2024:733 - Athlone Public Realm Scheme, Westmeath
County: Westmeath
Site name: Athlone Public Realm Scheme
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A
Licence number: C001231 & E005562 & W000578
Author: Faith Bailey
Author/Organisation Address: c/o IAC Ltd, Unit G1 Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
Site type: Road
Period/Dating: Post Medieval (AD 1600-AD 1750)
ITM: E 603837m, N 741465m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.423284, -7.942272
A programme of archaeological monitoring of site investigation works was undertaken in advance of a public realm enhancement scheme. The site investigations included the excavation of one Soak Pit, two Trial Pits (TP), five Slit Trenches (STP) and three Foundation Trial Pits (FTP). During the excavation of the Trial Pits a cobbled surface was identified in TP1, which is likely to represent remains of a post-medieval road. Stone slabs were recorded in the base of STP1, which may represent a possible culvert capping. Both features were preserved in situ during the course of the site investigations.
The site investigations did reveal a number of modern services crossing the site, which is not unexpected, given the urban nature of the landscape. No archaeological features predating the post-medieval period were identified. Whilst the area to be developed was subject to a large redevelopment in the 19th century, it remains possible that archaeological features predating this work survive beneath the current ground level.