2018:296 - Palmerstown (Johnstown 3), Kildare

Test trenching was carried out as part of a pre-planning assessment at the site of a proposed residential development in the townland of Palmerstown (Johnstown 3), Co. Kildare. It follows a previous assessment carried out by Faith Bailey in January 2018 and a geophysical survey carried out by Joanna Leigh (Licence 18R005).

The area of proposed development is located within Johnstown village. The site is irregular in plan and is situated between residential development to the west and east and the realigned former path of the N7 to the north.

There are no recorded monuments located within the proposed development area. However, the graveyard associated with the ruins of a medieval church is located to the immediate west of the site (KD019-015002). The church itself is located between 5m and 17m from the proposed development area (KD019-015001). Within the wider area, a standing stone is recorded c. 260m to the south-west (KD019-059), whilst an enclosure is recorded c. 460m to the south-east. As part of the proposed development, a green area will be established to the east of the church and graveyard (KD019-014001/2), which will act as a buffer between the site and the development.

A total of 17 test trenches were mechanically excavated across the footprint of the proposed development area. Three Archaeological Areas were identified (AA 1-3). Finds of mid-13th/14th-century pottery, a medieval iron spur, and a sherd of 17th-18th-century tin glazed ware are suggestive of medieval and later medieval activity. The features appear to represent the remains of a medieval field system and some settlement. It is possible that rural settlement and agricultural activity were taking place in vicinity of the medieval church at this time.

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Wicklow