County: Kilkenny Site name: N78 Castlecomer Footbridge
Sites and Monuments Record No.: KK005-102--- Licence number: 20E0355.ext
Author: Padraig Dunne
Site type: Bridge; post-medieval
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 653582m, N 673050m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.806000, -7.210000
Archaeological monitoring of ground and ancillary works associated with the construction of a pedestrian bridge adjacent to the existing Castlecomer Bridge were undertaken intermittently from July to September 2021. This was carried out under an extension to Excavation Licence 20E0355 (as well as Detection Device Licence 20R0130), previously granted for the monitoring of geotechnical investigations in 2020 (see Report No. 2020:177).
The works involved:
• monitoring of the topsoil strip for a construction access road leading from the N78 through Castlecomer Discovery Park to the River Dinin,
• works associated with the diversion of the River Dinin and Ardra (Brackagh) Stream to ensure no impact on a nineteenth-century weir,
• removal of Japanese Knotweed (including the grubbing out of rhizomes) on the left bank of the river and the eastern of two islets within the river, and the removal of topsoil from the location of the eastern and western abutments and central pier area (centred on the western islet) as well as the pile cap excavation works.
A masonry feature displaying a sub-triangular or wedge-shaped footprint was uncovered during topsoil stripping of the eastern abutment area on the northern side of the east approach to Castlecomer Bridge. The masonry is unremarkable in nature which suggests it is most likely to be eighteenth or nineteenth century in origin. The feature was largely preserved in situ. A mortar sample of the structure has been retained for further analysis. Timber pegs or piles were observed within the stone apron underlying and also extending north from the existing Castlecomer Bridge. These pegs have been recorded and sampled for further analysis. All excavated soil was scanned by metal detector (20R0130) and no artefacts were found. However, two clay pipe fragments were recovered from the sediments overlying the masonry feature. It is envisaged that the mortar and wood sample will be sent to relevant specialists in the hope of shedding further light on the bridge’s construction and/or modification.
John Cronin & Associates, 3A Westpoint Trade Centre, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
