2023:228 - Ballinrea and Ballinvuskig, Carrigaline, Cork

A programme of archaeological testing comprised the excavation of 76 trenches within the footprint of a proposed solar farm development to assess the potential for subsurface archaeological remains. The trench layout was arranged to target identified geological anomalies. There were three fields in total: Areas 1, 2, and 3.

Nothing of archaeological significance was identified in Area 1. A total of three burnt mounds, eight primarily isolated pits or possible pits and four isolated deposits, three ditches, two curvilinear ditches and three linear features were uncovered within Area 2. While in Area 3, a total of 16 pits/possible pits, six stake-holes/possible stake-holes and one possible post-hole were recorded. Linear agricultural features such as lazy bed furrows, plough furrows and field boundaries were observed across all areas.

Edit 08/2024: A programme of archaeological monitoring consisting of boreholes were undertaken under the same licence at a later date. These boreholes were also undertaken at the site of Ballinvuskig grid connector route.

The investigations were primarily located in areas previously archaeologically tested and confirmed as not having any archaeological remains. Nothing of archaeological significance was identified during the course of monitoring.