2020:514 - CLONE, Kilmaganny, Kilkenny

Archaeological test-excavations were carried out on 4 November 2020, in association with an application (Planning Ref. No. P20/235) for the proposed construction of a residential dwelling in Clone townland, Kilmaganny, Co. Kilkenny.

The site was located within the Zone of Archaeological Potential/Zone of Archaeological Notification associated with Clone Castle (KK031-019). The proposed development site formed part of an unimproved pasture field, accessed off local road L5076. The predominant site characteristic was evidence of historic quarrying, which focused on a low hillock or ridge of limestone on the southern boundary of the proposed development site, marking the site of Clone Castle (KK031-019), and the area in the foreground of the hillock, where historic quarry pits recorded on historic Ordnance Survey maps have since been infilled.

A total of 7 test trenches were machine excavated across the site. These were laid out in a targeted array to cover the site of the proposed dwelling and garage, the on-site sewerage treatment system and percolation area, and entrance driveway. Excavated trenches measured 2m in width, 13–56m in length and 0.03–1.15m in depth.

The ground sloped downwards from east to west. East-west orientated trenches were deeper at the west with some evidence for infilling of quarry pits. The general stratigraphy comprised a sod and dark brown silty clay with a fragmented limestone layer overlying limestone bedrock.

No features, deposits or finds of archaeological significance were uncovered during testing.