2020:812 - The Park, Ballymore Eustace, Kildare

Archaeological monitoring and excavations were carried out in the townland
of Ballymore Eustace East just west of the historic town of Ballymore Eustace (KD029-011001), Co. Kildare. Archaeological test trenches were previously excavated within the proposed development site, in connection with an earlier planning application in 2006 under licence 06E1131. Three areas of archaeological
potential were identified, comprising of medieval rubbish pits, a possible medieval ditch, a pond containing medieval stratigraphy and a post-medieval booley hut.
Archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping was untaken on the site from the 6 January 2020 to the end of February 2020. A large number of archaeological features were exposed, which would have been impacted upon by the proposed development. It was decided the archaeology was to be preserved by record, through excavation in consultation with the National Monuments Service. Excavation commenced in February 2020, was halted due to covid on March 27,
resumed again on 21 August and was completed on November 19 2020.
Two areas were opened up - Area 1 and Area 2. Area 1 measured c. 7,900m², which was opened up at the north-eastern extent of the site, on the top of the hill, where the majority of archaeological features were identified. This area itself could be divided up into three different parts, based on the function of the archaeological features identified. To the east and northeast of the site was an industrial area with 12 kilns/furnaces C35, C199, C303, C371, C498, C500, C549, C641, C545, C549, C631, C723 and one possible kiln C434, five wells C04, C433, C458, C435 and C757 and numerous associated pits, hearths, spreads and post-holes. The south and southwest of the site contained mainly agricultural features (ditches and cultivation furrows) and the north-northwest of the site contained domestic structures, in the form of slot structures B, C and D, ring-ditches C295, C297 and C299 and a stone foundation building, House A. Each structure had its associated features (pits post-holes spreads etc.). A large amount of pottery was recovered
from the site (2,876 sherds), the majority of which dated to the late 12th to the 15th century AD, placing the site firmly in the late medieval period. A small number of features, including the ditch C10, the linear feature C13, the bank C38, the field drain C528, the ditch C48, the pit C50 and the cultivation furrow C580 dated to
the later post medieval period (1550-1750 AD).
The site showed several phases of reuse. In addition to recuts within features and features cutting older features, a stabiliser deposit C03 was seen across the site. The natural subsoil (C02), in the north-eastern area of the site was a loose gravel and open features were prone to collapse. To prevent collapse and to facilitate continued development in the area, a stabiliser deposit C03 was laid down. It was seen in a wide band (c. 5m to 11m width) running northwest to southeast across the top of the hill. Features were identified beneath C03 and cut into C03.
Area 2 measured c. 380m² and was situated 38m southwest of Area 1, at the bottom of the hill, in an area prone to flooding. In 2006, deposits of charcoal were recorded here in test trenches. Three kilns C712, C731 and C781 and four post-medieval field drains C708, C710, C782 and C783 were identified in this cutting. A
total of 41 sherds of medieval pottery was recovered from the three kilns, suggesting they are contemporary with the site on the hill.
Archaeological testing of the rest of the field and the smaller northeast field took place in November 2020, targeting the relict field system ditches that were identified by the 2019 Geophysical Survey. It did not identify any archaeological features; any features exposed contained 19th/20th-century pottery sherds,
suggesting a modern date.
The site at ‘The Park’ Ballymore Eustace, represents the remains of a medieval settlement (c. 1200-1550 AD), with some features of later post-medieval activity relating to agriculture. The medieval settlement contained a rich industrial area, a separate habitation area and an agricultural area.

Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth. A92 DH99.