2018:049 - Site 3, Raheen Business Park, Limerick

Testing was undertaken within a 4-ha portion of a proposed development site (Site 3) at Raheen Business Park, Ballycummin, Co. Limerick. The testing was carried out on behalf of Jacobs Ltd and their client, Edwards Life Sciences. A total of 24 test trenches with a total length of 2320 linear metres were excavated across the site. Archaeological remains were revealed in seven test trenches (Trench 8, 12, 13 and 21-24) and designated as three distinct areas of archaeology (Areas 1, 2 and 3).

Area 1 comprises two undated possible pits (C3 and C4). Pit C3 comprises a roughly oval spread of mid brown clay (c.1.4m x 0.9m). Frequent small stones, occasional charcoal flecks and oyster shells were noted. Pit C4 comprises a sub-circular spread of mid brown clay, measuring 0.6m in diameter. It contains some small stones and charcoal flecks. Burnt stones are visible within its matrix.

Area 2 comprises a burnt mound/fulacht fiadh with associated pits/troughs and spreads (C5–C14). Burnt mound deposit C5 consists of charcoal-rich clays and heat-fractured stones. This deposit measures 5m (north-south) by 5m. A feature (C6) 2.5m to the west of this is a possible trough. The trough measures 3m (east-west) by 1.5m. The fill comprises light brown silty clay with charcoal concentrations around the sides. A possible post-hole (C7) is located immediately south-west of C6. Finally, a small spread of charcoal-rich clay (C8) is located 2m north of deposit C5 and is considered to be part of this burnt mound. The second burnt mound deposit (C12) is defined by charcoal-rich clays and heat-fractured stones. This deposit measures 6m (north-south) by 6m. To the south are two pits (C13 and C14). Pit C13 measures 1.4m diameter. The fill is a charcoal-flecked deposit with heat-fractured stone suggesting a cooking pit or ‘pot-boiler’ feature. Pit C14 measures 1m by 0.5m and has a similar fill to pit C13. Between burnt mound deposits C5 and C12 are two spreads of heat-fractured stones and charcoal-rich clays which extended across the width of the trench (C10: 1.8m [east-west]; C11: 2.2m [east-west]) and a circular pit (C9). Pit C9 (0.6m diameter) has a surface fill of heat-fractured stone and charcoal-rich clay and may also be a ‘pot-boiler’.

Area 3 is a recorded 19th-century trackway (LI013-151). The western extent of this was identified in Trench 9 and tentatively identified in Trench 8. The eastern extent (within the 4 ha portion) is clearly defined as a topographical feature in the landscape. The recorded roadway extent within the development measures c.150m (south-west/north-east). Investigation of the roadway within Trench 21 revealed it to be a raised metalled surface (c.5m wide) composed of tightly-packed rounded pebbles (C15). A fragment of oyster shell and a sherd of post-medieval Blackware pottery were recovered from the surface of the stones.

Archaeological Management Solutions Ltd., Unit 1, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, Co. Clare