2025:117 - Kilcullenbridge, Kilcullen, Kildare

Archaeological test-excavation and monitoring was carried out by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd in relation to the construction of a Strategic Housing Development at Kilcullenbridge, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.

The tested areas were previously subjected to a geophysical survey by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd under Survey Licence No. 24R0236. The geophysical survey identified a small number of potential archaeological anomalies, primarily representing possible pit-type features.

The site comprised a c. 4.1-hectare plot, largely composed of a number of former agricultural greenfield sites. Much of the eastern portion of the site was covered with mounds of topsoil and previous construction materials from an adjacent housing development, and each area of the site required extensive clearance prior to each phase of development, meaning that the associated geophysical survey and test-excavations were likewise carried out on a phased basis, as portions of the site became available.

Archaeological test-excavations were carried out on 20 June 2024, 24 July 2024 and 9 January 2025.

Four test-trenches were excavated in geophysical Survey Area B (Trenches 1-4), seven test-trenches were excavated in geophysical Survey Area C (Trenches 9-14), and five test-trenches were excavated in geophysical Survey Area D (Trenches 15-19) ahead of the commencement of development-related groundworks in these areas. A further three test-trenches had been proposed for geophysical Survey Area A (Trenches 5-7), however these were not excavated as the relevant areas had either previously been stripped of topsoil and/or fell within an area in which no development-related groundworks will take place.

The sixteen excavated test-trenches showed the ground in geophysical Survey Areas B, C & D, as comprising heavily disturbed, made ground and construction waste, overlying natural subsoil. No archaeological finds features or deposits were identified in any of the excavated trenches.

Following test-excavations, two remaining untested areas of the site were subjected to archaeological monitoring on 13–14 February and 2 April 2025. No archaeological finds features or deposits were identified during monitored groundworks.