2024:704 - Towlerton, Ballysimon, Limerick

Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. was commissioned by Lidl Ireland GmbH to carryout licensed archaeological excavation and monitoring at a development site at Towlerton, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick. The work was required under Condition 9 of the grant of planning by Limerick City and County Council which stipulated that a burnt mound feature and an associated larger area adjacent to this feature, which was identified following a geophysical survey carried out by J. M. Leigh Surveys Ltd. in 2023 (licence no. 23R0059) and later confirmed through test excavation by Aegis Archaeology Ltd. (licence no. 23E0214), be subjected to archaeological excavation prior to commencement of construction works. Condition 9(d) of the grant of planning also stipulated that following excavation, all development-related groundworks across the site be subjected to archaeological monitoring.

A recorded monument, standing stone LI005-074—-, is located within the wider development site, standing close to the south-east boundary of the site, and approximately 15m outside, and to the south-east of the excavation area.

Excavation and monitoring was carried out between 8 July and 20 September 2024. Initially, an area measuring 25m x 40m was stripped surrounding the features previously identified by geophysical survey and test excavation. During the course of archaeological monitoring, additional features extending beyond the proposed area of excavation were identified. Accordingly, the area subject to archaeological investigation was extended to the west and south-west. This extended area measured 62m (north-east/south-west) by 27-50m.

All topsoil stripping associated with the proposed development took place under direct archaeological supervision. This work identified numerous additional potential archaeological features, all of which were subject to archaeological investigation.

Archaeological excavation identified three distinct phases of activity at the site. The earliest phase was represented by Structure 1, which was formed from a series of post-holes (C.146; C.213; C.215; C.217; C.219; C.223; C.227) and slot trenches (C.221; C.225, C.233). The spacing of these features suggest a sub-rectangular structure measuring 3.8m x 3.75m.

The second phase of activity was associated with the usage of burnt mounds at the site. This was evident from the presence of a burnt spread (C.80), troughs (C.5, C.81), and a damaged trough (C.17). The cut for trough C.5 clearly cut through C.219 and C.233 indicating that Structure 1 predates C.5.

The final phase of activity at the site was associated with modern agricultural and industrial activity. Vernacular cobbled surfaces (C.138; C.248 and C.249), a charcoal-production pit (C.114) and numerous ditches date from this period. The function of some of the more isolated pit features is unclear.

Numerous finds were identified during the excavations; expert analysis is pending. Finds comprised ceramic (pottery x 32, clay pipe x 13), lithics (flint/chert x 4, lignite x 2), metal (iron object x 5, copper alloy x 2, lead x 1), glass (bottle/vessel x 12, bead x 2, pane x 1), as well as wood and numerous animal bones.