2022:942 - Rathmiles and Ballybrittas Tds, Killenard, Laois

A programme of testing was undertaken in part preparation of an Archaeological Impact Assessment required by the Planning Authority with respect to a residential development located in the townlands of Rathmiles and Ballybrittas, Killenard, Co. Laois.

There are some areas of disturbance within the extent of the site relating to site preparation works associated with a previous development; these include a temporary entrance, an internal access road/track, areas of previous topsoil stripping, some house foundation along the northern area, spoil mound to the northwest and a spoil bund along a section of the eastern boundary created by previous topsoil stripping along this area of a site.

There are no previously identified archaeological monuments located within the subject site. There are three Recorded Monuments located outside the extent of the site within the wider defined Archaeological Study Area; there are LA005-016 (Ringfort – rath; Rathmiles Td), the associated Zone of Archaeological Notification of which is approximately 275m from the north-western extent of the site; LA009-003 (Enclosure; Ballycarroll Td) the associated Zone of Archaeological Notification of which is approximately 360m from the eastern extent of the site and LA005-015 (Burial Ground; Rathmiles Td), the associated Zone of Archaeological Notification of which is approximately 460m from the north-western extent of the site.

No surface traces of archaeological potential were noted by a review of historic cartographic or aerial photographic/satellite image sources or by a surface reconnaissance survey; in terms of the latter, the exposed subsoil surfaces of the area previously subjected to topsoil stripping were carefully examined twice, once after a spell of rains, and no features of archaeological potential were evident.

A programme of intrusive archaeological testing, comprising the machine excavation of 24 trenches, was undertaken in early July 2022; the locations of the trenches were randomly positioned across the site and their respective locations was based on the existing topographical nature of the site, including available undisturbed areas, and the development layout.

All trenches were excavated by machine fitted with a 1.5m-wide toothless grading/ditching bucket and in spits of approx. 0.1m depth, with the surface of each spit examined before excavation of the next spit; in addition, the trenches generally terminated at the surface of the underlying subsoil, although in some instances this surface was further excavated in order to determine, with certainty, that no subsurface features existed within the areas of testing.

Following completion of the trench excavations, all the trenches were photographed, following which the sides and bases were cleaned by hand using a hoe and/or trowel, with the resultant spoil retained within the trench cut.  In addition, the mechanically excavated spoil was ‘raked-through‘ to increase the chances of artefact recovery.

No subsurface features of archaeological interest or potential were uncovered and no artefacts of archaeological or historical interest were recovered in any of the excavated trenches.