2021:353 - Slane/Fennor/Cashel/Cullen, Meath

Archaeological testing of anomalies that were identified as a result of a geophysical survey (Licence No. 20R0238) of the proposed N2 Slane bypass road scheme was carried out in the townlands of Slane, Fennor, Cashel and Cullen.
Archaeological sites were confirmed in two locations. A probable ring-ditch and associated features were identified in in Area 12 / Fennor townland and a circular enclosure ditch was identified in Area 20 / Cashel townland. Testing of other anomalies identified during the geophysical survey confirmed the potential features to be non-existent or to be of geological, rather than archaeological, origin.
Ring-ditch, T2, Area 13, Fennor townland:
A probable ring-ditch and associated features were identified in Trench 2 in Area 13. Based on the combined evidence of the geophysical survey and the archaeological testing, the probable ring-ditch is sub-circular- or Ω-shape in plan, with an internal diameter of 7m to 8m, comprising a curvilinear ditch that is 1m wide and 0.65m deep. The ring-ditch has one fill at its eastern side, an orange-brown clay with frequent charcoal flecks. It is similar to the main fill of the western side. The western side had been re-cut, suggesting some sort of maintenance of the ring-ditch.
The remains of a possible inner bank consisting of re-deposited natural boulder clay and measuring up to 1.7m in width were identified within the south-western limits of the probable ring-ditch. Two possible post-holes, each 0.6m in diameter, were identified adjacent to the ring-ditch and possible bank.
No central cremation or burial was identified within the test trench T2. Specialist analysis of a soil sample taken from the single fill of the north-eastern side of the probable ring-ditch may yield further information on dating.
Circular enclosure, T15 and T16, Area 20, Cashel townland:
A large circular enclosure ditch with an internal diameter of c.27m that had been identified in the geophysical survey in Area 20 was confirmed by archaeological testing. The ditch was identified in Trenches 15 and 16, where it was 2.3m to 2.4m wide and 0.6m to 0.8m deep. It has two main fills, the lower of which is a soft, dark brown, gritty silty clay with frequent small stone inclusions and charcoal flecks. The upper fill is a mid-brown, silty, sandy clay with occasional charcoal flecks. Both fills contain animal bone. Soil samples from the lower fill and a charcoal lens in the upper fill may yield more information on dating. No evidence of a possible pit that had been identified within the enclosure on the geophysical survey was found during testing.

Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy Ltd.