County: Limerick Site name: Skehacreggaun, Mungret
Sites and Monuments Record No.: LI013-009---- Licence number: 24E0259
Author: Donald Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit Ltd
Site type: Medieval activity: pits, kilns and ditches
Period/Dating: Medieval (AD 400-AD 1600)
ITM: E 554144m, N 654100m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.636177, -8.677465
The site was subject to archaeological assessment, including a geophysical survey (23R0259) and test
trenching (24E0259). No definite signs of archaeology were identified during the geophysical survey; however, linear features and small and large anomalies of potential archaeological significance were noted within the site, and these were targeted during subsequent test trenching. A total of 18 test trenches were excavated and an area measuring c. 80m2 was opened within the south end of the site where potential archaeological features were identified. Each trench measured 1.8m in width, and in total, 809m of linear trenches were excavated. The test trenches were excavated to the natural subsoil and bedrock and in general, topsoil measured 0.2m to 0.6m in depth/thickness.
Archaeological activity was identified on the higher ground within the southern portion of the site. Features were exposed in Trenches 11, 12 and 14. These included pits (C5–C8, C11), a keyhole-shaped kiln (C4) and ditches (C9, C12, C13) that corresponded with geophysical anomalies recorded as ?Archaeology. No diagnostic material culture was identified; however, it is likely that the activity exposed dates to the medieval period. This is due to the location of the site, the results of previously archaeological investigations undertaken in the surrounding area, and the nature of the features identified. This area of Mungret has strong early medieval monastic traditions, as well as considerable evidence for later ecclesiastic activity.
No features of archaeological significance were exposed within the northern, lower and wetter portion of the site.
Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth. A92 DH99.
