2023:088 - Rathcool Aerodrome, Rathcool and Knockcahill, Cork

Seven 2m-wide linear test trenches, totalling 470m in length, were excavated across areas of the aerodrome that will be impacted by the proposed development during the testing programme; nothing of an archaeological nature was revealed. The spoil excavated from the trenches in proximity to ringfort CO030-145— was scanned with a discriminating detection device (Detection Device Licence No. 23R0092), however, no responses were returned.

The testing programme revealed that much of the site was likely subject to land improvement efforts during the 19^th century. This was likely undertaken under the stewardship of the Colthurst family of Blarney Castle. The Colthurst’s owned large tracts of land in this area at that time and also constructed Colthurst Bridge (CO030-247—-) to the immediate northwest of the subject site in 1858. The testing programme demonstrated that the lower lying portions of the site, which in effect represent the southern flood plain of the River Blackwater, have had much alluvially derived silts and gravels deposited upon them. The trenches excavated across the proposed alignment of the hard-surfaced runway also indicated that the water table is quite high in this area.