County: Meath Site name: Downestown, Duleek
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 19E0411
Author: Ian Russell
Site type: Testing
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 703344m, N 768792m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.658668, -6.436473
A program of archaeological assessment was carried out at Downestown, Duleek, Co. Meath. Testing was carried out between 8 and 10 July 2019 in advance of the proposed development of a medical/retirement complex, comprising a nursing home, a primary care and day care centre and associated assisted living housing units. Test trenching was carried out at the request of Meath County Council, as part of a condition associated with Planning Ref.SA/901916.
This investigation exposed three areas of archaeology, identified as three possible burnt mounds/fulachtaí fiadh. A dry stone-built culvert of post-medieval or modern date and a former field boundary ditch, 19th century in date, were also investigated.
In the event of development proceeding, full excavation of the archaeological features is recommended. In addition, monitoring of all topsoil removal is also recommended.
Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth
