2019:345 - Abbeybrook, Kilbeggan, Westmeath

The proposed development at Abbeybrook comprises of c.3.6 hectares of combined lands proposed for a residential development. At a remove from the residential development area is a communal open space for the current and future developments; there is also an area reserved for the proposed future eastern expansion of Kilbeggan cemetery.
There are no recorded archaeological monuments within the proposed residential development area. Both the open space area and the area reserved for the graveyard expansion lie, however, within the zone of notification of the Historic town of Kilbeggan (WM038-017) and are to the east of a Burial ground (WM038-017002) which has medieval origins. In 2003 geophysical survey (Licence No. 03R088, McCarthy 2003 a and b) and targeted test excavation (Licence 03E1503, Hayden 2003) took place in the wider environs of the site and encompassed the proposed development area. No features predating the 18th century were identified within the proposed residential development area.
Archaeological features were, however, identified in four areas within the proposed and future communal open space areas for the proposed development. These included a burnt mound, which was fully excavated, and features such as gullies and ditches that are likely to represent a field system of medieval date or earlier; these were truncated by 18th century cultivation. These sites were not examined in detail, and mostly remain in-situ. There is a potential that other settlement activity associated with the field systems may be identified within this greenfield area. No in-situ burials or features directly associated with the site of Kilbeggan Abbey were identified during this phase of assessment.
The test trenching, carried out over two days in August 2019, focused on accessible areas of proposed residential development site where testing had not previously been carried out. No archaeological sites, features or soils were identified in the trenches opened. A total of eight trenches of varying length (18-150m) were opened across the site by a 13-tonne mechanical digger. The combined linear distance of the test trenches was 517m, all of which were excavated to natural subsoils. A number of 18th/19th-century land drains were uncovered.
No features of an archaeological interest were encountered during the testing.

References:
Hayden, A. (2003) Archaeological Assessment and Trial Excavations of a Potential Development Site in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. Licence 03E1503. An unpublished report by Alan Hayden of Archaeology Projects Ltd. Excavations 2003, No. 1974, 03E1503.
McCarthy (2003) A Geophysical Survey of a Potential Development Site in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. Licence 03R088. An unpublished report in two parts (a and b) by McCarthy of GeoArc Ltd. carried out on behalf of Dúchas.

Lynwood House, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16, Ireland, D16 H9V6