2021:464 - Knockharley, Meath

Archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping in 2021 marked the final phase of topsoil stripping at the site. Two features of archaeological significance were encountered in the course of monitoring. Feature 1 was initially revealed as a small area of dark soil and burnt stone that was partially cut by a modern field drain. Manual cleaning back of the area revealed a sub-circular-shaped area of burnt stone extending 7m x 6.5m and with a maximum height of 0.5m. 3m east of the burnt spread an irregular-shaped pit feature was cut into the natural subsoil. The feature measured 1.7m north-south x 0.7m and was filled with irregular-shaped stones, similar to those from the burnt spread. Feature 2 consists of a roughly circular-shaped area of burnt stone 0.65m in diameter cut into the natural subsoil. Both of the features will be directly impacted by the development and it was recommended that they be archaeologically resolved through excavation.

In the course of archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping at the site in 2018 a number of pit features were identified below topsoil and cut into the natural subsoil. The pit features covered an area 15m x 15m. The manual cleaning of this area uncovered a number of north-south running agricultural furrows and eight pit features. Two conjoined pits (C14 & C18) were located in the north-west with a total of six pits located on either side to the east and west. All of these smaller pits were cut into the natural subsoil and were different in shape and size. All of the fills were similar and contained a dark brown soil with frequent fragmented burnt stones and occasional charcoal. A number of burnt bone fragments were recovered from the fill of C4. No finds were recovered from the site. Post-excavation analysis of the charcoal and burnt bone will be completed and sent for radiocarbon dating if deemed suitable.

Old Church Street, Athenry, County Galway