2024:811 - Oldtown 1, Westmeath

This site was identified during preliminary archaeological investigations conducted prior to the construction of a large-scale linear development in the area for a gas pipeline. A geophysical survey (24R0194) and test excavations (24E0734) were initially carried out. The results of these preliminary investigations were indicative of an extensive settlement complex to the east of the field in which the site is situated, with sub-oval enclosures, possible annexes, possible internal structures in the annexes and several linear and curvilinear features that might suggest field systems or other enclosing elements in the form of ditches. The latter of these extended to the west of the identified settlement enclosure and into the footprint of the development, forming the site of Oldtown 1.

As the proposed development route could not be amended, it was recommended that all archaeological features be preserved by record (archaeological excavation).

The excavations were carried out in October 2024. Modern furrows were observed running across the site and extended beyond the eastern and western site limits (C5 and C6/C18). Both ran roughly northeast to southwest across the site and were similar in size and depth, containing the same loose, mid-brown silty clay with low quantities of small, angular to subangular, spheroidal stone inclusions (C10 and 11, respectively).

Four features (C4, C8, C9, C17) were initially marked as archaeological when the site was hand-cleaned after being stripped of topsoil. A light, red-coloured patch was initially thought to be in-situ burning, represented by oxidised clay (C4). However, this was found to be a natural deposit when excavated. C8 and C9 were interpreted as possible post-holes and associated linear features, respectively, but were also found to be natural. Finally, C17 was marked as an east-west-oriented linear feature but was found to be a deposit of topsoil within a slight depression into the natural.

The archaeological features on-site comprised four linear features aligned roughly north to south (C3, C7, C14 and C15), an additional linear feature (C25) aligned approximately east to west, and two pits (C19 and C20). The exact function of these features was unclear. Still, they appear to be associated with a large enclosure, which was identified during the geophysical survey to the east. A small quantity of animal bone, charcoal and charred seed was recovered, the majority of which was recovered from the largest linear feature, C14. Only three artefacts were recovered from the site – all three were recovered from the linear ditch C14. These were a sherd of late medieval pottery, an unidentified iron object and a rectangular iron staple. The presence of a staple indicates the former existence of an object of carpentry or woodworking, perhaps a box or casket, which in turn tends to support the suggestion of an early medieval settlement site in the immediate vicinity of the excavated features.

Two radiocarbon dates were recovered from this site. A radiocarbon date of 1290–1400 Cal AD (620 ± 30 BP; C14-10135) was obtained from a twig of hazel recovered from C23 (upper fill in ditch C14), which places this feature in the late medieval period and a radiocarbon date of 1400–1460 Cal AD (470 ± 30 BP; C14-10134) was obtained from a twig of hazel recovered from C22 (primary fill of pit C20), which also placed this pit feature in the late medieval period.

The features identified at Oldtown 1 appear to be a small part of a larger archaeological landscape. The surrounding landscape is primarily dominated by ringforts, known as raths. These circular enclosures, constructed from earthen banks and ditches, were familiar farmsteads or residences for farmers and nobles and are the most common type of monument found in Ireland. A ringfort – rath (WM033-062) was located northeast of the site, a second (WM033-068) was located to the east, and a third was located to the southwest (WM033-061).

It was initially anticipated that the excavated features at Oldtown 1 would likely represent an associated field system which would date to the early medieval period (400 – 1100 AD). The features identified at Oldtown 1, however, were dated to the late medieval period (13th-15th century AD) and therefore postdated the period typically associated with ringforts but may represent successive phases of expansion and occupation. The true nature, extent and function are impossible to decipher. Any future excavations to the east would be invaluable in discerning the true nature of the identified features at Oldtown 1.