2023:789 - Greatconnell, Kildare

A programme of archaeological test excavation was undertaken at Greatconnell, County Kildare in October 2023 in order to evaluate potential archaeological features identified from a geophysical survey carried out in 2020 (Detection licence ref. 20R0181). The works were confined to three cuttings within the northern portion of a larger landholding located immediately north of a deserted medieval settlement (KD023-016004) and the ecclesiastical complex of Great Connell Abbey (KD023-016—–). Metal detection of the spoil (Detection device ref. 23E0360) was also carried out to assist with artefact retrieval.

Three individual cuttings (Cutting 1-3) with a combined area of 374 sq. m were opened within the northern portion of a large arable field. The cuttings targeted a selection of geophysical anomalies to the north of a trivallate enclosure identified from a geophysical survey undertaken in 2020. A total of 21 features of archaeological significance were identified within the cuttings, comprising four ditches, seven linear features, four pits, one stone surface, one hearth and four possible stake-holes. Thirteen features were wholly or partially excavated in order to investigate their depth. A total of 143 late medieval pottery sherds (Leinster Cooking Ware, Dublin-type Cooking Ware, Dublin-type Ware, Dublin-type fine ware and Kildare-type Ware) and four late medieval tiles were recovered from the excavated features and the topsoil. Two smithing hearth cakes and a fragment of a tuyère were also retrieved, suggesting metalworking activity at the site. Several features contained fragments of animal bone with cattle, sheep, pig and horse represented in the assemblage. One charred grain of Avena Sativa/Fatua (cultivated/wild oat) retrieved from the excavated hearth was subsequently radiocarbon dated to 1301 -1398 cal AD (2 sigma). The radiocarbon date and artefacts are consistent with the period of occupation of the Augustinian Great Connell Abbey which was ultimately dissolved in 1540.

This excavation confirms the findings of the 2020 geophysical survey, and shows that the deserted medieval settlement (KD023-016004) at Great Connell extends further north than previously recorded.