2024:683 - Carriglong, Waterford

Test excavations were carried out at Carriglong, Tramore, Co. Waterford. The site lies between Waterford and Tramore, west of Tramore Road (R675), with access from the north via the L80381 and south via the L96756. It comprises undulating arable land (Fields 1 – 12) and measures c. 51 ha. An Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment was previously carried out for this site. The study area was examined within a 1km radius of the site. It confirmed the presence of two Recorded Monuments within the site: an enclosure (WA017-054) and a burnt mound (WA017-0113), both placed within 20m buffer zones. Twelve unregistered sites were identified within the site, with possible impacts only on two structures (ITM 658632, 604940; CH033 and ITM 658895, 605042; CH035); these are depicted on the 1840 Ordnance Survey map. An earthen bank (ITM 658190, 605105; CH037) was identified during the site visit with
a 5m precautionary buffer zone designed around it. The report recommended a geophysical survey, test trenching and monitoring.
A geophysical survey of this site was previously conducted by Donald Murphy, Robert Breen and Jeanne Rochford of Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit Ltd. (ACSU) under licence 24R0390 issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. A complete, detailed gradiometer survey was undertaken throughout the application area using a SENSYS MAGNETO MXV3 8-sensor fluxgate gradiometer cart system. Definite archaeological features were detected in Fields 1 (M1), Field 2 (M2) and Field 3/4 (M3), and features of archaeological potential were recorded in Fields 1 to 12.
Archaeological test trenching was carried out in fulfilment of a condition attached to Planning by Waterford City and County Council. A total of 86 trenches (Trenches 1-17, 19-42, 44-88) were excavated across the site to determine the nature of the anomalies detected in the geophysical survey (24R0390). Other test trenches were set out to give good ground coverage over the entirety of the site.
The topsoil and subsoil had an average depth of 0.3m to 0.4m across the site. It was generally a firm, mid-greyish brown silt clay with occasional small sub-angular stones. The natural subsoil (C2) throughout this site primarily consisted of a compact, orange/brown silty clay with occasional/frequent small to medium sub-angular stones. This varied in parts where a more definite orange boulder clay was present, particularly to the southeast, where the elevation was higher.

Several features were identified throughout the site, including an enclosure annexe (C10/C11), a ring ditch/barrow (C5/C6), possible pits (C8, C9, C14, C17), and linear/ditch features (C3, C4, C15, C16). Some were later determined to be unrecorded field boundaries and more recent agricultural activities (C7, C12, C13, C18), and one was deemed geological (C19). Archaeological deposits were uncovered in Fields 1, 2, and 3.
In Field 1, an annexe (F10, C11) associated with the monument WA017-054— (Enclosure) was identified in Trench 59. This was first identified as M1 (geophysical survey-24R0390). Two possible pits (C8 and C9) were uncovered a short distance east of C10/C11 in Trench 63 and Trench 14, respectively. Further west in Trench 6, a small pit or post-hole (C14) was also identified. In Field 2, a ring-ditch/barrow (C5/C6) was identified in Trench 72. This feature was previously identified as M2 (geophysical survey-24R0390). Two curving ditch features (C3 and C4) were identified in Trench 76 and Trench 5, respectively. These features were also visible in the geophysical survey and were possibly archaeological. In Field 3/4, a possible pit feature (C17) was exposed in Trench 55. This was located east of the burnt mound WA-17-113 in Field 1 and
may be related. It was identified as the location of M3 (geophysical survey-24R0390). C17 was similar to the aforementioned possible pits C8 and C9 in Field 1. Two linear features (C15 and C16) were located immediately north of C17. These were also located at M3 and may be archaeological.
There is no exact date for the archaeological contexts found during the test excavations. However, from the type of archaeological features known on this site, i.e. WA017-054—enclosure, WA017-113—burnt mound, and the newly identified ring-ditch/barrow (C5, C6), a general date range spanning the Bronze Age to the Early Medieval period can be given for the archaeological activity on the site.