County: Kildare Site name: Old Kilcullen
Sites and Monuments Record No.: KD028-049 Licence number: 17E0044
Author: Martin E. Byrne, Byrne Mullins & Associates
Site type: No archaeological features uncovered
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 682832m, N 707067m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.107734, -6.762898
A programme of archaeological testing was undertaken as part preparation of an Archaeological Impact Assessment with respect to a proposed single residential development at Old Kilcullen. The Assessment was requested by Kildare Co. Co.
The subject development lands are located within the Zone of Archaeological Potential established for Old Kilcullen (KD028-049). The landholding includes the postulated location of the former Town Defences (KD028-049008) associated with the medieval settlement of Old Kilcullen, evidence for which is largely based on a tradition recorded by Archdall in 1781 (Bradley et al, 1987, 390). However, Thomas (1992, Vol. 2, 229) argues that the enclosure seen by Archdall may have been the ecclesiastical enclosure, as “his work is sometimes of doubtful veracity – Askeaton and Kells-in-Ossory are cases in point”. There is no topographical evidence for this feature. Furthermore, the construction of a reservoir access road, located to the immediate west of the subject development site, was monitored by Faith Bailey (Excavations – 2012:329) and nothing of archaeological interest/potential was uncovered.
A total of 9 test trenches were excavated in the area of the proposed development. In general, the trenches had been positioned to gain information with respect to any subsurface features that might be located within, and in the immediate environs of, the subject development area, and in particular to test across the postulated location of any former borough enclosure. All trenches were excavated by machine fitted with a toothless ditching bucket (Width 1.2m) and all resultant spoil was ‘raked through‘, in an effort to increase the chances of artefact recovery. The trenches were excavated in spits of approx. 10cm depth, with the surface of each spit examined before excavation of the next spit.
Nothing of archaeological interest/potential was uncovered and it was not considered that the development, as proposed, would cause any visual impact to any extant archaeological monuments and features. Consequently, it was suggested that the development should proceed and that no further archaeological interventions were required.
Bradley, J. Halpin, A. & King, H. 1987. Urban Archaeological Survey, Part VII (iv) – County Kildare. Unpublished Report, O.P.W.
Thomas, A. 1992. The Walled Towns of Ireland. Vol. 2. pp. 228-9. Irish Academic Press, Dublin.
7 Cnoc na Greine Square, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
