2026:269 - Rivers, Limerick

A programme of archaeological test trenching was undertaken in the townland of Rivers, Co. Limerick. A total of 51 trenches were mechanically investigated across the testing area, totalling 3813 linear metres. Several archaeological features and deposits were identified during the testing programme. The most significant feature was an enclosure ditch (C11/C12), which corresponded to a subcircular anomaly identified during the preceding geophysical survey. The subcircular enclosure was defined by an earth-cut ditch 1.8-1.9 m wide, measuring approximately 32.55 m NW-SE by 27.9 m SWNE. The geophysical survey indicated a possible entrance on the southwest side. An investigatory sondage indicated a depth greater than 0.75 m. Additional archaeological features identified during testing included two possible pits (C8 and C10) and multiple heat-affected features, which may represent possible kilns or associated pits (C14, C16, C18 and C20). Several of these features contained charcoal-rich deposits, oxidised clay, and evidence of in situ burning. C14 and C20 displayed keyhole/figure-of-eight morphologies suggestive of kiln-related activity. A NW-SE-aligned substantial ditch with a slight curve, located 8 m SW of the NE site boundary (C21/C22), and two short, shallow linears, C4 and C6, were also identified within the site. Several non-archaeological features were recorded during testing, including cultivation furrows, field drains, and areas of modern disturbance and dumping associated with agricultural activity and land improvement. Although some geophysical anomalies proved non-archaeological in origin, the testing programme confirmed the survival of subsurface archaeological remains in the eastern part of the site.