2024:630 - Suir Island (Oldbridge Townland), Clonmel, Tipperary

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken of ground works associated with the creation of a public garden amenity in the immediate environs of Suir Island House, Suir Island, Oldbridge, Clonmel. The works are immediately to the south of the constraint area for the Historic Town of Clonmel, on an island on the south bank of the river Suir.

Clonmel town was synonymous with the corn market in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, resulting in the successful commercial and economic development of the town.  Between c. 1770 and 1830, Clonmel was to become one of the greatest grain markets in Ireland with all of the corn of Tipperary and neighbouring counties passing through the town.  As part of the golden era of milling in Clonmel, it has been estimated there were a total of 23 mills, many of which were located on islands within the river Suir  – Little Island, Suir Island and Stretches Island – with main focus being on Suir Island.

The phenomenal success of the milling industry allowed their owners to build fine dwelling houses set within ornate gardens on the Islands. Suir Island House, built c. 1760, is one such building. The creation of a public garden amenity is within the immediate environs of Suir Island House, occupying the private gardens formerly associated with the house.

Commencing in 2024, ground works will continue in 2025. Ground works for the public garden amenity entailed landscaping, paving, building a children’s play area and laying ducting for lighting and water. Topsoil stripping exposed remains of a floor and wall foundations for buildings associated with the milling buildings or related structures. Works will continue into 2025.