2019:659 - Drakeland Lower, Kilkenny

Archaeological testing was carried out on 16 November 2019, as requested by Kilkenny County Council in respect of two Outline Planning applications (Planning Refs. 19225 and 19226).

The site contains two recorded monuments, a tower-house (KK019-020001) with associated bawn (KK019-020002). The boundaries of the two Outline Planning application areas were located in their entirety within the Zone of Archaeological Potential around the tower-house and bawn.

A number of features of potential archaeological interest were recorded during test excavation, including a possible corn-drying kiln in Trench 9, which contained a clay pipe stem fragment of 18th-19th century date, two animal bone fragments and a red brick fragment.

A series of features recorded in the north-west part of the site are located at the site of a dwelling that fronted local road L6695 in the early 19th century.

A small number of finds of post-medieval date were recovered during test excavation, these included a number of pottery sherds dated to the 17th to 19th century, and several clay pipe fragments dated to the 18th and 19th century.

No features, finds or deposits of confirmed medieval origin were identified during test excavation.

A geophysical survey at the proposed development site was also undertaken by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 15 October 2019, in accordance with licence 19R0211. The geophysical survey data provides some evidence for magnetic disturbance of modern or natural origin. No distinct archaeological features are discernible in the data. In particular, no strong positive anomalies representing potential archaeological features or deposits relating to tower-house KK019-020001 and bawn KK019-020002 were detected.

Reference:
Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., Geophysical Survey Report, Drakeland Lower, Co. Kilkenny (November 2019).

Unit 39A, Hebron Business Park, Hebron Road, Kilkenny