2018:925 - Adare, Graigue & Cummeen, Limerick

Archaeological monitoring of ground investigation works in the townlands of Adare, Graigue and Cummeen was undertaken on behalf of Limerick City and County Council over a 5-week period, beginning on 3 November 2016. A second phase of work was undertaken between 6-9 February 2017. A third and final phase of monitoring was carried out on 27 April 2018. The works involved the archaeological monitoring of the excavation of 22 slit trenches, 3 rotary cores and 17 test pits by IGSL Ltd. along the route of the proposed upgrade of the road pavement, footpath and drainage of the N21 Rathkeale Road. Slit Trenches 16-20 were within the zone of archaeological potential of the historic town (LI021-032001) and crossing the projected line of the medieval defences of Adare. In addition, 10 ground investigation trenches were monitored in the area of a proposed car park and attenuation tank.

Nothing of definite archaeological significance was identified during the monitoring, though two possible areas of interest were noted in two of the test pits (TP03 & TP17). A possible boundary wall trench was uncovered in Test Pit 03 but as this was off the line of the main works it was unlikely to be further impacted on by the scheme.

A stone deposit was identified in TP17. It is undated and is likely to be natural. However, its proximity to a projected line of the town wall means that the possibility that it could be an archaeological deposit needs to be considered in any further works.

It was recommended that all remaining groundwork related to the scheme be archaeologically monitored, including that in the vicinity of TP17 but it was subsequently decided not to carry out any further works.

Unit 2, Europa Business Park, Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 TV25