). Monitoring identified a number of stone culverts and cobbled surfaces. Two linear fetures were identified at the south-east of Main Street. The first appeared to represent an early stream feature. The second was a large ditch feature, 4m wide, likely the remains of a potential circuit for a monastic enclosure for Taghmon which has been drawn up (Ian Doyle, Heritage Council, pers. comm.), based upon Billy Colfer's work (2002). These lay beneath 0.9m of modern fill material.

Archaeology Area 13: The pipe passed in close proximity to WX037-021, a Church. No archaeology found.

Four areas were identified for topsoil stripping.

Area A: This was situated across the causeway leading to Great Island. This was originally a 500-600m wide channel that cut Great Island off from Wexford, giving it its name. No archaeology found.

Areas B & C: No works were undertaken

Area D: Topsoil stripping was undertaken at Goff’s Bridge to facilitate drilling under the river. At the south-west entrance to the field the demolished remains of a cottage, visible on the 1st Edition OS 6" map, were recorded.

Reference:

Colfer, Billy (2002) Arrogant Trespass, Duffy Press, Enniscorthy.

Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow