County: Wexford Site name: Carrick, Newtown
Sites and Monuments Record No.: WX037-028002- Licence number: 17E0318
Author: Denis Shine
Site type: Ringwork, castle and associated borough
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 701322m, N 623188m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.350910, -6.512716
In January of 2018 the Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS) and Irish National Heritage Park (INHP) launched a major new archaeological research project – Digging the Lost Town of Carrig – in the townland of Newtown, Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford. This project aims to assess one of the most historically significant sites in Ireland, the ‘Ferrycarrig Ringwork’ (WX037-028002-), which was founded in the winter of 1169 by Robert FitzStephen. The site is of national importance as it represents the very first wave of Anglo-Norman colonisation of the country, being constructed the year before the main Anglo-Norman landing party at Baginbun. A stone castle and medieval borough developed close to (or on) the site of the ringwork in the 13th century, which will also be assessed as part of this 10-year plus research project. Today the site is located at the western limit of the INHP – a stunning backdrop consisting of a 14-ha outdoor museum that depicts 9000 years of re-created Irish history within natural forestry and wet woodlands.
The archaeology project will comprise:
a) a major research dig, which will aim to clarify the form, function and date of the ringwork, as well as that of the castle and settlement that subsequently developed at the site;
b) drawing the archaeological site into the park in a creative and sustainable manner, including through experimental archaeology activities;
c) provision of heritage engagement and education opportunities.
To date as part of the excavation we have cleared the site of all overgrowth and re-exposed and resolved three cuttings originally commenced in the 1980's by Claire Cotter. We have also resolved a further four cuttings, including one outside the ringwork which has been excavated in advance of creating an experimental archaeology 'compound'.
These cuttings have collectively revealed evidence of both 12th-century wooden structures and defensive features, as well as 13th-century masonry associated with a medieval hall and chapel, first recorded on site in 1324. Evidence of the 1231 castle has also been recorded. A range of medieval pottery including Leinster Cooking ware, Ham Green, Wexford-type cooking ware, Wexford-type coarse ware, Saintonge, Saintonge sgraffito, Bristol Redcliffe etc. has also been recovered, as have a wide range of ferrous items, including some arrowheads. Specialist analyses of the excavated materials is undertaken on an ongoing basis, but analysis of the faunal materials already indicates a large amount of fallow dear and pig bone (high status meats in the High Medieval period) were consumed on site.
As this is a major ongoing research project results are continually evolving. However, a major publication on the site was issued in 2019, see Shine, D., Potterton, M., Mandal, S. and McLoughlin, C. (eds). 2019. Carrick, County Wexford: Ireland’s first Anglo-Norman Stronghold. Four Courts Press, Dublin.
Alternatively, to follow the excavations progress on a more regular basis, please consult www.iafs.ie or follow IAFS on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/IrishArchaeologyFieldSchool/.
Johns Hall, Birr, Co. Offaly
