2020:784 - KILBREE LOWER, Mayo

The author was commissioned by Wills-BAM Joint Venture to undertake a programme of archaeological testing of the site of a proposed external deposition area (EDA07) at Kilbree Lower, Co. Mayo. One monument has been recorded in the vicinity, a ringfort-rath (MA088-025), which is 455m to the southeast in neighbouring Keeloges townland, south of the existing N5. Archaeological testing for the N5 road scheme to the north of the EDA recorded a burnt spread (Kilbree Lower 2) 140m north of the EDA’s northernmost point, within the new road alignment; to the northwest of the EDA, a series of pits associated with medieval-period metal-working were recorded and excavated at Kilbree Lower 1. Other recorded archaeological features in Kilbree Lower townland include burials (MA088-022), an enclosure (MA088-023) and a bullaun stone (MA088-101).

Testing was carried out on 5 June 2020. An additional phase of test trenching at the north of the site along a trackway was carried out on 12 June 2020. Twelve test trenches were excavated at the site in generally bright and sunny conditions.

The test trenches were redesigned due to localised boggy conditions. The northern end of the eastern low-lying part of the site was extremely waterlogged and no testing was carried out due to health and safety reasons. Testing was curtailed at the western part of the site as the landowner wished to retain as much of the improved pasture along the east facing slope as possible.

In general, the stratigraphy comprised a homogenous mid-brown sandy silty topsoil and sod ranging in depth from 200-350mm overlying deep deposits of peat on the east side in the lower-lying ground. Along the middle and lower east-facing slope of the ridge topsoil and sod overlay a mid-brown to yellowish compact silty sand with frequent medium to large sized stones.

Nothing of archaeological significance was noted.