2026:013 - Broughal, Kilcormac, Offaly

Two parallel test trenches were excavated in the area of the proposed development. They each measured 28m in length and were excavated to a maximum depth of 0.55m. The topsoil and sod extended to 0.1m and overlay a dark brown loose garden/plough soil that contained fragments of mortar, red and yellow brick and sub-angular limestone rubble. The subsoil was exposed at depths varying between 0.4m and 0.55m. It comprised a sandy yellow and grey fine gravel mix. A dump of limestone and red brick rubble was evident at the southern end of Trench 2 directly beneath the sod. This measured 5m in length, 0.4m in depth and extended eastwards and westwards beyond the trench limits. A spread of similar rubble was evident at the northern end of the trench, extending south over 2m from the northern limit of the trench and measuring 0.3m in depth. These spreads most likely represent rubble from a demolished building that was evident on the 6-inch 1837 OS map. The stone was rounded limestone rubble with some sub-angular pieces averaging 0.2-0.3m in length. No archaeological features were identified during trenching and no finds were recovered.

However sub-surface masonry remains/foundations could survive outside the trenches, particularly to the east where buildings are indicated on historic maps. While the presence of rubble in Trench 2 is indicative of demolition, there is no certainty that all sub-surface traces of these buildings have been removed. It is therefore recommended that groundworks for the proposed development are monitored by a licence eligible archaeologist.