2021:122 - 5-9 New Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary

Archaeological test excavations were carried on 4-6 August 2021 in relation to the proposed development of a hotel and ancillary buildings on the site of a number of street-fronted buildings and their associated plots at Nos 5-9 New Street, Carrick-on-Suir, as part of an Archaeological Impact Assessment in response to a request for further information in respect of Planning Ref. 20/1586.

The site lies within the zone of archaeological potential of the historic town (TS085-004), and abuts a surviving section of the medieval town defences (TS085-004032).

Seven test trenches were excavated during testing. Trenches were 1.5m wide, 6.5-35m long and 0.3-0.88m deep.

A number of features of potential archaeological interest were revealed during test-excavation. Within Trench 1, a cobbled stone surface, likely of the same date as the outbuilding to the rear plot of No. 5, was identified, and appeared to spread over a considerable part of the yard. This is an interesting component indicative of the mid- to late 19th-century use of the site.

In Trenches 2 and 3, some evidence of the structures that are shown on historic Ordnance Survey maps to have previously existed to the rear of No. 6 was revealed.

Within Trench 6, which was excavated to the north of the town wall, there was possible evidence of the foundation cut for the town wall, although no evidence of a defensive ditch or fosse was revealed. The area abutting the wall has been subject to prior disturbance, with the site inspection revealing that it is brownfield, having recently been cleared; it has also potentially been subject to historical disturbance given the visible evidence of repair to the wall, and the possible foundation cut noted may be related to modern repair or other activity.

Unit 39a, Hebron Business Park, Hebron Road, Kilkenny