2017:315 - Ballycarrigeen Lower 11, Wexford

Ballycarrigeen Lower 11 was identified as a result of testing undertaken during the construction phase of the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP Scheme. Testing was carried out in Permanent Fill Area 2 (PFA 2) by IAC Ltd under Registration No. E004781 and Ministerial Direction No. A054 in October 2016. Ballycarrigeen Lower 11 was identified as three individual areas containing archaeological features, of which two (Area 2 and Area 3) were subject to excavation.

Area 1 was identified in testing as a spread of burnt mound material that measured 4.5m north–south by 7m and was preserved in situ at ITM 705230, 647490.

Area 2, at ITM 705293, 647675 (45.7m OD), was in the lowest and wettest point of the field and consisted of a possible burnt mound made up of five deposits, two possible troughs, three pits, two possible linear features and a further thin disturbed spread of burnt mound material. The features and deposits were truncated by two modern field drains.

Area 3, at ITM 705313, 647559 (49.4m OD), comprised a large burnt mound spread of five deposits overlying a pit, a linear feature and a possible trough. A second pit was dug into the burnt mound material while a third pit was located to the north of the spread. A possible post-hole was located at the southern end of Area 3 while a second linear feature was located to the east of the spread.

The site of a possible holy well was also locally reported prior to excavation which was situated to the east of the burnt spread. Excavation indicated that all traces of any such feature had been completely disturbed and largely removed by the digging of modern drainage features.

Three modern field drains truncated the archaeological remains at varying extents.

A total of 31 lithics were recovered during the excavation at Ballycarrigeen Lower 11. It is proposed to date the remains identified in Areas 2 and 3 as part of the post-excavation process.

c/o IAC Ltd, Unit G1 Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow