2016:502 - Clondulane Weir, River Blackwater, Cork

Underwater Archaeological Impact Assessment took place of Clondulane Weir on the River Blackwater in Ballyderown and Clondulane North townlands, Co. Cork. A weir is recorded in this location on the OS First Edition six-inch map series, 1841, and is part of the demesne of Clondulane House, which retains some features of archaeological and architectural interest. The earlier remains of a stone-built castle lie downstream in the neighbouring townland of Careysville. It is proposed to remove approximately half of Clondulane weir to facilitate the migration of salmon.

The Underwater Archaeological Impact Assessment was carried out on 26 August 2016. Water levels were high and the flow was dynamic, although access was achieved across the section of the weir that is to be removed. A wider search area was extended around the weir, both upstream and downstream of the structure. A comprehensive record was taken of the river’s topography and bankside features. A concrete pad covers the surface of the weir and retains a broad convex curvature across the glacis that is built on top of an original stone construction. Sections of the weir were noted to be in poor repair, and sections of its internal fabric are also exposed along its toe. In one such location, it is possible to observe a series of timber piles that form part of the structure's internal core. Apart for the weir itself, no material, deposits, or structures of archaeological or historical significance were encountered as part of the assessment.

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