2021:725 - Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, Clare

A programme of archaeological monitoring of ground works was carried out for the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project in Ennis, County Clare. Most of the proposed works took place within the historic town of Ennis (CL033-082--). The Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project involves a variety of paving and landscaping works in Ennis town centre, including locations at O’Connell Square, High Street, Barrack Square and Old Barrack Street and along several laneways in the medieval town centre. Most of the works took place within the ‘zone of notification’ for the historic town of Ennis (CL033-082--). This phase of the works relates to the remodelling of Parnell Street, adjacent lanes, and Bow-ways.

For the most part excavations were limited to a maximum depth of 800mm. The subsurface material on Parnell Street and adjacent lanes comprised mainly of ground disturbed by previous civil works for the installation of drains, gullies, manholes, sewers, and ducting for various services.

Fills of gravels, sands and rubble containing a variety of small- to medium-sized stones were found during the excavations. In a couple of instances deeper excavations exposed an undisturbed dark yellow sandy clay layer, with frequent inclusions of small stones.

A large slab (measuring 750mm by 700mm wide with a thickness of 150mm) was found outside the front door of the Corner Bar at the western end of Parnell Street, approx. 500mm beneath the level of the footpath. This slab may have been used as a steppingstone to gain access to the old bar. This feature was recorded and retained in situ under a protective layer of terram and sand.

The remains of a cobbled surface at on the western side of Westby Lane were recorded and retained in situ. The surface was located roughly 600mm beneath the modern ground surface and measured approx. 9m in length and between 760mm to 900mm in width. A layer of sand and  pebbles overlay the cobbles. This feature was recorded and retained in situ under a protective layer of terram and sand.

During archaeological monitoring of the works in September 2020 a well-preserved stone-lined well was uncovered at Curtin’s Lane (ITM 533665E 677415N). The well was encountered during deeper excavation to facilitate broadband ducting. The well was found in a mixed brown silty clay layer roughly 500mm beneath the modern ground surface. The visible remains measured 1.3m east-west by 1.2m.

On discovery, all groundworks were suspended in the immediate area. The well was cleaned by trowel and brush and temporarily covered. Subsequently open groundworks were infilled and the well covered with a steel plate and preserved in situ.

The upper course of the well was observed at a depth of 660mm below modern ground level (3.559m OD) and had a maximum visible depth of 1.58m where a layer of stone and clay was encountered. The infill between the modern ground surface and the top of the well consisted of a mix of rubble, clay, and sand. The top course of the well appears to have been protected by a stone covering, but this had been partially broken and had fallen into the well during either the present or past works. A previously existing duct passed immediately to the south of the well and it is possible that the excavation works associated with this work may have disturbed the well at some time in the recent past. Some modern confectionery wrapping was recovered from within the rubble fill material immediately above the first course of the well.

The top of the well was fully exposed and cleaned by hand. The visible remains measured 1.3m east-west by 1.2m. The well was constructed from medium-sized stone blocks roughly set in approximately 11-12 courses.

After discussion with the resident engineer and the client’s representative it was initially proposed that the well be preserved in situ and presented as a street feature. This would have involved construction of a reinforced concrete ring beam which would be independent of the existing well structure. The RC ring beam would be covered with a hinged lockable 300mm toughened glass panel. At the time of writing plans to present the well as a visible street feature have been deferred. The well has been sealed by a steel pad and sand and remains in situ.

A local commentator noted that the well found in Curtin’s Lane is part of a network of old wells that were part of the infrastructure of the medieval town. He stated that two other wells have been found, one on High Street or O’Connell Square and the other inside the town hall. A review of historic mapping was carried out and no indication of the well was noted.

The well is of unknown date but appears to pre-date the 1st Edition OS Map (1830s).

A 19^th-century culvert consisting of gully chamber and a three-way system manhole was recorded during groundworks at the footpath intersection of Binden Lane and Binden Street. The manhole and the gully were covered by capstones. The culvert was found roughly 400mm beneath the modern ground surface in a mixed fill of gravel and sand.  Inside the culvert a layer of sand, clay and small stones runs across the gully to the manhole.  A layer of terram and sand was used to cover the culvert.

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