2022:763 - Curraghmartin, Kilkenny

Targeted archaeological test trenches were excavated here in November 2020. A potential circular enclosure recorded during an earlier geophysical survey (20R0209) at the north-east limit of the site was identified in Trench 1 as a bi-vallate enclosure with an outer, U-shaped ditch measuring 3m in width and 1.66m in depth, and an inner ditch measuring 0.5m in width. An area of concentrated magnetic response was investigated in Trench 12, which identified linear cuts and fills and a possible pit feature, all containing charcoal.

Following the identification of these features during testing, excavations were conducted from 28 February to 15 March 2022 to archaeologically resolve and preserve by record features identified in Trench 12 during testing. An area measuring 20m x 20m was stripped of topsoil under constant archaeological supervision in February 2022. Three features of archaeological interest were uncovered, recorded and fully excavated.

These features appear to represent kiln activity, the exact date and nature of which is as yet unclear. No archaeological objects were recovered during the course of the excavations. Environmental samples were recovered which are proposed for further analysis.

In addition to the excavation of the previously identified features, monitoring of all groundworks associated with ground investigation trial pits, the construction of an approach road, a temporary works compound, access roads, substations and cable trenches was also undertaken from June 2021 to August 2022. A feature containing charcoal and burnt stones was observed in the section of one of the cable trenches in the western extent of the site c. 57m southwest of the previous excavation area. This feature was recorded and samples retained.

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