2026:188 - Mundellihy, Dromcolliher, Limerick

Archaeological monitoring at the proposed development site at  Mundellihy, Dromcolliher took place in mid-April 2026. Archaeologically, the rear south-west limits of the proposed development site encompasses the relict remains of a recorded monument, classified as a ringfort.

The proposed extension foundation trenches of a new single-storey extension to the rear (south-west facing) and side (north-west facing) elevation of the existing dwelling house were excavated by a 13-tonne machine using a 0.6m-wide toothless bucket under constant archaeological supervision. Large fragments of modern concrete from a demolished garden shed and demolished extension were noted within the excavated material. The foundation trenches were excavated to a depth 0.5m exposing sterile light orange silty clay natural subsoil. Where present, topsoil to a c.0.3m depth comprised of mid-brown organic material. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted within the foundation trenches

A sub-rectangular area (c.10m x 10m) was opened for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP ) as set-out by the contractor.

A total of five potential archaeological features (F1-F5) were identified within the exposed area. The features comprised of four small pits and a spread of heat-affected/hot stone material, possibly ex-situ fulacht fiadh.

A revised/alternative WWTP area was proposed to preserve the revealed features in situ. No archaeological features were found during subsequent monitoring of topsoil stripping for the revised WWTP.