2019:518 - Royal Oak Road, Kilree, Bagenalstown, Carlow

Monitoring of topsoil stripping at a proposed site identified 25 features of potential archaeological significance in addition to three post-medieval linear field boundaries.

Full archaeological excavation was carried out at the site between 11 and 19 of April 2019. The preliminary evaluation of the findings suggests that the site comprised a series of 29 prehistoric features (pits and deposits) and three post-medieval field boundaries.

The earliest activity — Phase I — consisted of a layer of colluvium overlying the northern part of the site. A series of prehistoric lithic artefacts most likely Mesolithic in date, were retrieved, including two Bann flakes and a roughout stone axe.

Phase II was characterised by a series of 28 features most likely of prehistoric date identified across 13 zones, with a significant quantity of prehistoric pottery (most likely dating from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age) recovered from Zone 11.

Phase III comprised post-medieval activity and was characterised by agricultural drainage and boundary ditches and linear plough furrows.

A number of naturally occurring features were also investigated consisting of animal burrows, tree roots and a tree-bole.

Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd. Unit 2, Europa Enterprise Park, Midleton, Co. Cork.