2021:400 - River Blackwater at Castlelands and Bearforst Lower, Mallow, Cork

Archaeological monitoring of the Mallow Sewerage Scheme was completed in 2021 where the project crosses the River Blackwater in Castlelands townland, Co. Cork, in fulfilment of Planning Condition 41. The location lies close to the Mallow Castle complex (CO033-09001-) and is downstream from Mallow Bridge (CO033-094, NIAH 20816010).
Excavation into the riverbed occurred in a series of 12 stages in which a block of the river channel was coffer-dammed; the riverbed within the coffer-dam was machine-excavated to the required depth; the excavated risings were transported off-site to a dump area; the sewer pipe inserted, and the work area back-filled.
The archaeological monitoring observed the excavation process, inspected the risings both at the excavation face and at the dump area, and conducted metal-detection of the risings at the dump area.
The riverbed retains a depth of river cobble and till that lies above bedrock.
No archaeological features were observed.
A series of objects were recovered that include several interesting pieces. None of the objects were associated with in-situ features and may be regarded as individual losses. The assemblage speaks to the late medieval and early modern history of Mallow. One object deserves particular mention and may be considered a worthy piece for museum display; namely a lead mount or plaque fragment that may have been part of a small box or casket. It retains the image of a clothed male figure and may date to the sixteenth century.

Archaeological Diving Company Ltd, Beverley Studios, Church Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow