County: Laois Site name: Ralish
Sites and Monuments Record No.: LA030-002 Licence number: 21E0811
Author: Denis Shine - Irish Heritage School/ CRDS Ltd.
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 645764m, N 683340m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.898969, -7.319811
Licensed archaeological testing was undertaken in advance of a proposed single dwelling development at Ralish, County Laois.
Testing followed an Archaeological Assessment undertaken in September 2021 which indicated that the area in the vicinity of the proposed development is characterised by early medieval settlement, in particular ringforts and enclosures. RMP LA030-002, an enclosure, was also identified in the same field as the development, and remains partly visible as a faint bowl-shaped depression of c. 20m diameter. The development does not impact on the visible remains of the site, but archaeological testing was required to assess the potential for sub-surface archaeological features within the development's proposed footprint.
Testing, which took place on 3 January 2022, consisted of the excavation of seven test trenches amounting to a total of 108.7 linear meters. Testing was undertaken by a mechanical 13-tonne tracked digger fitted with a 1.8m wide ditching bucket. Non-natural features were recorded, and soil conditions noted. No features of archaeological significance were recorded. Therefore, no further archaeological works were recommended for the site.
Johns Hall, Birr, Co. Offaly
