2023:833 - Rossbrien, Limerick

An archaeological test excavation was carried out at proposed development lands located in the townland of Rossbrien, County Limerick. The development site is located 3km to the south of Limerick City. The site is comprised of 18.88 hectares of agricultural lands bounded by the N18 to the north and the M20 to the east. The Ballynaclough River flows close to the northwest boundary with residential developments to the southwest and south.
A desk-based assessment and geo-physical survey (Licence No. 23R0077) was completed as part of an overall Archaeological Impact Assessment. The desk-based assessment identified four Recorded Monuments within the boundary of the development lands which were subsequently excluded from the development plan. The geophysical survey identified no significant archaeological remains but did locate several areas of potential archaeology.

The test excavation consisted of 32 trenches distributed across the development site. The test program found the remains of disused field systems, access paths, post- medieval structural remains and a linear mill pond dating from the 19th century. Several areas of potential archaeology were also found, characterised by pits, post-holes and fire-spots.