2024:697 - Ballintrane, Clonmacshane and Graiguealug, Carlow

Archaeological monitoring of the mechanical excavation of sod and topsoil in a number of areas was carried out in 4 different fields, in the townlands of Ballintrane, Clonmacshane and Graiguealug, Co. Carlow.

An Archaeological Testing Report undertaken by John Cronin and Associates Ltd under licence 22E0888, identified a number of buffer zones where archaeological features had been identified. Archaeological monitoring of the mechanical excavation of sod and topsoil in some of these areas was undertaken. This was carried out to ascertain the nature and extent of the features, with the possibility of further excavations and preservation by record.

The Archaeological Testing Report (22E0888) recommended further site investigations in Field N3 where the remains of a ring-ditch and numerous archaeological features were recorded. Area F was located along the line of the access road where subsurface works could not be avoided. Areas C and D were excavated along the line of proposed sub-surface works associated with the solar farm development.

Areas A, B, E and F were located in the buffer zones.

The archaeological monitoring of the topsoil stripping in Field S1, in Area A, identified archaeological features that would appear to extend outside the limits of the area (15m x 15m).

Although no further features were identified in Area B, a worked flint blade was recorded during the monitoring. It was decided that no further investigations would be carried out in these areas and the buffer zone will be retained in order to preserve the archaeological features in situ.

Archaeological monitoring of the topsoil stripping in Field S3, revealed 19th-20th-century features and finds in Area D.

In Area C, an area of archaeological features was recorded in the east end, measuring 11m in length. As these features are located along the line of the proposed cable, excavation is required.

Archaeological monitoring of the topsoil stripping in Field N1 revealed an area of archaeological features measuring 6m x 6m. A piece of worked flint (possible thumb scraper) was recorded from this area which would give a Neolithic/Bronze Age date (4000-600BC). It was decided that no further investigations would be carried out in these areas and the buffer zone will be retained in order to preserve the archaeological features in situ.

Archaeological monitoring of the topsoil stripping along the south boundary of Field N3, in the area of the access road, revealed a number of modern drains, furrows associated with recent agricultural activity and a modern cut filled with redeposited natural and machinery fragments. A deposit of blackish-brown clay with charcoal inclusions was recorded in the west end, extending into the north baulk. Excavation recorded the deposit measured 0.07m in depth with no evidence of burning in situ.

No further archaeological features were identified in the area.