2019:184 - Wicklow Arms, Delgany, Wicklow

Groundworks at the Wicklow Arms, Delgany, Co. Wicklow were monitored in accordance with the requirements of Wicklow County Council Planning Application Ref: 16/639 in relation to the proposed construction of a mixed residential and commercial development and the redevelopment of a listed structure “The Wicklow Arms Public House” (RPS: 08-13/NIAH: 16305005). Testing had previously been carried out under the same licence in December 2018 (Excavation No. 2018:225). While groundworks are largely complete, outstanding works on the western perimeter of the site, associated with tree removal, may be required at a future date.

Over 26 and 29 April 2019, a kiln feature was exposed in the north-east corner of the site, along the northern boundary. The feature consisted of a furnace, a possible drying chamber and a flue, which connected the two - the furnace to the north-west and drying chamber to the south-east. The total extent of the kiln was not determined, as part of the furnace was outside the limit of excavation. However, most of the feature was visible.

The kiln was oriented north-west/south-east and measured 9.5m in length. The furnace was oval-shaped and contained a lot of charcoal, which appeared to lie on top of red clay. Medium and large stones were frequently found, and it was possibly stone-lined. The furnace was connected to a flue in the south-east. The flue was linear in shape, but slightly curved. It appeared to contain reddish brown clay. It was 4.7m in length (north-west/south-east) and its average width was c. 0.45m (north-east/south-west). The flue was mostly oriented north-west/south-east; however, toward the east it changed slightly to an east-west orientation where it met the possible drying chamber. The drying chamber, in the south-east of the kiln, was circular in shape. Its dimensions were 1.6m north-west/south-east x 1.7m.

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