County: Wicklow Site name: Arklow Town Marsh, Tiknock, Ferrybank, Arklow
Sites and Monuments Record No.: WI040-029 Licence number: 18E0263
Author: Siobhan Deery
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 724311m, N 673926m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.801987, -6.156409
Archaeological assessment took place in advance of proposed flood alleviation works at the Arklow Town Marsh, Ferrybank, Arklow, County Wicklow. The location of this embankment lies partly within the Zone of Archaeological Potential associated with the historic town of Arklow (WI040-029) and lies in the vicinity of the site of a graveyard (WI040-029008-). Also of historic interest in the vicinity of the proposed works is the site of the ‘Ovoca Brewery’ which is shown on the six-inch 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. However this area has experienced significant disturbance in recent years.
The assessment incorporated a desk study and the results of archaeological monitoring of site investigation works.
Site investigations were initially to take the form of test pits approximately 2m x 2m, however, due to the wet ground conditions experienced in the marsh area, window sampling in 12 locations took place. No archaeological features, finds or soils were encountered as a result of the on-site archaeological monitoring programme.
Test excavation along the location of a proposed flood embankment was initially proposed, however due to waterlogged ground conditions, the presence of electricity wires and pylons as well as some areas being inaccessible due to overgrown vegetation, it was not possible to carry out this exercise as planned. An alternative archaeological strategy as part of the site enabling works for the project was devised.
Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy, Lynwood House, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16
