2021:489 - Carlow IT CSSB, Carlow

A geophysical survey of much of the footprint of the former workhouse was undertaken in July 2019 by Joanna Leigh (2019; licence reference 19R0146) and archaeological test excavations were carried out by Kilkenny Archaeology in the area to the west of the proposed development site as part of a planning submission for a new Health Science Building (planning reference 19492; excavation licence 19E0389). Test excavations (19E0389 ext.) in the area to the north of the location of the proposed new build had identified substantial sub-surface remains of the former Union Workhouse. The minute books of the Carlow workhouse record mass burials in the rear area of the site, though the precise location was not specified.

As a result the entire footprint of the new building, measuring 70m x 80m, was opened up for investigation. These investigations uncovered extensive evidence for Great Famine era mass-burial pits at the rear of the former workhouse and partially within the footprint of the development. An interim report on the discovery was issued to the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland. As a result of the discovery the layout of the development was redesigned in order to allow for the complete preservation in situ of the burial ground.

Archaeological monitoring of the construction works was undertaken by James Kyle, of ABH Ltd. commencing September 2021 following the transfer of the archaeological licence from Coilín Ó Drisceoil of Kilkenny Archaeology.

To date no further archaeological remains of any kind have been uncovered on site and the Famine-era mass burial pit uncovered by O'Drisceoil has been preserved in situ and protected throughout the construction works.

c/o Archaeology & Built Heritage, St. Paul's Enterprise, Smithifeld, Dublin 7