2024:702 - Main Street, Iverstown, Sixmilebridge, Clare

An archaeological impact assessment (AIA) including a geophysical survey and test-excavations was conducted on behalf of Lidl Ireland GmbH in relation to the proposed construction of a single storey discount food store, including a car-park and ancillary works at Main Street (R471), Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.

Prior to the test-excavations the site was subjected to a geophysical survey on 8 October 2024 under survey licence no. 24R0475 (Greiner & Shanahan 2024). The magnetometry survey data produced a large number of anomalies across the site. While the majority of the identified anomalies appeared to relate to modern activity and/or disturbance, there were two linear features, as well as a moderate number of small anomalies that are interpreted as potential archaeology.

The features identified as modern generally comprised small ferrous anomalies and a number of areas of magnetic interference. A number of larger areas of concentrated magnetic response were interpreted as probably relating to modern ground disturbance, although the largest of these areas may also potentially relate to sub-surface remains or rubble associated with previous house structures shown in this general location on the historic first-edition OS map. The two identified linear features clearly relate to former field boundaries shown on the historic first-edition and 25-inch OS maps. As well as the linear features, there were also a moderate number of smaller individual anomalies which were identified as potential archaeology, with these anomalies being interpreted as potentially representing small to medium sized pit-type features.

Archaeological test-excavation was carried out on 7 November 2024. A total of 15 test trenches were excavated across the development site. The trenches were 2m wide and ranged in length from 20–40m, with a maximum depths varying from 0.25–0.72m. The test trenches targeted the results of the preceding geophysical survey. In each excavated trench, the exposed subsoil was examined for archaeological features and the topsoil was investigated by hand for artefacts.

A number of cultivation furrows were noted at the subsoil level in each of the five easterly cuttings (Trenches 1–5), while a relict field boundary ditch was also identified in a number of trenches. None of the potential pit-type features identified in the geophysical survey data were found to be archaeological in nature.

No archaeological objects or finds, features or deposits were identified in any of the excavated trenches.