2022:256 - KILMACTALWAY, Newcastle, Dublin

Archaeological test trenching was carried out on the site at Kilmactalway, Newcastle, Co. Dublin.

Test trenching was carried out between 14 and 16 September 2022. A total of 6 test trenches were excavated within the site. The test trenches targeted anomalies discovered during the geophysical survey (licence 22R0072, 20R006). Each trench measured 2m in width, and in total 438m of linear trenches were excavated. Topsoil measuring between 0.2–0.58m was removed onto the natural subsoil or the top of archaeological features. The anomalies detected were targeted. Features of archaeological significance were exposed in Trench 1B, these were concentrated directly to the west of the enclosure and east of Aylmer Road. The features exposed include three large ditches containing animal bone and charcoal deposits, a number of other linear features with charcoal-rich fills and at least five grave cuts were identified containing an extended inhumation (relevant statutory authorities were informed). The burials are not all east to west aligned. An osteoarchaeologist attended the site and an osteological in-situ assessment carried out identified the remains of at least nine individuals. The ditches and features exposed in this area may represent a part of an annex associated with the enclosure.