County: Meath Site name: Rathmullan, Sheephouse and Donore
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 22E0798; 22R0279
Author: Deirdre Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit
Site type: Plectrum-shaped enclosure, ring ditches, a house and associated features
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 706444m, N 774488m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.709213, -6.387638
Archaeological test trenching was carried out on the site at Rathmullan, Sheephouse and Donore, Co. Meath, following a geophysical survey (22R0279, Donald Murphy, 2022) as features of potential archaeological significance were recorded (including a plectrum-shaped enclosure, a ring ditch and possible ring ditches as well as features of potential archaeological significance).
A total of 54 test trenches were excavated, including additional trenches excavated to further investigate the archaeology exposed. Each trench measured 1.8m in width, and in total, 5450m of linear trenches were excavated. Anomalies identified during the geophysical survey were targeted. The test trenches were excavated to the natural subsoil, which varied significantly and was exposed at a depth of between 0.3-1.5m, but mainly at 0.3-0.8m.
Test trenching confirmed the results of the geophysical survey and two ring-ditches, C3 (Anomaly 1) and C21 (Anomaly 3a), with associated features, were recorded in Field 4. In the southern portion of the field, a possible house (C23) with a group of features, including a stake-hole (C27), post-holes (C24-26, C28, C29), a pit (C32), linear features (C30, C31, C33, C35-39) and a possible kiln (C34) were recorded. To the east, a curvilinear feature C14 (Anomaly 4c) and associated features, including pits and linear features (C8, C10-13) were identified. In Fields 2 and 3, a plectrum-shaped enclosure, C43 (Anomaly 2), with associated linear features that could represent field systems (C40-C42, C44, C45, C47-C49, C51-60), curvilinear features (C43 and C50) and a possible kiln (C46) were exposed.
Field 1, adjacent to and east of the motorway remains untested.
Reference:
Murphy, Donald. (2022) Geophysical Survey at Rathmullan, Sheephouse and Donore, Co. Meath (22R0279) Unpublished report by ACSU.
Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth
