2016:622 - Piper's Hill, Naas, Kildare, Kildare

In September 2016, the geophysical survey concluded that the site of the proposed Phase 2 Development has been subject to agricultural cultivation and was previously subdivided into two distinctive field systems divided by possible linear earthen banks and ditches. The site also showed clear ploughing trends that may represent evidence of cultivation ridges or plough furrows. The results of the test-trenching provide clear evidence that the two field boundary ditches identified within the geophysical survey are of relatively modern date, however they may pre-date the production of the 1st Edition OS Map, 1837-8. The line of these ditches were identified within Trenches 2-7. The results of the test-trenching also recorded a large number of cultivation/plough marks running through the area of the Phase 2 development within the confines of the two recorded field boundary ditches. The results of the geophysical survey also identified a third curving linear feature; the results of the test-trenching identified this linear anomaly as a shallow trench containing a number of large river-rolled boulders and stones within Trenches 3-4. The appearance of this linear feature suggests that the boulders and stones may have been used as packing stones and therefore may be structural in nature. No dating evidence was retrieved from two archaeological sections excavated through this feature, however it should be noted that the general appearance of this linear feature suggests that it may be of some antiquity.

Part of the test-trenching excavated outside the southern extent of the geophysical survey identified the presence of a curving slot trench within Trench 13, which appears to represent a structural feature that may be a Prehistoric/early medieval round house similar to one that was recorded during monitoring of topsoil stripping within the site of Phase 1 of this residential development project.

Also located outside of the extent of the geophysical survey a large irregular pit-type feature was recorded within Trench 16. The surface of this large irregular shaped pit contained flecks of charcoal and fragments of animal bone.

Near the southern portion of the development and located below the site of the previously recorded and excavated souterrain and enclosure on an east sloping steep bank, that runs down to the stream, a leveled curving terrace was recorded (Trench 14); this terrace in the natural underlying geology may represent a feature associated with down slope erosion, or alternatively may suggest landscaping or terracing associated with the site of the souterrain and enclosure.

Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth