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PROJECT DETAILS
Project M3 Clonee to North of Kells, Contract 2
NRA Project Number MH 00 100
Client Meath County Council, National Roads Design Office,
Navan Enterprise Centre, Navan, County Meath
Site Testing Area 1
Townlands Roestown and Cooksland
Parish Dunshaughlin
County Meath
Nat. Grid Ref. 295526, 252971 to 295646, 253098
Chainage 21320 to 20100
RMP No.
Licensee Jonathan Dempsey
Licence No. 04E0415
Senior Archaeologist Donald Murphy
Consultant Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd
21 Boyne Business Park
Greenhills Industrial Estate
Drogheda
County Louth
Project Start 3rd March 2004
Report Date August 2004
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report has been prepared by Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd on behalf of Meath
County Council, National Roads Design Office, and the National Roads Authority. The
assessment was under licence issue by the DOEHLG, in consultation with the National Museum
of Ireland (NMI).
Consulting Engineers - N3 Meath Consult
Engineer – Peter Thorne and Thomas Meagher
Resident Engineer – Gillian Coogan
Meath County Council, National Roads Design Office
Senior Engineer – Nicholas Whyatt
Project Archaeologist – Mary Deevy
Project Liaison Officer – Catherine Anderson
National Monuments, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government
Archaeologist – Martin Reid
Irish Antiquities Division, National Museum of Ireland
Keeper- Nessa O’Connor
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
Contract 2, Testing Area 1
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SUMMARY
Archaeological assessment along one section of the planned M3 Clonee-North of Kells Road
Scheme, County Meath, was carried out by Jonathan Dempsey of ACS Ltd on behalf of Meath
County Council, National Roads Design Office, and the National Roads Authority. The work was
undertaken under licence (04E0415) issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and
Local Government (DOEHLG) in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland (NMI).
The section described in this report is Testing Area 1 of the Dunshaughlin-Navan section
(Contract 2). This Testing Area is located in the townlands of Roestown and Cooksland between
chainage 26600 and 27050. Between 25th April and 14th May 2004, 111 test trenches, totalling
6284 linear metres, were excavated by a mechanical excavator under the direct and continuous
supervision of a suitably qualified archaeologist in Testing Area 1. This represents 10.29% of the
lands made available for archaeological assessment in Testing Area 1 (13926m2 of 135239m2).
Six sites of archaeological significance were identified: two fulachta fiadh, designated Roestown
1 and Cooksland 2; the remains of a charcoal manufacturing kiln, designated Cooksland 1; a
complex of enclosures, possibly early medieval in date which were designated Roestown 2a and
Roestown 2b; and the remains of buildings of 19th century date, designated Roestown 3 and
Cooksland 4. These sites were tested by hand excavation and a full written, drawn and
photographic record prepared.
Where preservation in situ is not possible, further archaeological investigation and excavation of
all the archaeological remains is recommended to fully mitigate the impact of the proposed
development.
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
Contract 2, Testing Area 1
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction Page 1
2. The Development
2.1 Proposal Page 1
2.2 Archaeological Requirements Page 1
3. Archaeological Assessment
3.1 Archaeological and Historical Background Page 2
3.2 Methodology Page 9
3.3 Archaeological Assessment Results Page 9
3.3.1 Plot 1055 – Roestown 1 Page 9
3.3.2 Plot 1053 – Roestown 2a Page 12
3.3.3 Plot 1052A – Roestown 3 Page 16
3.3.4 Plot 1052B – Roestown 2b Page 18
3.3.5 Plot 1052C – Coooksland 1 Page 27
3.3.6 Plot 1022 – Cooksland 2 and Cooksland 4 Page 29
3.4 List of Contexts Page 33
3.5 List of Samples Page 41
3.6 List of Finds Page 43
4. Discussion Page 43
5. Impact Statement Page 48
6. Recommendations Page 48
7. Conclusions Page 49
8. Bibliography Page 50
9. Glossary Page 52
List of Figures
Cover Extract from the Ordnance Survey 6” 1st edition of 1836, County
Meath Sheet 38
Figure 1 Proposed Route of M3 and Location of Testing Area 1
Figure 2 Detail of Testing Area 1
Figure 3 EIS Areas 28 and 29
Figure 4 Roestown 1, trench layout and C135, C138, C139 and C140
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
Contract 2, Testing Area 1
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Figure 5 Roestown 1, Sections through C135 and C138
Figure 6 Roestown 2a, trench layout and Geophysical Survey
Figure 7 C007, Trench 1 (mid-excavation plan)
Figure 8 Trenches 12 and 12 extension, C007 (mid-excavation plan)
Figure 9 Sections through C007
Figure 10 Plan and Section of C020
Figure 11 Sections through C015, Trench 11
Figure 12 Plan and Section of C027
Figure 13 Plan and Section C024
Figure 14 Trench Layout, Roestown 3
Figure 15 Roestown 3, Trenches 1, 2 and 2 extension; C202, C203, C212, C208
Figure 16 Sections through C208 and C212
Figure 17 Location of Roestown 3 on the Ordnance Survey Six-inch First
Edition of 1838, County Meath Sheet 38
Figure 18 Roestown 2b Trench Layout and Identified Archaeological
Features
Figure 19 Roestown 2b Trench Layout and Identified Archaeological
Features and Geophysical Survey
Figure 20 Mid-excavation Plan of C082 and C098 in Trench 17
Figure 21 Section through C082 and C098 in Trench 9
Figure 22 Mid-excavation plan of C082 in Trench 17
Figure 23 Section through C082 in Trench 17
Figure 24 Mid-excavation plan of C095 in Trench 17
Figure 25 Section through C095 in Trench 17
Figure 26 Plan and Section of C125, Trench 1
Figure 27 Plan and Section C126, Trench 10
Figure 28 Plan and Section C127, Trench 17
Figure 29 Plan and Sections C129, Trench 17 and C101, C116, Trench 11
Figure 30 C031 and C123, Trench 9 and Trench 9 extension
Figure 31 Trench 11, C117 and C118
Figure 32 Cooksland 1 and C147 and C149
Figure 33 Location of C147, C149 on the Ordnance Survey Six-inch First
Edition of 1838, County Meath Sheet 38
Figure 34 Location of Cooksland 2
Figure 35 Location of Cooksland 4
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
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Figure 36 Plot 122, Trenches 19 and 20
Figure 37 Mid-Excavation Plan of C164, C165 and C167
Figure 38 Sections of C164, C165 and C166
Figure 39 Location of Cooksland 4 on the Ordnance Survey Six-inch First
Edition of 1838, County Meath Sheet 38
List of Plates
Plate 1 Roestown 1, Trench 9a, C138 and C139 from west
Plate 2 Roestown 1, Trench 9a, C137 and C138
Plate 3 Roestown 2a, Trench 1, C007 and C008 from east
Plate 4 Roestown 2a, Trench 12, C008 and C010 from east
Plate 5 Roestown 2a, Trench 10, C020 from southeast
Plate 6 Roestown 2a, Trench 17, C027 from west
Plate 7 Roestown 2a, Trench 7, C006 from north-northeast
Plate 8 Roestown 3, Trenches 1 and 2, C202 from north
Plate 9 Roestown 2b, Trench 9, C082 and C095
Plate 10 Roestown 2b, Trench 17, C096 from east
Plate 11 Roestown 2b Iron Artefacts 04E0415:2 and 04E0415:3
Plate 12 Roestown 2b, Trench 17, C066 from west
Plate 13 Roestown 2b, Trench 9 (extension), C119 from south-southwest
Plate 14 Roestown 2b, Trench 11 (east), C118 from east
Plate 15 Cooksland 1, Trench 21, C141 from south
Plate 16 Cooksland 2, Trench 11, from south
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
Contract 2, Testing Area 1
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1. INTRODUCTION
Test excavation of Testing Area 1, Contract 2, on the route of the M3 Clonee to North of Kells
PPP Scheme was undertaken by Archaeological Consultancy Service Ltd (ACS) on behalf of
Meath County Council, National Road Design Office, under licence number 04E0415 issued to
Jonathan Dempsey by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Test
excavation took place between 25th April and 14th May 2004.
2. THE DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Proposal
Meath County Council has proposed to realign the N3 between Clonee and North of Kells,
County Meath (Figure 1). The overall scheme is approximately 60km in length. A total of 49km
will be dual carriageway motorway, 2.1km of dual carriageway and 10km single carriageway.
The proposal also involves a number of realignments to existing minor roads. The scheme
commences at the end of the existing Clonee Bypass and runs in a northwestwards direction,
rejoining the existing N3 north of Kells. The archaeological investigation of known and suspected
archaeological sites and the remainder of the route has been divided into 5 separate contracts
(Archaeological Services Contracts 1–5). Contract 2 is 15.5kms long, and this has been divided
into 21 areas of known or suspected archaeological significance (Testing Areas 1–21). Testing
Area 1 is located in the townlands of Roestown and Cooksland in the parish of Dunshaughlin (OS
six-inch sheet 38, NGR 295526, 252971 to 295646, 253098; see Figure 2). This corresponds
approximately to Chainage 21320–Chainage 20100 of the proposed scheme.
2.2 Archaeological Requirements
Archaeological Services Contract 2 is sub-divided into two phases. Phase 1 deals with the test
excavation of the whole contract, including known and possible sites identified in the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and other studies. Phase 2 provides for the resolution of
any archaeological sites and/or features identified by the Phase 1 works and will be the subject of
separate licence applications.
The details and methodology required for Phase 1 are set out in the specifications section of the
contract documents and are as follows:
Phase 1 shall take the form of mechanically excavated 2m wide test trenches in each of the
Testing Areas. The minimum quantity of test trenches required is outlined in the Scope of Works
contained in the Bill of Quantities (4200 linear metres). In general, the layout of the test trenches
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
Contract 2, Testing Area 1
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shall be a continuous test trench along the centreline with offsets every 20m across the width of
the landtake. This pattern shall be modified where necessary and/or as instructed by the Project
Archaeologist, e.g. in areas of known and possible sites or where a different layout would be
more practical. In addition, a test trench shall be excavated parallel to all rivers and streams.
Phase 1 includes the test excavation of known and possible sites. It also includes test trenching
the remainder of the route and test excavation of any archaeological remains identified. The
purpose of this phase is to determine the presence or absence of archaeological features,
structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts along the whole route. If such archaeological remains
are present, the testing phase must establish the nature and extent of the archaeological deposits
and features present to allow an assessment to be made of the archaeological impact of the
proposed development. A sufficient amount of partial excavation and half-sectioning will be
carried out in order to assess the nature and extent of any archaeological remains present.
Where necessary and/or instructed by the Project Archaeologist, the 2m wide test trenches will be
widened to 4m and/or additional test trenches will be excavated.
The aims of the Phase 1 test excavation were:
• To determine, through test excavation, the nature, significance and extent of the
archaeological features identified by geophysical survey of Testing Area 1 (Area 28 and
29); and
• To establish, through test excavation, the presence or absence of archaeological sites and
features in the remainder of Testing Area 1 and their nature, significance and extent.
3. ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
3.1 Archaeological and Historical Background
Evidence for Mesolithic activity in County Meath is largely restricted to the eastern coastal area
and is characterized by shell middens and scatters of flint tools. A wooden platform of Late
Mesolithic date has been excavated at Moynagh Lough, Brittas (Bradley 2000, 161) while a pit of
Late Mesolithic date was excavated in Kilsharven Townland (Russell 2003). It is likely that the
interior of the county, while heavily wooded, would have been utilized by the Mesolithic
population, along with the coastal, lacustrine and riverside environments.
The first phase of activity on the Hill of Tara dates to the Neolithic period and consists of a
Neolithic palisaded enclosure. This internationally significant archaeological complex comprises
at least seventy monuments spanning in date over three millennia. Religious and funerary
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monuments predominate, and the best known monuments include Ráith na Ríg, Ráith Lóegaire,
Tech Midchúarta (the Banqueting Hall), Ráith na Senad (the Rath of the Synods), Clóenfherta
(the Sloping Trenches), Ráith Gráinne, Ráith Maeve Tech Cormaic, the Forradh, the Lia Fáil
standing stone, and Dumha na nGiall (the Mound of the Hostages) (Kilfeather 2002). The fact
that the hill was the focus of such intense activity, and that many of the later monuments
respected or incorporated the earlier, must indicate that the builders recognized the importance of
the hill and wished to be associated with it. In the medieval period many of the monuments are
mentioned in texts, poetry and oral lore.
Evidence for ritual and funerary monuments of Neolithic date, such as those that form the earliest
phases of activity on the Hill of Tara, is relatively more plentiful than that of settlement sites.
Religious monuments include three passage tomb cemeteries (Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth) at
Brú na Boinne, and passage graves such as Dumha na nGiall. Embanked enclosures, such as
Rath Maeve (ME037:800), which are characterized by a large internal diameter, flat-topped
banks, the absence of a construction ditch and a lowland river valley setting (Stout 1994, 189) are
also thought to have been religious sites. Neolithic settlements identified in the archaeological
record include a house, which was dated to the fourth millennium BC, excavated at Newtown in
advance of a pipeline (Halpin, 1991). Another Neolithic house was excavated at Platin, Duleek
Road in 2001 (Moore 2003).
Towards the end of the third millennium BC, significant changes occurred in pottery, burial rite
and, with the introduction of bronze, technology. While in the Neolithic period the remains of a
number of individuals were placed in the chambers of Megalithic tombs, in the Early Bronze Age
the dominant rite is for individual inhumations or cremations in cists or pits. Such cists and pits
occur singularly or in groups with no surface indications, under burial mounds, or inserted into
earlier mounds. Where composed primarily of stone, these mounds are known as cairns; where
made mainly of earth, they are known as barrows. Monument types within the barrow class
include ring-barrows, where the mound is enclosed by an outer ditch and bank, and bowl barrows,
which have central dome-shaped mounds. A ring barrow in Skreen Townland with a diameter of
15m was partially excavated in 1953 (Hickey 1996, 38). While rare, occupation sites from the
Bronze Age are also known, such as the Beaker habitation site excavated at Site 12 Rathmullen
(Bolger, 2003). The earliest phases of settlement at Colp West are also of Bronze Age date (Cal
1520–1310 BC).
Stone circles, standing stones and stone alignments also date to the Bronze Age period. The
Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) records a total of three stone circles in County Meath,
while 44 standing stones have also been recorded. Excavations at Newgrange also uncovered
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evidence for a pit circle, dating to circa 2000 BC, and a ditched pit circle has been revealed by
geophysical survey on the hill of Tara (Fenwick and Newman 2002, 3).
The most widespread Bronze Age sites are fulachta fiadh (or burnt mounds), although some of
these may date to the medieval period. The RMP records 26 such monuments in County Meath,
although additional numbers of fulachta fiadh have been identified by recent archaeological work
in advance of development. In 1998 four fulachta fiadh were excavated in Randalstown
Townland, along with a number of associated pits (Murphy, 2000, 243). Such sites are often
identified as spreads of burnt material as the mound has been ploughed out. Excavation has
revealed that troughs, pits and stakeholes are often associated with such sites. It is thought that hot
stones were added to the water in the trough to heat it, although for what purpose remains open to
interpretation. The most popular suggestions are that these were used for cooking or as sweat
lodges.
Settlement sites of the Iron Age (c. 700 BC–AD 400) are extremely difficult to identify in the
landscape. A total of three hillforts have been identified in the county (Moore 1987). Such sites
may have their origins in the Late Bronze Age. It has been suggested that the circular enclosures
in Belpere Townland, visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs, date to the Iron Age period
(Newman 1997, 207). The defended earthworks of Ringlestown Rath (ME037:005), Rathmiles
(ME031:015) and Rath Lugh (ME032:025) may be of Iron Age date (ibid, 235). Ráth na Rig on
the Hill of Tara has also been dated to the Iron Age, although it is unlikely that this monument
was for defence or settlement, but rather was the setting for social and religious ceremonies, as
has been suggested for similar enclosures at the “royal sites” at Knockaulin, Co Kildare and
Navan Fort, Co Armagh. Likewise, Phase 2 of Ráith na Senad, which consisted of a complex of
palisade enclosures dated to the Iron Age, is unlikely to have served a utilitarian function. Phase 3
of this monument was a flat cemetery of cremation, and extended and crouched inhumations of
Iron Age date.
Based on comparisons with other such monuments, the linear earthwork (ME031:040) in the
townlands of Castletown, Tara and Riverstown may also date to this period. Three casual finds,
comprising two horse bits and a pendant were found in the Tara-Skreen valley and further attest to
Iron Age activity.
The archaeology of the early medieval period (AD 400–800) is characterised by ringforts,
souterrains and ecclesiastical sites. The term rath is used where a ringfort is defined by an earthen
bank. Univallate enclosures, where the site is defined by a single bank, are the most common type
of ringfort. The entrance into a ringfort usually consisted of an undug causeway across the ditch
leading to a gap in the bank(s). It is probable that each ringfort was a farmstead occupied by a
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Scheme, County Meath
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single family unit and their retainers (Stout 1997, 32). While such sites had a protective function
such as the defence of stock from cattle raiding, the size and type of enclosure may also have
reflected the status of the inhabitants. The RMP for County Meath records 463 ringforts or raths
in the county, and a total of 229 enclosures are also recorded.
Souterrains are underground or semi-subterranean passages used for refuge or storage. They have
been found with ecclesiastical sites, enclosed and unenclosed settlements; isolated examples may
indicate the presence of an unenclosed settlement. A total of 60 souterrains are recorded in the
RMP for the county. Various techniques are used in the construction of souterrains. Earth-cut,
rock-cut, a combination of earth-cut and rock-cut or, less commonly, tunnelled souterrains all
exist. The supporting walls are commonly of drystone construction and are roofed with stone,
although wooden variants have also been excavated. Internal features of souterrains include
creeps and blinds, drains and murder holes. These features suggest that souterrains were used for
refuge, although they may also have been used for storage. The majority of souterrains date to the
Early Christian period, with a floruit from the eighth to the twelfth century BC (Clinton 2001).
The introduction of Christianity in the fifth century AD led to the development of numerous
monastic foundations throughout Meath. According to tradition, the church of St Secundinus,
Dunsaughlin was founded in the mid-fifth century. Monasteries were established at Skreen
(Acaill) and in the townland of Trevet. The earlier name for Trevet was Dumha Dergluachra
which has been translated as “the burial mounds of the red rushes”. Art, son of Con of the
Hundred Battles, is said to be buried at Trevet; it has been suggested that the place name derives
from Tri-foid as three sods were turned in honour of the Holy Trinity when digging Art’s grave.
The monastery at Trevet was visited by Colmcille in circa AD.560, was raided by the Norse in
AD 848 and AD 917, and by the Irish in AD 1145 and AD1152. The remains of the church
(ME038:017) date to the Norman period, and other monuments in the immediate area include a
field system (ME038:015), a rectilinear enclosure (ME038:015), and a tumulus (ME038:018).
By the eighth century, the layout of these ecclesiastical centres had formalised into two concentric
enclosures: an inner enclosure surrounding a church and graveyard, and an outer enclosure
surrounding dwellings and workshops (Ryan 1991, 136). The present curving street pattern of
Kells reflects this layout. In addition to their religious functions, monasteries became centres for
trade and crafts, performing many proto-urban (central place) functions. Patronage from wealthy
aristocrats ensured not only that many monasteries were wealthy and powerful, but also that
religious and secular power were connected, and the fortunes of the monasteries were linked to
the fortunes of the patrons. The second reform Synod of AD 1111, held at Rath Breasail, and the
later Anglo-Norman colonization of the county removed the power and influence of the old
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monasteries. The arrival of the Cistercians in the twelfth century AD also brought major changes
to the design and organization of monasteries.
Bhreathnach has suggested that the local population groups whose authority was at its height prior
to the seventh century survived as landed families into the Anglo-Norman period (1999, 1). The
kingship of Tara was a source of contention from the fifth to the seventh centuries AD between
the northern and southern Ui Neill and the dynasties of Leinster and Ulster. The Ui Neill gained
the ascendancy in the seventh century. Literary evidence from the seventh century AD onwards
suggests that the Hill of Tara was the seat of the high-kings of Ireland, although it is unlikely that
this concept of primacy became a reality until the ninth century AD with the rule of Máel
Sechnaill I (Bhreathnach and Newman 1997, 20 and 23). In this period, Tara formed part of the
kingdom of Deiscert Breg, which itself was divided into a number of petty kingdoms
(Bhreathnach, 1999, 3). From the eleventh century AD onwards, the symbolic status of kingship
of Tara increased while the authority of the kings of Tara was reduced as control of Dublin
became more important.
After the Anglo-Norman invasion of AD1169–70, Hugh de Lacy was granted the liberty of Meath
by Henry II in AD1172 in return for the service of fifty knights. The liberty of Meath comprised
not only that county, but also Westmeath and parts of Longford and Offaly. De Lacy retained
much of Meath for himself and administered as seigniorial manors, which were subdivided into
manors (Coldrick 2000). Trevet for example was held by the de Essocot family (Bhreathnach
1999).
It was the Anglo-Normans who constructed ringworks, mottes and baileys, stone castles such as
Trim and, later, moated sites. Mottes consisted of steep-sided conical mounds, flat-topped and
surrounded by a bank and ditch. Timber buildings and defences would have been located on the
flat summit of the motte. The bailey was an outer enclosure which might or might not have been
attached to the motte. The buildings and defences of baileys would also have been constructed of
wood. A total of 61 mottes or motte and bailey castles have been recorded in the RMP for County
Meath.
While there is considerable evidence for the widespread movement of English peasants into
County Meath after the Anglo-Norman invasion, there is also considerable debate as to the nature
of the settlements in which these settlers lived. Much of the summary provided below is taken
from O’Conor (1998). The traditional model suggests that the English peasants occupied an
English style village, consisting of a cluster of crofts and tofts surrounding a church and castle or
manor house. Based on the juxtaposition of churches and castles in County Meath, Graham has
suggested 98 village and 6 rural boroughs in the county (1975, 224–8). Others (see for example
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Simms 1988 for County Meath) suggest that while villages were established in anglicised parts of
eastern Ireland due to the adoption of the Irish townland system, most of the English free tenants
lived away from these in farmsteads scattered through the countryside. While there is agreement
that villages existed, the size of such villages and their development through time is open to
debate (O’Conor 1998, 70).
The earliest borough from the post-invasion period was Drogheda-on-the-side-of-Meath which
was granted its charter by William de Lacy in AD1194. This was followed by Kells and Trim
(AD1194–99), and by Ratoath which was incorporated before 1200. The medieval boroughs of
Meath can be divided into three categories: the walled towns such as Trim, Athboy, Kells and
Drogheda; the unwalled towns which were usually baronial capitals, monastic sites or market
centres such as Slane, Nobber, Skreen, Duleek and Ratoath; and, finally, those boroughs which
had their own charters but which never managed to develop beyond the level of a manorial
village. Boroughs of the last category are often termed rural boroughs and include Greenoge,
Drumcondra, Newtown Trim, Syddan, Colp and Marinerstown or Mornington (Coldrick 2000).
Based on historical references, Bhreathnach has suggested that sites such as Dunshaughlin,
Skreen, Duleek, Lusk, Knowth, Drogheda, Dowth, Trim and Slane were important in the pre-
Norman period (1999,17) Breathnach has also suggested this importance was recognised by the
Anglo-Normans and that they took control of established territorial division and of settlement
(ibid).
At the height of their power in the first half of the thirteenth century, the Anglo-Norman
conquerors held no more than two-thirds of the country. During the fourteenth and fifteenth
centuries, their authority was in continuous decline until they effectively controlled only the area
occupied by the modern counties of Dublin, Louth, Meath and Kildare. In AD1495, this area was
designated The Pale under an Act of Parliament and it became the area in which English dress,
customs, language and political power flourished most in opposition to the native Gaelic culture
all around it. In terms of agriculture and settlement patterns, the impact of the Anglo-Normans in
The Pale was revolutionary and apart from Dublin, Meath became the part of Ireland most
intensively settled by Anglo-Normans (Graham 1974).
Towerhouses, or fortified stone residences, were built in County Meath from the 14th to the 17th
centuries AD. Sweetman et al describe towerhouses as being “rectangular in plan, up to five
storeys high, often with two diagonally opposed projecting angle towers and usually containing
such features as a barrel vault over the ground floor, mural passages, stairwell, garderobe and
murder-hole” (1995, 110). The RMP record 51 towerhouses in Meath.
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The 17th century A.D was a time of unrest in the county with skirmishes and sieges related to the
Irish rebellion, the reaction of the English under Ormond, the campaigns of the Confederate Army
and Cromwell, and later the Williamite Wars. In contrast, the 18th century AD was a time of
stability and this is reflected by the construction of grand country houses and the development of
estates and estate villages.
Communications were also improved in the 18th century with the construction of a number of
bridges and roads, the latter indicated by the survival of milestones. In 1748, the Boyne
Navigation Scheme was initiated to link the Boyne and the Blackwater.
While towns continued to grow in the 19th century and industry developed, the economic basis of
the county remained essentially agricultural, and this resulted in the landscape of enclosed fields,
dispersed farmsteads and small villages visible on the Ordnance Survey six-inch first edition of
the 1830s.
Environmental Impact Statement
As part of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), an archaeological desk-based study and
walkover survey for this section was carried out by Margaret Gowen and Company Ltd on behalf
of Meath County Council. A geophysical survey of the entire length of Contract 2 was also
undertaken by GSB Prospection. This consisted of gradiometer scanning and detailed gradiometer
survey (EIS Ref. Areas 28 and 29; Figure 3).
Area 28: Roestown Townland
Situated to the east of the present N3, a substantial U-shaped enclosure with internal ditched
subdivisions and traces of a field system to the south and east was discovered by geophysical
survey. There is also a long linear feature extending to the northeast (possibly a trackway) with
another linear feature which may have been the result of modern drainage. There are pits within
the enclosure and to the south of it.
Area 29: Roestown Townland
At the western side of the N3 and opposite Area 28, the scan produced another substantial site
comprising a large D-shaped enclosure (dims. c.70m by 55m). This had internal subdivisions and
a subcircular annexe with radial subdivisions and traces of a radial field system to the south.
Some of the radial ditches may be later field system features superimposed on the enclosure after
it had gone out of use. There is a deep modern ditch along the southern boundary of the site which
shows extensive ferrous disturbance.
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Ferrous disturbance at both Area 28 and Area 29 is probably due to the hard core around the gates
and the metal fences and gates.
3.2 Methodology
In accordance with the specifications section of the contract documents and the method statement
approved by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a 30-tonne 360
degree mechanical excavator with a toothless ditching/grading bucket was used to excavate a
centreline trench with perpendicular offsets every 20m. Excavation took place under the direct
and continuous supervision of an experienced archaeologist. Trench Number 1 was attributed to
the centreline trench and the offset test trenches were numbered from north to south, grouped
together by landowner plot number. In some cases, the distance between trenches was reduced or
the width of trenches extended to define archaeological features.
Where archaeologically significant features were identified, mechanical excavation ceased and the
features were cleaned and tested by hand. A written, drawn and photographic record was prepared
and appropriate samples retrieved. All archaeologically significant features were related to
Ordnance Datum and the Irish National Grid. The location of finds was recorded and also the
context from which they were retrieved.
3.3 Archaeological Assessment Results
Testing Area 1 was located in the townlands of Roestown and Cooksland and comprised four
landowner plots. From north to south these were Plot Numbers 1055, 1053, 1052 (subsequently
sub-divided into 1052A and 1052B) and 1022.
3.3.1 Plot 1055 – Roestown 1
Plot No 1055
Chainage 21350–21100
Land Use Pasture
Townland Roestown
Owner Newland Properties Ltd
NGR 295920, 254305–295841, 254025
Total Meterage 1022.2
Summary
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Plot 1055 was located to the north of Plot 1053 and south of Plot 1056. The land fell from
northwest to southeast and a low ridge was visible orientated from northeast to southwest. The
low-lying land was boggy. Plot 1055 measured 290m long by 40m wide.
The topsoil (C001) consisted of a dark brown peaty loam while the subsoil (C002) was a
yellowish-brown stony clay with patches of grey gravelly clay. The nature of the soils and the
morphology of the landscape indicated that Plot 1055 was located on the edge, or in a former area,
of wetland.
Trench Details
Trench
Number Length Average Depth Orientation
1 221.5 0.3 North-northeast to south-southwest
2 20.7 0.29 East-southeast to west-northwest
3 51.1 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
4 54.0 0.27 East-southeast to west-northwest
5 56.2 0.26 East-southeast to west-northwest
6 57.0 0.3 East-southeast to west-northwest
7 58.8 0.28 East-southeast to west-northwest
7a 32.8 0.35 East-southeast to west-northwest
8 61.5 0.23 East-southeast to west-northwest
8a 31.5 0.23 East-southeast to west-northwest
9 62.2 0.35 East-southeast to west-northwest
9a 28.7 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
10 64.3 0.34 East-southeast to west-northwest
11 65.2 0.29 East-southeast to west-northwest
12 67.9 0.39 East-southeast to west-northwest
13 25.5 0.35 East-southeast to west-northwest
14 63.3 0.39 East-southeast to west-northwest
Total 1022.2
Archaeological features – Roestown 1
One trough and two possible pits with fills of fulacht fiadh-like material were noted in this area.
The site was designated Roestown 1 (Figures 4 and 5; Plates 1 and 2).
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Trough
C138 was a subrectangular pit with rounded corners identified in Trench 9a. This pit measured
1.72m east to west by 1.55m north to south by 0.4m deep (104.262mAOD; Figures 4 and 5, Plates
1 and 2). The break of slope at the top edge of this pit was moderate, the sides sloped gradually,
apart from on the north where the slope was stepped and sharp, the break of slope at the base was
gradual and the base was concave. C138 was filled by C137 a compact plastic black, charcoalrich
peat with frequent subangular heat-fractured and fire-reddened stones up to 0.1m in size, and
occasional charcoal inclusions. C138 was interpreted as a trough with a fill of fulacht fiadh-like
material.
Pits
C139 was located in Trench 9a, 0.4m to the northwest of C138 at a height of 104.852mAOD
(Figure 4). C139 was a suboval spread of compact plastic peat with frequent subangular heatfractured
and fire-reddened stones up to 0.1m in size which measured 0.6m north to south by
0.5m east to west. It was interpreted as pit with a fill of fulacht fiadh-like material.
C140 was located in Trench 9a, 0.53m south of C139 at a height of 104.86mAOD (Figure 4).
C140 continued under the southern edge of Trench 9a. The visible elements of this context
measured 0.15m east to west by 0.13m north to south and consisted of a spread of compact plastic
peat with frequent subangular heat-fractured and fire-reddened stones.
Non-archaeological Features
C135 was identified in Trenches 7, 7a, 8, 8a, 9, 9a, 10 and 11. This flat-bottomed ditch was
orientated northeast to southwest and measured 3m wide by 0.55m deep (104.869mAOD). The
break of slope on the northwestern edge of this ditch was steep while on the southeast it was
moderate. The northwestern side sloped more steeply than the southeastern. The break of slope at
the base on the northwestern edge of this ditch was steep while on the southeast it was moderate.
The base was flat (Figure 5). C135 was filled by C136. This was a moderately compact midgreyish
brown silty clay with occasional subangular pebbles, roots, snail shells and animal bone.
C136 was cut down to the water table. While it is not marked on the Ordnance Survey six-inch
first edition of 1836 County Meath Sheet 38 or subsequent editions, C135 was interpreted as a
redundant field ditch.
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3.3.2 Plot 1053 – Roestown 2a
Plot No 1053
Chainage 21100–20850
Land Use Pasture
Townland Roestown
Owner Mr O’Brien
NGR 295841, 254025–295803, 253877
Total Meterage 954.1
Summary
Plot 1053 was located in the western corner of a large subrectangular field. The southwestern
boundary of this field was formed by the present N3, and the northern and eastern boundaries by a
small stream. The northern part of this field was flat, approximately 104mAOD, but rose to a
level scarped terrace at a height of 106mAOD towards the south. Numerous cultivation platforms
orientated northwest to southeast were visible on this terrace. Another terrace was visible parallel
to the existing N3. Plot 1053 measured 160m north-northeast to south-southwest by 70m east to
west. EIS Area 28 was located in this plot.
Topsoil (C001) was generally a dark brown stony loam while the natural subsoil (C002) ranged
from a mottled orangey-grey–stony-clay in the north to shattered bedrock with seams of shale in
the south. Modern debris, including red brick and modern pottery, was visible in the topsoil
towards the western boundary of this plot. While the presence of red brick and pottery is likely to
indicate modern settlement, none of this material was in situ, and it is likely to be a dump of
demolition material, possibly related to the construction of the existing N3.
Trench Details
Plot 1053
Trench Number Length Average Depth Orientation
1 131.3 0.3 North-northeast to south-southwest
2 103.1 0.31 East-southeast to west-northwest
3 38.1 0.39 East-southeast to west-northwest
4 85.9 0.4 East-southeast to west-northwest
5 80.0 0.31 East-southeast to west-northwest
6 62.3 0.28 East-southeast to west-northwest
7 55.2 0.4 East-southeast to west-northwest
8 39.8 0.42 East-southeast to west-northwest
9 59.6 0.29 East-southeast to west-northwest
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10 39.4 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
11 41.4 0.38 East-southeast to west-northwest
12 24.7 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
13 26.7 0.48 East-southeast to west-northwest
14 14.2 0.31 East-southeast to west-northwest
15 103.2 0.3 East-southeast to west-northwest
16 14.2 0.3 East-southeast to west-northwest
17 35.0 0.31 East-southeast to west-northwest
Total 954.1
Archaeological Features – Roestown 2a (Figures 6 to 13)
The geophysical survey (EIS Area 28) identified a substantial U-shaped enclosure with internal
ditched subdivisions and traces of a field system to the south and east. This U-shaped enclosure
was located on the terrace at the southern end of Plot 1053 and measured 50m east to west by
20m north to south. The site was designated Roestown 2a.
Ditch defining U-shape enclosure
C007 was the ditch defining this enclosure. It was identified in Trenches 1, 9, 12, 12 extension
and Trench 16. This ditch was sectioned in Trench 1 and in Trench 12 (Figures 7, 8 and 9; Plates
3 and 4).
In Trench 1, C007 was orientated east to west, extended across the trench and measured 2.93m
north to south by 0.88m deep (105.527mAOD). The top edge of this feature on the east had a
sharp break of slope, while the western edge had a gradual break of slope (see Figure 7). The
western side was slightly stepped and sloped more gradually than the eastern side. The break of
slope at the base as sharp and the base was flat. C008 was the homogenous fill of C007. This was
a compact mid-greyish brown silty clay. The percentage of silt increased towards the base of the
context. C007 had moderate small subangular stones, moderate pebbles and occasional fragments
of animal bone.
In Trench 12 C007 was orientated west-northwest to east-southeast, was 2m wide by 0.77m deep
(104.995m), and had a broad U-shaped profile. The break of slope at the top of this feature was
sharp, and the north-northwestern side was near vertical while the south-southeastern side was
concave at the top and concave at the base. The break of slope at the base of this feature was sharp
and the base was flat. C007 was filled in this trench by C010, a loose brown silty clay with
moderate subangular stone inclusions and moderate fragments of animal bone.
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In Trench 16 C007 was visible as a linear spread of loose brown silty clay with moderate
subangular stone inclusions and moderate fragments of animal bone, 2.5m wide and orientated
east to west.
Gullies
C020 was located in Trench 10 (see Figure 10; Plate 5) orientated northwest to southeast. It
measured 1.34m wide by 0.43m deep (106.643mAOD). The break of slope at the top was the
sharp, the sides concave and the base of slope at the base was imperceptible. Three fills were
identified within this gully. C023 was the primary fill and consisted of a firm dark blackish-brown
clayey silt with frequent small rounded stones, fragments of animal bone. One sherd of medieval
? pottery was recovered from this context (04E0415:1). This was overlain by C022, a friable light
orangey-brown clayey silt with occasional lenses of gravel, frequent small angular stones and
occasional fragments of animal bone. C022 was 0.1m thick. C022 and was overlain by C021, a
firm yellowish-brown silty clay with frequent medium subrounded stones, occasional fragments
of animal bone and very occasional flecks of charcoal.
Occupation deposits
C015 was identified in Trench 11 as an irregular spread of dark brown silty loam with frequent
animal bone, frequent medium subangular stones and occasional flecks of charcoal. C015
measured 11.4m east-southeast to west-northwest by 0.3m thick (see Figure 11). It was
interpreted as deposits possibly resulting from occupation or from use of the enclosure to hold
stock, which was disturbed during levelling of the site and the digging of the cultivation
platforms.
Ditch
C027 was a ditch orientated east-northeast to west-southwest, located in Trench 17 and identified
by geophysical survey. This feature measured 3.58m wide by 0.76m deep (104.015mAOD). The
break of slope at the top was moderate, the sides sloped steeply and were stepped, the break of
slope at the base was sharp and the base was flat (see Figure 12: Plate 6).
Four fills were identified in C027. The basal fill, C130, was a greyish-green silt with frequent
lenses of dark brown clayey silt, gravel and occasional subangular stones. This context was likely
to have resulted from slippage from the sites of the ditch. C130 was overlain by C132, a midbrown
clayey silt with occasional subangular stones, occasional lenses of greenish-grey silt and
occasional lenses of gravel. C131 overlay C132 and C130 and was a dark brown clayey silt with
occasional subangular stones, moderate green-grey silt and moderate gravel. This was overlain by
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C133, a mid-brown clayey silt with occasional subangular stones, occasional lenses of grey green
silt lenses of subangular gravel and fragments of animal bone. C133 was overlain by C026 a dark
brown clayey silt with occasional subrounded and subangular stone.
Field Banks
C003 consisted of an extant curvilinear earthen bank. This linear bank was orientated northnorthwest
to south-southeast for a distance of 15m before curving to the northeast for a distance
of 40m and continuing outside the eastern edge of the roadtake. This earthwork was 0.4m high on
the west by 0.29m high on the east and 4m wide. In Trench 4(east) the bank was composed of
redeposited natural subsoil which was a light brown silty clay with occasional large subangular
stones up to 0.14m in length.
C012 consisted of a low spread earthen bank orientated northwest to southeast and measuring 4m
wide by 0.3m high. This bank was exposed in Trenches 2, 4, and 5 and was composed of
redeposited natural subsoil (a light greyish-yellow clay with occasional medium subangular
stones).
Neither of these features is shown on the Ordnance Survey six-inch first edition of 1838 County
Meath Sheet 38 or on subsequent editions.
Non-archaeological Features
The features identified to the north of the U-shaped enclosure were a drainage ditch and a modern
field boundary.
Modern field boundaries
C006 was identified in Trenches 5(east), 6(east), 7(east) and towards the southern end of Trench
1. This was a linear spread of stone and subangular stones in a matrix of loose blackish-brown
soil. Three sherds of modern pottery were recovered from this context. C006 was 3m wide, 0.14m
thick and was orientated northeast to southwest. This feature was marked as a field boundary on
the Ordnance Survey six-inch first edition of 1838 County Meath Sheet 38 but not on subsequent
editions.
C024 was exposed in Trenches 1 and 6(west). This feature was orientated east to west and
measured 3.5m north to south by 0.15m deep (103.64mAOD; Figure 13). The break of slope at
the top edge was gentle, the sides sloped gently, the break of slope at the base was imperceptible
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and the base was flat. C024 was filled by C005, a dark brown plastic peaty clay. Fragments of
plastic bags were recovered from the upper levels of this fill.
3.3.3 Plot 1052A – Roestown 3
Plot No 1052A
Chainage 21100–20800
Land Use Pasture
Townland Roestown
Owner Mr Quinn
NGR 295710, 254029–295767, 253876
Total Meterage 341.9m
Summary
Plot 1052A was located in the eastern corner of a large subrectangular field. The eastern boundary
of this field was formed by the present N3, the southern boundary by a driveway. The land was
flat and used for pasture. Plot 1052A measured 170m north to south by 55m east to west. The
placement and orientation of test trenches in Plot 1052A was constrained by the presence of
overhead power lines.
In this plot the topsoil (C001) was a mid-brown clayey silt with moderate small stones and the
subsoil (C002) was a light brown silt.
Trench Details
Trench Number Length Average Depth Orientation
1A 97.6 0.33 Noth-nothwest to south-southeast
2 42.0 0.3 East to west
3 31.2 0.4 East to west
4 37.9 0.35 East to west
5 46.2 0.41 East to west
6 45.7 0.4 East to west
7 41.3 0.42 East to west
Total 341.9 East to west
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Archaeological Features – Roestown 3
Archaeological finds in this plot comprised wall foundations, a soakaway, a pit and a possible
stakehole. These were designated as Roestown 3 (Figure 14).
Wall foundations
C202 was identified in Trench 1 and Trench 2 (extension), orientated east to west, at an average
height of 104.883mAOD. Placed in a cut foundation trench 0.8m wide, the foundations were
constructed of roughly squared random rubble, built to courses. The rubble had been mortared
with a lime mortar. The foundations were on average 0.65m wide. A total of 5.5m of C202 was
exposed (Figure 15: Plate 8).
C203 was located in Trench 2 and orientated north to south at a height of 104.646mAOD. These
foundations were also placed in a foundation cut 0.7m wide. The foundations were constructed of
roughly squared random rubble, built to courses (Figure 15). The rubble had been mortared with a
lime mortar.
Soakaway
C201 was exposed in Trench 1 at a height of 104.796mAOD, and located 9m to the south of
C202. It continued under the western edge of this trench. The visible elements of this context
comprised a subcircular spread of subangular stones, 1.2m east to west by 1m north to south.
Modern pottery was recovered from this feature during cleaning. C201 was interpreted as a
soakaway for a drain.
Pit
C208 was located in Trench 2(west) immediately to the west of C213 and cut by it. C208 was a
suboval pit which measured 0.74m north to south by 0.58m east to west by 0.2m deep
(104.43mAOD). The break of slope at the top of this feature was sharp, the edges were smooth
and regular and the break of slope at the base was gradual. The base was rounded (Figures 15 and
16). C208 was interpreted as an ash pit.
Three fills were identified in C208. C210 was the primary fill. This was a friable yellowish-brown
clay with occasional charcoal flecks and was 30mm thick. C210 was overlain by C209, a
yellowish brown silty clay 20mm thick. C209 was in turn overlain by C204, which consisted of
fine ash with occasional flecks of charcoal. C204 was 0.12m thick (Figure 15 and 16).
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Stakehole
C212 was a suboval stakehole, 0.1m wide by 0.12m deep (104.462mAOD). This stakehole had
vertical sides and narrowed to a blunt point and was filled by C211, a sticky greyish-brown
clayey silt. C212 cut into the western side of a subcircular spread of reddish-yellow clay, 0.5m
north to south by 0.34m east to west (C205).
The features described above are most likely to be associated with a group of buildings marked on
the OS six-inch first edition of 1838 County Meath Sheet 38 (Figure 17) but not on subsequent
editions.
3.3.4 Plot 1052B – Roestown 2b
Plot No 1052B
Chainage 20950–20850
Land Use Pasture
Townland Roestown
Owner Mr Quinn
NGR 295793, 253824–295773, 253701
Total Meterage 730m
Summary
Plot 1052B was located in a large subrectangular field. The eastern boundary of this field was
formed by the present N3, the southern boundary by a massive land drain, and the northern and
western boundaries by a driveway. The land fell gently from north to south and from east to west.
EIS Area 29 was located in Plot 1052B. The placement and orientation of test trenches in Plot
1052B was constrained by the presence of overhead power lines.
In this plot the topsoil (C001) was a mid-brown clayey silt with moderate small stones and the
subsoil (C002) was an orangey-brown clayey silt with moderate subangular stones. Peat was
present to the south and west. Ground level had also been built up and the materials used included
brick and modern glazed pottery.
Trench Details
Trench
Number Length Average Depth Orientation
1 95.0 0.33 North-northeast to south-southwest
1b 42.1 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
8 23.7 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
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9 80.0 0.34 East-southeast to west-northwest
10 57.5 0.56 East-southeast to west-northwest
11 86.7 0.4 East-southeast to west-northwest
12 89.2 0.39 East-southeast to west-northwest
13 59.1 0.28 East-southeast to west-northwest
14 41.1 0.34 East-southeast to west-northwest
15 37.3 0.36 East-southeast to west-northwest
16 23.7 0.49 East-southeast to west-northwest
17 94.6 0.35 North-northwest to south-southeast
Sum 730.0
Archaeological Features – Roestown 2b
This area was identified by geophysical survey (EIS Area 29), as comprising of a large D-shaped
enclosure (circa 70m by 55m) with internal subdivisions and a subcircular annexe with radial
subdivisions and traces of a radial field system to the south. It was designated Roestown 2b (See
Figures 18 and 19).
Enclosure ditches
C082 was the ditch defining this enclosure. It was identified in Trenches 9, 10, 11, 12 and 17 (see
Figure 18).
In Trench 9 the upper fill of this feature was visible as a linear spread of dark brown clayey silt
with moderate subangular stones up to 0.19m in length, very occasional heat-fractured stone and
occasional fragments of animal bone (C030). This feature was 6m wide and was orientated
northeast to southwest.
A section was excavated by hand across C082 in Trench 9 (Figures 20 and 21; Plate 9). This ditch
had a broad flat-bottomed profile, 6.42m wide and 1.10m deep (103.414mAOD). The break of
slope at the top edge of the eastern side of the ditch was gentle, while the western break of slope
was sharp. The eastern side sloped gently, was stepped once before sloping more steeply to the
base. The western side sloped more sharply and was slightly convex. The break of slope at the
base of the feature was gentle. The base was uneven but generally flat.
C109 was the primary fill of C082. C109 was a wet, loose mid-to-dark grey silty clay with gravel
and large subangular stones and decayed stone. Fragments of leaf and roots were also present.
C109 was 0.12m thick at its greatest extent and was overlain by C108, C111 and C097. C108 was
a thin lens of partially decayed woody material 80mm thick. C109 was also overlain by C111, a
compact, light to mid-grey silty clay with small pebbles, occasional larger subangular stones and
occasional decayed stone. While there was no direct physical relationship between C108 and
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C111, both were overlain by C097, a highly compacted, heavy mid-to-dark grey clay with
occasional fragments of animal bone and burnt bone. C097 was 0.24m thick and was overlain by
C083. This context was a firmly compacted light to mid-grey silty clay with occasional medium
sized pebbles. C083 was overlain by C110, a compact light greyish brown clayey silt with
occasional pebbles. C110 was in turn overlain by C030 a dark brown clayey silt with moderate
subangular stones up to 19m in length, very occasional heat-fractured stone and occasional
fragments of animal bone.
C082 cut C098 and was therefore later than it. Interpreted as a ditch, C098 was orientated
northeast to southwest and measured 2m wide by 0.72m deep (104.754mAOD). The break of
slope at the top of the western edge of this ditch was sharp. This edge was steep and regular, the
break of slope at the base was moderate and the base was flat. Three fills were identified in C098.
C115 was the primary fill and was a compact grey clay, 0.11m thick. This was overlain by C112,
C113 and C114. C114 was a compact orangey-grey clay, 80mm thick. C113 overlay both C114
and C115 and was compact mid-grey, mottled orangey clay with occasional small subangular
stones. C113 was 0.33m thick and was overlain by C112 and C100. C112 and C100 were also cut
by C082. C112 was a moderately compact grey mottled with orange silty clay with occasional
small stones, subangular in shape and up to 50mm in length. C112 underlay C100 which was a
light grey silty clay, mottled with an orangey clay and frequent subangular stones. C100 was 0.1m
thick.
C030, the upper fill of C082, was identified in a number of other trenches. In Trench 9 this feature
was 3.96m wide and was orientated northwest to southeast. In Trench 10, was orientated northnorthwest
to south-southeast and was 5.5m wide. In Trench 11, C030 was orientated northeast to
southwest and was 5.6m wide. C030 was also visible in Trench 12. This feature was orientated
east-northeast to west-southwest and was 6.35m wide
A section was excavated across C082 in Trench 17 (Figures 22 and 23; Plate 10). This feature had
a broad, flat-bottomed profile, was 4.3m wide and 1.1m deep (104.817mAOD). The break of
slope at the top edge of this ditch was sharp, the sides were slightly concave, the break of slope at
the base was uneven, and the base was flat. Three fills were identified in C082 in this trench.
C107 was a compact light yellowish-grey clayey silt with moderate subangular stones and
occasional fragments of animal bone. C107 was 0.25m thick and was overlain by C085 and C104.
C085 was a compact medium grey clayey silt with frequent angular and subrounded stones up to
10mm in diameter, and occasional fragments of animal bone. C104 was a light greyish-brown
clayey silt with frequent gravel, occasional subrounded stones, flecks of charcoal and occasional
fragments of animal bone. It is suggested that these fills resulted from natural silting of the ditch.
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Three recuts were identified in C082. These cut and truncated fills C107, C085 and C104. C121
was the earliest of these recuts. The southern edge of this recut was visible. The break of slope at
the top was sharp, the side was concave, the break of slope at the base was imperceptible. The
base was rounded. C121 was filled by C106, a firm grey gravelly clay with moderate medium
subangular stones and fragments of animal bones.
The next cut, C122, truncated both C121 and C106. The southern edge of this recut was visible.
The break of slope at the top was sharp, the sides were concave, the break of slope at the base was
gentle. The base was rounded. C122 was filled by C105, a compact medium brown clayey silt
with frequent subangular gravel inclusions, large subangular stones and moderate fragments of
animal bone.
C122 and C105 were partially cut by C124, the last recut. This recut was 3m wide by 0.35m deep.
The break of slope at the top of this recut was sharp, the sides were concave, the break of slope at
the base was gentle and the base was rounded. Two fills were identified in C124. The primary fill
was C103, a loose light grey gravelly clay with frequent angular stones, occasional fragments of
animal bone and flecks of charcoal. C103 was 0.56m thick and was overlain by C069, a greyishbrown
slightly compact clayey silt with occasional gravel and fragments of animal bone. C069
was 0.29m thick.
C-shaped structure
An internal C-shaped structure was identified by the geophysical survey towards the west of the
large enclosure. Based on the geophysical survey, this structure measured 20m east to west by
18m north-northwest to south-southeast and was defined on the northern, eastern and southern
sides by a ditch 3m wide. C095 was the ditch defining this structure. It was identified in three
segments located in Trenches 11 and 17.
The eastern segment of C095 was visible in Trench 11 in the context C044. This was a linear
spread of loose dark brown clayey silt with occasional subangular stone and fragment of animal
bones, orientated north to south and measuring 4m wide.
The northern segment of C095, C067, was visible in Trench 17. It was revealed 8m from the
north-northwestern end of Trench 17. C067 was orientated east to west and 1.2m wide. This
context consisted of a linear spread of loose, very dark brown clayey silt with moderate
subrounded and subangular stones and occasional animal teeth.
Also in Trench 17, the southern section of C095 was identified twenty-nine metres to the southsouthwest
in context C066. C066 was a linear spread of loose dark brown clayey silt with
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occasional subangular stones, flecks of charcoal and fragments of animal bones. It was orientated
east to west and was 2.17m wide. C066 is the same context as C044 and C071.
A section was excavated across the southern segment of C095 (Figures 24 and 25; Plate 11).
Orientated east to west, this ditch was 3.1m wide by 1.1m deep (105.565mAOD) with a flatbottomed
profile. The break of slope at the top edge of this feature was sharp, the sides were
irregular and stepped, the break of slope at the base was gradual and the base was flat. The
southern edge of C095 was truncated by a tree bowl.
C099 was the primary fill of C095. This was a soft brown silty clay with moderate small
subangular stones and occasional charcoal flecks. An iron artefact, possibly a nail or a pin was
recovered from this context (04E0415:2) at a height of 105.711mAOD.
C099 was overlain by C093, a loose orangey-brown silty clay, 0.14m thick, with frequent small to
medium subangular stone inclusions, frequent fragments of animal bone and occasional charcoal
flecking.
C093 was overlain by C094, a loose, smooth greyish-brown clayey silt and very occasional
animal bone fragments. An iron nail or pin (04E0415:3) was recovered from this context at a
height of 105.817mAOD.
C094 underlay C092, which also overlay C093. C092 was a loose dark brown clayey silt with
moderate small and medium subangular stones, occasional fragments of animal bone and charcoal
flecks.
C092 was 0.11m thick and was overlain by C091, a loose dark blackish-brown clayey silt with
frequent charcoal flecks and frequent fragments of animal bone, 50mm thick.
This charcoal-rich band was in turn overlain by C090, a loose dark brown silty clay with
moderate medium subangular stones and very occasional charcoal flecking.
C090 was overlain by C089, C088, C087 and C066. C089 was a thin band of loose dark brown
clayey silt with frequent flecks of charcoal. C088 overlay C089 and C090, and consisted of soft
light greyish-brown clayey silt with frequent ash, occasional large subangular stones and small
fragments of animal bone. C088 was overlain by C087 and C066. C066 also overlay C088 and
C090. C087 was a friable light brown silt, 0.16m thick which overlay C066.
Possible ditches
C043 was located towards the west-northwest end of Trench 11(west) and consisted of a linear
spread of brown clayey silt with moderate large subangular stones up to 0.23m in length and
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occasional fragments of animal bone. C043 measured 3.8m wide and was orientated northeast to
southwest.
C051 was visible in Trenches 1 and 12 (west) as a large linear spread with approximately parallel
sides, 7.9m wide and orientated north-northwest to south-southeast. C051 consisted of a loose
dark brown clayey silt with moderate small subangular stones and occasional fragments of animal
bone. In Trench 1 C051 was partially overlain by modern-made ground. This material included
fragments of brick and modern pottery. C051 was interpreted as the fill of a large ditch. C051
approximately corresponds to a linear feature identified by geophysical survey.
C052 was located in Trench 12 and orientated north-northwest to south-southeast. This was a
linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with occasional subangular stones up to 50mm in length
and very occasional fragments of animal bone. This context measured 2.98m wide and was
interpreted as ditch fill.
C053 was interpreted as a possible ditch fill, also located in Trench 12. This was 4.4m wide and
orientated east-northeast to west-southwest. This possible feature was defined by a linear spread
of dark brown clayey silt with occasional subangular stones, occasional subangular fire-reddened
stones and occasional fragments of animal bone.
C054 was located 3.5m to the west-northwest of C053 and consisted of a linear spread of light
brown clayey silt with occasional medium-sized subangular stones. C054 was orientated north to
south and was 2.8m wide.
C058 was located in Trench 13(west). This linear spread was orientated north-northeast to southsouthwest,
was 2.27m wide, and consisted of dark brown clayey silt with moderate medium sized
subrounded and subangular stones.
C060 was identified 4m from the west-northwestern end of Trench 13. It measured 3.85m wide at
its greatest extent. This was a linear spread of dark brown silty clay with moderate subrounded
and subangular stones, occasional fragments of animal bone and occasional charcoal flecks. This
feature was orientated approximately north to south and was interpreted as a ditch fill.
C062 was identified 3.6m from the north-northwestern end of Trench 17. C062 was a linear
spread of dark brown clayey silt with occasional medium subangular stones and occasional
fragments of animal bone. C062 was orientated east-northeast to west-southwest and increased in
width from 2.4m wide at the west-southwest to 4.9m wide at the east-southeast. C062 corresponds
on the ground to a ditch-like feature identified by geophysical survey.
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C063 was located in Trench 17, 9.8m south-southeast of C071. This was a curvilinear spread of
dark brown clayey silt with moderate subangular stones and occasional fragments of animal
bones. C063 was on average 2.6m wide.
Gullies
C125 was located in Trench 1. It measured 1.4m wide by 0.37m deep (105.385mAOD) and was
orientated east-northeast to west southwest (see Figure 26). This gully had a U-shaped profile
with gradually sloping sides and a slightly concave base. C032 was the homogeneous fill of C125
and consisted of a slightly compacted dark brown clayey silt with moderate fragments of animal
bone and occasional small subrounded to subangular pebbles.
C126 (Figure 27) was located in Trench 10(east). This gully was orientated north-northeast to
south-southwest and measured 0.9m wide by 0.44m deep (104.961mAOD). The break of slope at
the top edge of this feature was gradual, the sides sloped gradually to an irregular, slightly
concave base. C126 was filled by C035, a dark brown friable clayey silt with occasional small
subangular stones and occasional animal bone fragments.
C127 (Figure 28) was orientated west-northwest to east-southeast and located in Trench 17. This
had a shallow U-shaped profile and measured 0.92m wide by 0.11m deep (105.368mAOD). C127
was filled by C081, a loose mid-brown clayey silt with occasional small subangular and
subrounded stones. C127 was interpreted as a shallow gully.
Gullies?
C033 was located 1.1m south of C032 in Trench 1. This was a curvilinear spread of dark brown
clayey silt with moderate small subangular stones up to 55mm in length and occasional fragments
of animal bone. C033 was on average 1.4m wide and curved in an arc from northwest to
southwest. C033 was interpreted as the fill of a possible gully.
C034 was located 1.05m from the southwestern end of C033. This context was orientated from
north to south, was 1.3m wide and consisted of a linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with
moderate subangular small stone inclusions and occasional fragments of animal bone. C033 and
C034 was also interpreted as the fill of a possible gully.
C038 was located 3.9m west-southwest of C036 in Trench 11 (west). Orientated north-northeast
to south-southwest, C038 was a linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with moderate subangular
stones up to 0.15m in length and occasional fire-reddened stones. C038 was 1.4m in width.
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C042 was identified 20m from the western end of Trench 12. C042 was a linear spread with
approximately parallel edges of dark brown clayey silt with moderate subangular gravel
inclusions, larger subangular stones up to 0.15m in length and occasional fragments of animal
bone. This feature was 0.69m wide and orientated east to west. It corresponded to a curvilinear
feature identified by geophysical survey and is possibly an internal subdivision of the larger
enclosure.
C046 was located in Trench 11(west). This linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with moderate
medium sized subangular stones and moderate fragments of animal bone was orientated north to
south and was 0.9m wide. This was interpreted as the upper fill of a gully.
C047 was located 1.85m east-southeast of C046 and consisted of a linear spread of dark brown
clayey silt with moderate subangular stones up to 0.12m in length and was 1.40m wide.
Measuring 0.95m in width, C127 was another linear spread of similar material located 2.9m to the
east-southeast. C127 was orientated northeast to southwest. Both these contexts were identified as
the upperfills of possible gullies.
C049 was identified in Trench 1 between Trenches 11 and 12 and was the fill of a possible gully.
This linear spread with approximately parallel edges consisted of a dark brown clayey silt with
occasional subangular stones up to 70mm in length and occasional fragments of animal bone.
C049 was 0.65m wide and was orientated east to west.
C057 consisted of a linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with moderate subangular stones up to
55mm in length and very occasional animal bone fragments. C057 was located in Trench 13
(west), was orientated northeast to southwest and was 0.55m wide. C057 appears to overlie C058.
C059 was located 0.95m south-southeast of C060 in Trench 13 (west). C059 was 0.75m wide and
was orientated west-southwest to east-northeast and consisted of a linear spread of dark brown
clayey silt with occasional gravel inclusions. C059 was interpreted as the possible fill of a
cultivation furrow.
C065 was located 1m north of C081 in Trench 17 and 5.4m south of C082. It was a linear spread
of dark brown clayey silt with moderate subangular stones and occasional gravel. Orientated east
to west, C065 was 0.85m wide. C065 corresponds to a feature identified by the geophysical
survey.
Located in Trench 17, C071 was a linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with moderate
subangular gravel inclusions, subangular stones up to 50mm in length and occasional fragments
of animal bone.
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C079 was identified in Trench 17 as a linear spread of dark brown clayey silt with occasional
subangular stones. Orientated east-northeast to west-southwest, this context measured 1.17m
wide.
Pits
C129 was a shallow suboval-shaped pit, located in Trench 17 (Figure 29). It which measured
10.68m north-northwest to south-southeast by 0.42m east to west by 70mm deep
(106.241mAOD). The break of slope at the top of this feature was gradual, the sides were regular
and slightly concave, the break of slope at the base was imperceptible and the base sloped from
northeast to southwest (see Figure 28). C068 was the homogeneous fill of C129. This was a loose
dark brown clayey silt with occasional subangular stone up to 50mm in length and very
occasional fragments of animal bone. C129 was interpreted as a truncated pit.
C116 (see Figure 29) was located in Trench 11(west). This suboval feature continued under the
southern edge of Trench 11. The visible element of the feature measured 2.1m east to west by
1.3m north to south by 60mm deep (106.172mAOD). The break of slope at the top of this feature
was gentle, the sides were smooth and regular, the break of slope at the base as imperceptible, and
the base was concave. C116 was filled by C070, a loose mid brown silty clay with occasional
small subangular stone, occasional lenses of charcoal and occasional fragments of animal bone.
C116 was interpreted as a truncated pit or scoop.
Spreads of burning
C037 was located in Trench 11(west). This was a suboval spread of reddish-brown, soft oxidized
clay with occasional subrounded and subangular small stones, some of which were fire-reddened.
C037 measured 0.57m north to south by 0.46m east to west.
C040 continued under the northern edge of Trench 11. This was a subrectangular spread of stiff
red oxidized clay with occasional charcoal flecks, occasional small fire reddened stones and
occasional burnt bone fragments.
Cobbled surfaces
Two cobbled surfaces were identified in Trench 9 and Trench 9 extension, and in Trench 11(east).
C123 was identified in Trench 9 and Trench 9 extension (see Figure 30; Plate 13). It consisted of
an compact surface of well-sorted small subangular stones. Given the compact nature of this
surface, along with the size of the stones, it is suggested that C119 may be a working platform.
C123 underlay C031 which had sharp edges and measured 6m northwest to southeast by at least
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11m north-northeast to south-southwest. C031 consisted of a soft dark brown clayey silt with
moderate subangular stones up to 0.23m in length.
C118 was identified in Trench 11(east) (Figure 31: Plate 14). This feature measured 9m eastsoutheast
to west-northwest. It consisted of an indurated surface of subrounded and subangular
stones, poorly sorted with a range of sizes from 12mm to 0.14m. It is suggested that C118 was a
trackway. C118 was overlain by C117 a loose dark brown clayey silt with frequent subangular
stones up to 0.13m in length, occasional fragments of animal bone. C117 was 0.14m thick.
Non-archaeological Features
C056 was identified at the west-northwestern end of Trench 12 as a linear spread of dark
brown clayey silt, orientated east to west and 0.36m wide. Testing of this feature revealed it
to be non-archaeological in nature.
C084 was a stone-filled field drain located towards the west-northwestern end of Trench
10(west), orientated north-northeast to south-southwest and measuring on average 1m wide. The
fill was comprised of large subangular stones up to 0.4m in length (C086).
C101 was located in Trench 11(west). This shallow linear feature with a U-shaped profile was
orientated north to south, and measured 2.5m long by 0.5m wide. C101 got shallower from south
to north and was filled by C041 a compact dark brown clayey silt with very occasional bone
fragments and charcoal flecks. C101 was interpreted as an agricultural furrow.
3.3.5 Plot 1052C – Cooksland 1
Plot No 1052C
Chainage 20850–14200(CD)
Land Use Pasture
Townland Cooksland
Owner Mr Quinn
NGR 295773, 253701–295733, 253434
Total Meterage 1971.8
Summary
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Plot 1052C was located in a large subrectangular field. The land rose gently from north-northeast
to south-southwest. Plot 1052C was orientated north-northeast to south-southwest and measured
650m long by 70m wide.
In this plot the topsoil (C001) was light brown silty loam and the subsoil (C002) was an orangeybrown
clayey silt with moderate medium stones.
Trench Details
Trench
Number Length Average Depth Orientation
1 328.9 0.33 North-northeast to south-southwest
18 111.0 0.39 East-northeast to west southwest
18a 87.7 0.35 East to west
19 146.7 0.44 East to west
20 134.7 0.38 East to west
21 120.2 0.42 East to west
22 110.5 0.27 East to west
23 105.0 0.42 East to west
24 94.3 0.36 East to west
25 85.1 0.44 East to west
26 75.4 0.4 East to west
27 66.3 0.36 East to west
28 56.8 0.25 East to west
29 48.2 0.41 East to west
30 43.6 0.4 East to west
31 36.9 0.3 East to west
32 28.0 0.29 East to west
33 20.0 0.29 East to west
34 10.2 0.31 East to west
35 7.8 0.25 East to west
36 10.1 0.38 East to west
37 12.1 0.4 East to west
38 14.8 0.39 East to west
39 20.4 0.44 East-southeast to west-northwest
40 24.2 0.4 East-southeast to west-northwest
41 35.9 0.4 East-southeast to west-northwest
42 43.3 0.33 East-southeast to west-northwest
43 45.5 0.39 East-southeast to west-northwest
44 48.2 0.32 East-southeast to west-northwest
Total 1971.8
Archaeological Features – Cooksland 1
A charcoal manufacturing kiln was identified in this location and the site was designated
Cooksland 1 (see Figure 32).
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Charcoal manufacturing kiln
C141 was identified in Trench 21 and continued under the northern edge of this trench. The
visible elements of C141 measured 1.07m east to west by 0.6m north to south by 0.12m deep
(103.545mAOD) and were subrectangular in shape with rounded corners. The break of slope at
the top was gentle, the sides were smooth and regular and the break of slope at the base was
imperceptible. The base was flat (see Figure 32: Plate 15).
A layer of oxidization (C142) was visible on the base and sides of C141. C142 was 40mm thick
and was overlain by C146, a loose dark brown silty clay with moderate flecks of charcoal, and
moderate small heat-shattered and fire-reddened stones up to 50mm in length. Lenses of oxidized
clay (C143), charcoal (C144) and charcoal-flecked silty clay were also visible within C146.
Non-archaeological Features
Trackway
C147 was a linear spread of subrounded gravel and large subrounded stones located towards the
north-northwest edge of Plot 1052C in Trenches 19 and 21. This spread was orientated north to
south and measured 12m wide by 0.25m high. Modern bottle glass, ferrous debris and string was
visible in the matrix of C147. This context was interpreted as a modern gravelled trackway. It is
not shown on the Ordnance Survey six-inch first edition of 1836, County Meath Sheet 18 or on
subsequent editions. The nature of the associated fins would indicate that this is a modern feature.
Ditch
C149 was a ditch 2.33m wide identified in Trenches 19 to 27. C149 was filled by C148 which
was a dark brown clayey silt with occasional large subangular stone. Branches, twigs and roots
were also observed in this fill. This ditch is shown was field boundary on the Ordnance Survey
six-inch first edition of 1836, County Meath Sheet 18 (Figure 33).
3.3.6 Plot 1022 – Cooksland 2 and 4
Plot 1022
Chainage 20100–20530 and 20650–20700
Land Use Agricultural (Tillage)
Townland Cooksland
Owner Michael Delaney
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NGR 295712, 253344
Total Meterage 1263.9m
Summary
The site is located within the western extent of a large tillage field to the south of the N3 and to
the north of the Dunsany Road, northeast of Drumree Village. The site was assessed by means of
a centreline trench with offsets every 20.0m for a distance of approximately 289.3m from
Chainage 20100–20530 and 20650–20700. Two concentrations of archaeological activity were
revealed during the testing. These were a spread of fulachta fiadh-like material with an associated
trough and pits, and a stone spread representing the remnants of a structure. A number of nonarchaeological
agricultural features were also encountered.
Topsoil (C168) on this site consisted of dark brown–black peat with occasional small-mediumsized
angular stone inclusions. Natural subsoil consisted of dark orange-brown sandy boulder clay
with frequent angular stone inclusions.
Trench Details
Trench
Number Length Average Depth Orientation
1 6.8 0.30m to 0.40m East-west
2 11.4 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
3 17 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
4 20.1 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
5 25.3 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
6 30.3 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
7 31.7 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
8 36.1 0.30m to 0.40m Northwest-southeast
9 41.1 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
10 41.2 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
11 88.36 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
12 41.5 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
13 48.5 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
14 40.5 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
15 32.8 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
16 25.5 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
17 19 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
18 289.3 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
19 126.7 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
20 52.6 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
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21 22 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
22 25.5 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
23 23.3 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
24 17.7 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
25 9 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
26 19 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
27 12 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
28 41 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
29 114.7 0.40m to 0.50m Northwest-southeast
Total 1309.96
Archaeological Features – Cooksland 2 (Figure 34)
Two areas of archaeological activity were encountered within this plot. The first area was a
fulacht fiadh with associated features. This was located east of the northeast-southwest stream
which bordered this plot to the west. This site was designated Cooksland 2 (Figures 34 and 35;
Plate 16).
Cooksland 2 was exposed within offset Trench 11 and a further four trenches (Trenches 25–28)
were excavated in close proximity to determine its extent. Five features were revealed in total.
These were spreads, an associated spread, an associated trough, and a pit C167. Although there
were no finds from any of these features a flint scraper was retrieved from the topsoil in close
proximity to the fulacht spreads.
Trough
C165 was an oval-shaped trough which contained two fills (Figures 37 and 38). The secondary
fill consisted of moderately compact mid-dark brown silty clay. The primary fill consisted of
black charcoal-rich soil with 30% heat-shattered sandstone. This trough measured 1.25m by
2.35m and reached a depth of 0.33m. This trough was located within Trench 11.
Spreads
C163 consisted of friable grey-black organic material with frequent heat-shattered sandstone and
frequent flecks of charcoal. It measured 4.5m by 6.3m and reached a depth of 0.03m. This spread
had been severely truncated.
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The spread C162 was located southeast of the trough C165. This was oval-shaped and consisted
of compact dark grey-black silty clay with 10-15% heat-shattered sandstone and frequent flecks of
charcoal. It measured 3.20m by 8.0m and reached a maximum depth of 0.09m.
The spread C164 was exposed within Trenches 11 and 27 and was located north of the trough
C165. This was an irregular almost oval-shaped spread. It consisted of compact mid-dark brown
organic material containing frequent charcoal inclusions. This spread measured 6.90m by 14.1m
and reached a depth of 0.20m (Figures 37 and 38).
Pit
C167 was located within Trench 13 approximately 40.0m northeast of the fulachta fiadh spreads.
This was a subrectangular-shaped pit. Its fill consisted of compact grey sandy clay with
occasional heat-shattered sandstone and frequent charcoal inclusions (Figures 37 and 38). It
measured 1.02m by 1.88m and a box section of this feature revealed a depth of 0.16m. It had
rounded corners and a sharp break of slope with steep sides.
Archaeological Features – Cooksland 4
The second area of archaeological significance located in this plot was a stone spread. This was
located in Trench 1 at the southern end of the plot. The area was designated Cooksland 4.
Stone spread
This spread C153 was composed of approximately 80% gravel and stone (average size 0.10m by
0.10m) with loose mid-grey-black silty clay. This spread measured 2.5m by 2.0m and reached a
depth of 0.20m. This spread corresponds with the location of a structure marked on Sheet 38 of
the first edition six-inch Ordnance Survey map of 1836 but not shown on the second edition sixinch
Ordnance Survey map of 1912 (Figures 35 and 39). C153 is probably related to these
buildings.
Agricultural Features
A number of agricultural features were encountered during the course of the assessment. These
included furrows and drainage ditches.
Furrows
Six furrows in total were exposed within this plot (Figure 34 and 35). These were C155 (Trench
6), C156 (Trench 19), C157 (Trench 19), C159 (Trench 19) and C160 and C161 (Trench 20).
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These were all orientated northeast-southwest. The furrows ranged in width from 0.20 to 0.70m
and their depths ranged from 0.01-0.13m. Their fills consisted of compact mid-brown silty clay
with occasional small stone inclusions. All had U-shaped profiles and were cut into natural.
Drainage ditches
Three linear drainage ditches in total were exposed within this area. These were C154 (Trench 3),
C158 (Trenches 19 and 20) and C166 (Trench 9). These were all orientated northwest-southeast.
Their fills all consisted of yellow-grey silty clay with occasional stone inclusions. Both C154 and
C166 measured 0.80m in width and 0.15m in depth. C158 measured 1.1m in width and reached a
depth of 0.15m also. There were no finds from any of these contexts and they were all cut into
natural. These were the result of recent agricultural practices.
3.4 List of Contexts
Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
C001 All All All Topsoil
C002 All All All Topsoil
C003 1053 4 Roestown 2a Curvilinear field bank
C004 1061 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C005 1053 1 and 6 Roestown 2a Dark brown plastic peaty clay, fill of
C137
C006 1053 5, 6, 7 Roestown 2a Modern field boundary
C007 1053 1, 9, 12, 12
extension,
and 16
Roestown 2a Ditch defining U-shaped enclosure
(=C011)
C008 1053 1, 9, 12, 12
extension
and 16
Roestown 2a Fill of C007, compact mid-greyish
brown silty clay
C009 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C010 1053 Roestown 2a Loose brown silty clay with moderate
subangular stone inclusions and
moderate fragments of animal bone
C011 1053 1, 9, 12, 12
extension
and 16
Roestown 2a Ditch defining U-shaped enclosure
(=C007)
C012 1053 2, 4, and 5 Roestown 2a Field bank
C013 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C014 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
C015 1053 11 Roestown 2a Occupational deposits
C016 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C017 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C018 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C019 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C020 1053 10 Roestown 2a Gully
C021 1053 10 Roestown 2a Final fill of C020
C022 1053 10 Roestown 2a Fill of C020
C023 1053 10 Roestown 2a Primary fill of C020
C024 1053 1 and 6 Roestown 2a Drainage ditch filled by C005
C025 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C026 1053 17 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C027 1053 Roestown 2a Ditch
C028 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C029 1053 Roestown 2a Non-archaeological feature
C030 1052b 9, 10, 11,
12 and 17
Roestown 2b Dark brown clayey silt with moderate
subangular stones up to 19m in
length, very occasional heat-fractured
stone and occasional fragments of
animal bone. Ditch fill.
C031 1052b 9 and 9
extension
Roestown 2b A soft dark brown clayey silt with
moderate subangular stones up to
0.23m in length
C032 1052b 1 Roestown 2b Fill of C125
C033 1052b 1 Roestown 2b Curvilinear spread of dark brown
clayey silt with moderate small
subangular stones. Gully ?
C034 1052b 1 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with moderate subangular small
stone inclusions and occasional
fragments of animal bone. Gully fill ?
C035 1052b 10 Roestown 2b Dark brown friable clayey silt with
occasional small subangular stones
and occasional animal bone
fragments. Fill of C126.
C036 1052b 10 Roestown 2b =C030
C037 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Spread of burning
C038 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with moderate subangular stones
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
up to 0.15m in length and occasional
fire-reddened stones
C039 1052b 11 Roestown 2b =C040
C040 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Spread of burning
C041 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Compact dark brown clayey silt with
very occasional bone fragments and
charcoal flecks. Fill of C101.
C042 1052b 12 Roestown 2b Linear spread with approximately
parallel edges of dark brown clayey
silt with moderate subangular gravel
inclusions, larger subangular stones
up to 0.15m in length and occasional
fragments of animal bone. Gully fill ?
C043 1052b 11 Roestown 2b spread of brown clayey silt with
moderate large subangular stones
up to 0.23m in length and
occasional fragments of animal
bone. 3.8m wide and was
orientated northeast to southwest.
Ditch fill ?
C044 1052b 11 Roestown 2b =C066
C045 Void
C046 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Dark brown clayey silt with moderate
medium sized subangular stones,
moderate fragments of animal bone.
Gully fill ?
C047 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Spread of dark brown clayey silt with
moderate subangular stones up to
0.12m in length. Gully fill ?
C048 Void
C049 1052b 1 Roestown 2b Consisted of a dark brown clayey silt
with occasional subangular stone up
to 70mm in length and occasional
fragments of animal bone. Gully fill ?
C050 1052b 9 Roestown 2b =C030
C051 1052b 1 and 12 Roestown 2b Ditch fill ? loose dark brown clayey
silt with moderate small subangular
stones and occasional fragments of
animal bone
C052 1052b 12 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with occasional subangular stones
up to 50mm in length and very
occasional fragments of animal bone.
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
Ditch fill ?
C053 1052b 12 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with occasional subangular stones,
occasional subangular fire-reddened
stones and occasional fragments of
animal bone. Ditch fill ?
C054 1052b 12 Roestown 2b Linear spread of light brown clayey
silt with occasional medium sized
subangular stone. Ditch fill ?
C055 1052b 12 Roestown 2b =C030
C056 1052b Roestown 2b Non-archaeological
C057 1052b 13 Roestown 2b A linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with moderate subangular stones
up to 55mm in length and very
occasional animal bone fragments.
Gully fill?
C058 1052b 13 Roestown 2b Dark brown clayey silt with moderate
medium sized subrounded and
subangular stones. Gully fill?
C059 1052b 13 Roestown 2b 0.75m wide and was orientated
west-southwest to east-northeast
Fill of a cultivation furrow ?
C060 1052b 13 Roestown 2b =C061
C061 1052b 13 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown silty clay
with moderate subrounded and
subangular stone, occasional
fragments of animal bone and
charcoal flecks. Ditch fill ?
C062 1052b 14 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with occasional medium
subangular stones and occasional
fragments of animal bone. Ditch fill?
C063 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Curvilinear spread of dark brown
clayey silt with moderate subangular
stones and occasional fragments of
animal bones. Gully fill?
C064 1052b Roestown 2b Void
C065 1052b 17 Roestown 2b A linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with moderate subangular stone
and occasional gravel. Gully fill ?.
C066 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Final fill of C095
C067 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Linear spread of loose, very dark
brown clayey silt with moderate
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
subrounded and subangular stone and
occasional animal teeth. Gully fill ?
C068 1052b 17 Roestown 2b A loose dark brown clayey silt with
occasional subangular stone up to
50mm in length and very occasional
fragments of animal bone. Fill C129.
C069 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Greyish brown slightly compact
clayey silty with occasional gravel
and fragments of animal bone. Fill of
recut C124.
C070 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Loose mid brown silty clay with
occasional small subangular stone,
occasional lenses of charcoal and
occasional fragments of animal bone.
Fill of C116.
C071 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Dark brown clayey silt with moderate
subangular gravel inclusions,
subangular stones up to 50mm in
length and occasional fragments of
animal bone. Upper fill of ditch
defining C-shaped structure.
C072–
C078
Void
C079 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Linear spread of dark brown clayey
silt with occasional subangular stones.
Gully fill?
C080 Void
C081 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Mid brown clayey silt with occasional
small subangular and subrounded
stones. Fill of C127
C082 1052b 9, 10, 11,
12 and 17
Roestown 2b Ringfort ditch=C096
C083 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C084 1052b 10 Roestown 2b Stone filled field drain
C085 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C086 1052b 10 Roestown 2b Fill of C084
C087 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C088 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C089 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C090 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C091 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
C092 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C093 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C094 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C095
C095 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Ditch defining internal C-shaped
enclosure
C096 1052b 9, 10, 11,
12 and 17
Roestown 2b =C082
C097 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C098 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Ditch, cut by C082
C099 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Primary fill C095
C100 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill C098
C101 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Gully, filled by C041
C102 Void
C103 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Primary fill of recut C124 in C082
C104 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C105 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of recut C122 in C082
C106 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of recut C121 in C082
C107 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C108 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C109 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Primary fill of C082
C110 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C111 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C082
C112 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C098
C113 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C098
C114 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C098
C115 1052b 9 Roestown 2b Fill of C098
C116 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Truncated pit or scoop
C117 1052b 11 Roestown 2b A loose dark brown clayey silt with
frequent subangular stone up to
0.13m in length, occasional fragments
of animal bone, overlies C118
C118 1052b 11 Roestown 2b Cobbled spread
C119 1052b 9 and 9
extension
Roestown 2b Cobbled spread
C120 Void
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
C121 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Recut in C082
C122 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Recut in C082
C123 1052b 9 and 9
extension
Roestown 2b =C119
C124 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Recut in C082
C125 1052b 1 Roestown 2b Gully, filled by C032
C126 1052b 10 Roestown 2b Gully, filled by C035
C127 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Gully, filled by C081
C128 Void
C129 1052b 17 Roestown 2b Truncated pit filled by C068
C130 1053 17 Roestown 2a Basal fill of C027
C131 1053 17 Roestown 2a Fill of C027
C132 1053 17 Roestown 2a Fill of C027
C133 1053 17 Roestown 2a Fill of C027
C134 Void
C135 1055 7, 7a, 8, 8a,
9, 9a, 10
and 11
Roestown 1 Modern field boundary
C136 1055 7, 7a, 8, 8a,
9, 9a, 10
and 11
Roestown 1 Fill of C135
C137 1055 9a Roestown 1 Compact plastic peat with frequent
subangular heat-fractured and firereddened
stones up to 0.1m in size
and occasional charcoal inclusions.
Fill of C138.
C138 1055 9a Roestown 1 Pit/trough ?
C139 1055 9a Roestown 1 Suboval spread of compact plastic
peat with frequent subangular heatfractured
and fire-reddened stones. Pit
fill ?
C140 1055 9a Roestown 1 Suboval spread of compact plastic
peat with frequent subangular heatfractured
and fire-reddened stones. Pit
fill.
C141 1052c 21 Cooksland 1 Charcoal manufacturing kiln
C142 1052c 21 Cooksland 1 Layer of oxidization on base and side
of C141
C143 1052c 21 Cooksland 1 Fill of C141
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
C144 1052c 21 Cooksland 1 Fill of C141
C145 1052c 21 Cooksland 1 Fill of C141
C146 1052c 21 Cooksland 1 Fill of C141
C147 1052c 19 and 21 Cooksland 1 Linear spread of subrounded gravel
and large subrounded stones.
Trackway.
C148 1052c 19 to 27 Cooksland 1 Dark brown clayey silt with
occasional large subangular stone. Fill
of C149.
C149 1052c 19 to 27 Cooksland 1 Ditch, modern field boundary
C150 1052c 1 and 29 Cooksland 1 Ditch, modern field boundary
C151 1052c 1 and 29 Cooksland 1 Fill of C150
C152 1052c 1 and 29 Cooksland 1 Ditch
C153 1022 1 Cooksland 4 Stone spread associated with a
structure
C154 1022 3 Cooksland 3 Drainage ditch
C155 1022 6 Cooksland 3 NE/SW Furrow
C156 1022 19 Cooksland 3 NE/SW Furrow
C157 1022 19 Cooksland 3 NE/SW Furrow
C158 1022 19 and 20 Cooksland 3 Drainage ditch
C159 1022 19 Cooksland 3 NE/SW Furrow
C160 1022 20 Cooksland 3 NE/SW Furrow
C161 1022 20 Cooksland 3 NE/SW Furrow
C162 1022 11 Cooksland 2 Spread of fulacht fiadh-like material
C163 1022 11 Cooksland 2 Spread of fulacht fiadh-like material
C164 1022 11 and 27 Cooksland 2 Spread of fulacht fiadh-like material
C165 1022 11 Cooksland 2 Oval trough
C166 1022 9 Cooksland 3 Drainage ditch
C167 1022 13 Cooksland 2 Oval pit
C168 1022 Cooksland 2
and 4
Topsoil
C169 1022 Cooksland 2
and 4
Subsoil
C170–200 Void
C201 1052a 1 Roestown 3 Soakaway
C202 1052a 1 and 3
extension
Roestown 3 Wall foundation
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Context No Plot No Trench No Site Description
extension
C203 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Wall foundation
C204 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Fill of C208
C205 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Subcircular spread of reddish-yellow
clay
C206 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Plough furrows
C207 1052a 2 extension Roestown 3 Plough furrows
C208 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Pit
C209 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Fill of C208
C210 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Primary fill of C208
C211 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Fill of C212
C212 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Stakehole
C213 1052a 2 Roestown 3 Cut for foundation trench of C203
C214 1052a 1 and 2
extension
Roestown 3 Cut for foundation trench of C203
C215 1022 11 Cooksland 2 Lower fill of C165
C216 1022 11 Cooksland 2 Upper fill of C165
C217 1022 13 Cooksland 2 Lower fill of C167
C218 1022 13 Cooksland 2 Upper fill of C167
3.5 List of Samples
Sample No Description Context No Analysis
1 Soil C010 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
2 Soil C066 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
3 Soil C087 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
4 Soil C088 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
5 Soil C090 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
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Sample No Description Context No Analysis
6 Soil C089 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
7 Soil C091 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
8 Soil C092 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
9 Soil C093 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
10 Soil C099 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable)
11 Bone C093 Faunal analysis radiocarbon dating
12 Soil C094 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
13 Soil C041 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
14 Soil C070 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
15 Soil C071 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
16 Bone C021 Faunal Analysis
17 Bone C023 Faunal Analysis
18 Bone C023 Faunal Analysis
19 Bone C202 Faunal Analysis
20 Bone C107 Faunal Analysis
21 Bone C069 Faunal Analysis
22 Bone C103 Faunal Analysis
23 Bone C085 Faunal Analysis
24 Bone C104 Faunal Analysis
25 Bone C105 Faunal Analysis
26 Bone C106 Faunal Analysis
27 Soil C108 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
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Sample No Description Context No Analysis
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
28 Soil C133 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
29 Bone C131 Flotation, palaeoenvironmental
analysis and radiocarbon dating (if
suitable
30 Charcoal C146 Species identification and
radiocarbon dating
3.6 List of Finds
Find No Context No Description
1 C023 Pot sherd, Medieval ?
2 C099 Iron nail/pin?
3 C094 Iron nail/pin?
4. DISCUSSION
Roestown 2a and Roestown 2b
Roestown 2b was located towards the edge of a slight terrace orientated northeast to southwest.
The land fell gently from northwest to southeast and moderately to the west. To the north the land
rose gently, while to the east and northeast it was relatively flat. This terrace had been altered by
the construction of the N3. Roestown 2a was located on this same terrace 50m to the northeast of
Roestown 2b. The nature of the soils indicates that prior to modern drainage, the low-lying
surrounding area had been partially waterlogged and probably formed part of the Red Bog. Both
Roestown 2a and 2b were located a small prominence on the margins of waterlogged, or
seasonally waterlogged, land.
A D-shaped enclosure at Roestown 2b was identified by geophysical survey and confirmed by
assessment. This enclosure measured 70m by 55m and was defined by a ditch with a flatbottomed
profile which ranged in width from 4.3m to 6.4m wide by 1.1m deep. After a period of
natural silting, the southern part of this ditch had been recut on at least three occasions and large
quantities of animal bone were recovered from the fills of these recuts. The northern part of the
enclosing ditch cut an earlier ditch. Geophysical survey identified a possible smaller enclosure to
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the southeast. This measured approximately 40m by 40m. Possible ditches and numerous gullies
were identified in the interior of these enclosures. These also had fills rich in animal bone. The
date and function of these features are unknown, although it is likely that some were used for
drainage and others to sub-divide these enclosures. Others are likely to be later in date. The fills of
the majority of these features indicate that these features, or fills, are archaeological in origin.
Two metalled surfaces were also identified, along with spreads of burning and pits.
A C-shaped internal enclosure was also identified. This feature measured 20m east to west 18m
and defined by a ditch 3.1m wide by 1.1m deep. This ditch had a flat-bottomed profile and the
fills of this ditch were rich in animal bone, charcoal, and fire-reddened and heat-shattered stone. It
is suggested that these fills resulted from domestic activity and were dumped into the ditch. Two
iron pins/nails? were recovered from these fills. There is no direct physical relationship between
this C-shaped enclosure and the larger enclosure.
Based on the location, the morphology, and the nature of the fills of the ditches, it is suggested
that the enclosures at Roestown 2b are of early medieval date. This site is tentatively identified as
a ringfort, or an enclosure in that tradition, with an ancillary enclosure to the southeast. The date
of the internal C-shaped structure is unknown.
O Riordain has defined a ringfort as follows:
‘In its simplest form the ringfort may be described as a space most frequently circular,
surrounded by a bank and fosse or simply by a rampart of stone. The bank is generally built by
piling up inside the fosse the material obtained by digging the latter. Ringforts vary very
considerably in size. In the more elaborately defended examples, the defences take up a much
greater area than that of the enclosure’. (O Riordain 1984, 29).
Between 30,000 and 60,000 enclosures classified as ringforts are estimated to have survived in the
archaeological record (Limbert 1996). This number is continually increasing with aerial
photography providing new evidence for previously unrecorded examples. Many of these appear
as crop marks having been levelled as a result of agricultural activity or deliberate dismantling.
The RMP for County Meath records 463 ringforts or raths in the county, and a total of 229
enclosures are also recorded. Stout categorised the ringforts of Co Meath as being in a zone of
low density ringfort settlement (1997, 62).
Univallate enclosures, where the site is defined by a single bank, are the most common type of
ringfort, with c.80% of them being univallate in form (Stout 1997, 17). The entrance into a
ringfort usually consisted of an undug causeway across the ditch leading to a gap in the bank(s).
While at 70m the diameter of Roestown 2b is large, ringforts with this diameter are not unknown
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(Stout 1997, 15), including an example in Brownrath Townland that measured 68m north to south
by 60m east to west (Moore 1987, 62)
Ditches with flat bottoms, or a U or V-shaped profile are known to have enclosed ringforts. While
the average width is around 3m, ditches surrounding ringforts with widths in excess of 3m have
been excavated: for example, at Lisdoo, County Fermanagh; Lissue, County Antrim (Edwards
1990, 21); and Haggardstown, County Louth, where the ditch, sectioned in one location, had a
width of 5.5m and was 2.2m deep (Campbell 1995). Evidence also exists for the re-cutting of
ditches after they have been backfilled such as at Ballypalady Co Antrim (Edwards, 1990, 21).
Dendrochronological and radiocarbon dating of samples taken from ringforts ‘have fairly
consistently provided a date range during the second half of the first millennium AD’ (Edwards
1990, 11). Stout on examination of the scientific dating evidence from forty-seven sites concluded
that the majority of Ireland’s ringforts ‘were occupied and probably constructed during a three
hundred year period from the beginning of the seventh-century to the end of the ninth-century
AD’ (Stout 1997, 24).
It is widely accepted that ringforts did not serve a military function, but were primarily enclosed
farmsteads, the fortifications of which were designed to keep out wild animals and cattle thieves,
who were prevalent during this period. The general consensus is that most ringforts were
farmsteads which would have been occupied by a ‘single family and their retainers’ (Stout 1997).
In cases where two enclosures occur, it would appear to that the larger area was used for
settlement with the smaller enclosure functioning as an animal compound. This would seem to be
the case at Colp West, Co Meath (Murphy 2000) at Curraheen 1, Co Clare (Danaher in prep) and
Garryduff (Edwards 1990, 57).
Given the location of the site and the local topography, it is likely that multiperiod activity will be
identified at Roestown 2a. An early medieval date is suggested for Roestown 2a, a U-shaped
enclosure that measured 50m east west by 20m north south. The western end of this enclosure has
been destroyed by the present N3.
Roestown 1 and Cooksland 2
Roestown 1 and Cooksland 2 have been interpreted as the remains of fulachta fiadh. Extant
fulachta fiadh (or burnt mounds) are mounds of burnt stone often associated with a water-filled
trough. They are also often located near streams or in marshy areas to ensure a supply of water.
Evidence from survey and excavation indicates that fulachta fiadh were a common feature of the
Irish prehistoric landscape, particularly from the second half of the third millennium and well into
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the first millennium BC. Though predominantly a Bronze Age monument, sites dating to the Late
Neolithic are also known: e.g. Moorechurch 1, 3980–3660 BC (Russell 2001). Fulachta fiadh
have also been dated to the medieval period, for example at Site J on the Nenagh Bypass N52
Link Road (Murphy and Clarke 2001, 47).
It is thought that heated stones were added to heat the water for cooking. These stones were then
cleared from the trough and dumped around it, leaving access to one side of the mound clear.
Over time this created a kidney-shaped or U-shaped mound, although other shapes of mound are
also known.
The most common interpretation is that fulachta fiadh were used as cooking sites, the name
coming from references in early historic literature connected to various ways of cooking meat:
“This is a cooking-place (inadh fulachta)” said Finnachaidh, “and it’s a long time since it was
made.” “That is true,” said Caoilte, “and this is the cooking-place (fulacht) of the Great Queen.
And is not to be worked without water” (Ó’Drisceóil 1990).
At Fahee South, County Clare, the faunal remains consisted of cattle and deer teeth, 2 deer
antlers, and a horse mandible and tooth with butchery marks (Waddell 1998, 177). A
reconstructed example of a fulacht fiadh has also been shown to successfully cook a 4.5kg leg of
mutton in about four hours (O’Kelly 1954). Damage to pottery, consistent with being immersed in
boiling water, from a burnt mound complex at Tangwick, Shetland Isles, led the excavators to
conclude that the site was used for cooking, possibly feasting (Moore and Wilson 1999, 203);
however, they concluded that other activities could also have been carried out at this site (ibid).
The majority of the excavated sites do not contain cooking or domestic debris which would
otherwise indicate a cooking function. An increasingly popular interpretation is that their troughs
contained fire-heated stones upon which water was poured to create steam that was trapped by a
tent-like structure, forming a sweathouse. This suggests the alternative use as a sweathouse, where
there is little or no artefactual assemblage. Native American sweat lodges consisted of stones
being heated within a light wooden frame covered by animal skins. These sites are always found
next to a supply of water and there is invariably a total lack of bone debris in the sites themselves.
More recent Scandinavian examples also have plunge pools; a possible example of this was
discovered associated with a burnt mound at Ballycroghan County Down and consisted of a
timber and brushwood revetment to the river bank (Mallory and McNeill 1995, 109).
Cooksland 1
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The shape, rich charcoal fill, and presence of an outer band of oxidization would indicate that the
feature identified at Cooksland 1 was the remains of a charcoal manufacturing kiln or clamp.
Charcoal is produced by controlled burning of wood in a reducing atmosphere into which the
amount of air present is carefully controlled, so that the wood is roasted but not actually burnt.
The time taken to produce charcoal depends on the amount of wood used, the weather conditions
and the moisture content of the wood. A temperature of between 600o and 900o centigrade is
required and while the amounts of charcoal produced varies, the residue will be about 10% of the
raw material. This produces a black residue with a high carbon content, hydrogen, oxygen,
potassium, sulphur and nitrogen. The high carbon content, resulting in a high and steady burning
temperature, coupled with the cleanliness of the fuel, led to the use of charcoal as a fuel in the
metal working (production and smelting) process and also in the production of glass. While the
first description to be written in the English language was by John Evelyn in his "Sylva" dated AD
1664, the Greek Philosopher, Theophrastus, writing in the third century BC, discussed the virtues
of a number of species of trees for making charcoal for various purposes. He also concisely
describes the basic method for making charcoal as follows:
"They cut and require for the charcoal-heap straight smooth billets: for they must be laid as close
as possible for the smouldering process. When they have covered (with sods) the kiln, they kindle
the heap by degrees, stirring it with poles. Such is the wood required for the charcoal heap." (1)
The process for the production of charcoal appears to have varied little until the advent of metal
kilns in the late 19th century. The process for the production of charcoal summarized below is
drawn from recent experimental burnings, which themselves have drawn on evidence from the
recent past (1), (2).
A circular or subrectangular pit was excavated. In the Wrye Valley in England, the charcoal
burners preferred sandy soil to clay soils, due to the lower moisture content of the former (2) .
Large stones were removed as they might have exploded due to their high moisture content. This
pit was then loaded with timber. Historical evidence suggests that secondary timbers rather than
primary timbers were used in the production of charcoal. The timbers were piled around a central
stake, known as the mottle peg (1). This was removed when staking was complete, leaving an
aperture down which embers were placed to fire the kiln. The timber would have then been
covered in straw or bracken and a layer of earth and possibly turf was laid over the whole pile.
The mottle peg was removed, burning embers introduced, and the top of the aperture sealed. The
introduction of fire into the centre of the kiln enabled the fire to start in the centre of the kiln and
be drawn out to the edges of the kiln. The burn was controlled by strategic piercing of the
covering of the clamp, and allowing the penetration of air. The same method was used to
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introduce water into the kiln to put it out. Water was introduced down these holes, which were
then sealed. The steam would gradually put out the kiln, while keeping the charcoal relatively dry.
The charcoal would then have been extracted.
The kiln required continuous supervision until the burn was completed. Ruptures in the seal of the
kiln, caused by shrinkage of the wood, would have to be repaired. In more recent times, wood
colliers or master burners would have lived in temporary huts or cabins in the woodland. Charcoal
burning, like iron working, was by its very nature transient. It occurred mainly in isolation away
from settlement, and many of the other elements of the charcoal burning process leave no trace in
the archaeological record. Evidence from the excavation record does however provide evidence
for a link between charcoal production and primary iron working. A charcoal kiln at Hardwood 2
has been dated between AD 1020 and 1210 (Murphy D 2003B).
Endnotes
(1) http://www.wyreforest.net/Study_Group/wyreforest.netwb.html
(2) http://www.regia.org/charcoal.htm
Roestown 3 and Cooksland 4
The features identified at Roestown 3 and Cooksland 4 are most probably associated with
buildings identified on the Ordnance Survey six-inch first edition, County Meath Sheet 38 but not
on subsequent editions. This provides 1836 as a terminus ante quem for the construction of these
buildings.
5. IMPACT STATEMENT
Roestown 1, 2a, 2b and 3, and Cooksland 1, 2 and 4 are located in an area of fill. The scheme as
proposed will have a direct physical impact on these sites.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
Where it is not possible to preserve the archaeological sites in situ and the features on which the
proposed development will have a direct physical impact, this impact should be mitigated through
preservation by record. The details of the proposal for resolution will be discussed with Meath
County Council, DOEHLG and the NMI.
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7. CONCLUSIONS
In Testing Area 1 of Archaeological Services Contract 2, 111 test excavation trenches totalling
6284 linear metres were excavated. This represents 10.29% of the lands made available for
archaeological assessment in Testing Area 1 (13926m2 of 135239m2). Six sites of archaeological
significance were identified in total. These consisted of the remains of two fulachta fiadh and
associated features; a complex of enclosures, probably of early medieval date; a charcoal
manufacturing kiln; and the remains of 19th century buildings.
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8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bhreathnach, E. 1999 Authority and Supremacy in Tara and Its Hinterland c. 950–1200,
Discovery Programme Reports No 5, 1–25. Royal Irish Academy/Discovery Programme.
Dublin.
Bhreathnach, E. and Newman, C. 1997 Tara. Government Publication Sales Office. Dublin.
Bolger, T. 2003 Site 12, Rathmullen in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 2001 – summary accounts of
archaeological excavations in Ireland, 320. Bray.
Bradley, J, (2000) 504. Moynagh Lough, Brittas in Bennett, I, (ed),Excavations 1998 –
summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 161 - 162. Bray
Campbell, K 1995 180. Haggardstown, County Louth in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 1994 –
summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 64. Bray.
Clinton, M. 2001 The Souterrains of Ireland. Dublin.
Coldrick, B, 2000 Archaeological and Historical Background to the M1 Drogheda By-pass,
unpublished report prepared for Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
Danaher, E, in prep, N22 Ballincollig Bypass, Curraheen 1 Unpublished report prepared by
Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. and submitted to the Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government.
Edwards, N. 1990 The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland. Batsford.
Fenwick, J. and Newman, C. 2002 Geomagnetic Survey on the Hill of Tara, Co. Meath, 1998–9
1–19, Discovery Programme Reports: 6. Royal Irish Academy/Discovery Programme. Dublin.
Graham, B. J. 1974 Medieval Settlements in County Meath, Ríocht na Midhe Vol. V, No. 4.
Graham, B. J. 1975 Anglo-Norman Settlement in County Meath, Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Academy 75C, 223–48.
Halpin, E and Gowen M, 2000, 1991,106, Meath, Newton, in Bennett, I, (ed), Excavations
1998 – summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 253. Bray
Hickey, E. 1996 Ringbarrow at Skryne, A Window on The Past, No. 4, 38-39. Rathfeigh Historical
Society. Tara, County Meath.
Kilfeather, A. 2002 Environmental Impact Statement for the M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP
Scheme. Unpublished.
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Contract 2, Testing Area 1
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Limbert, D, 1996, Irish Ringforts: a review of their origins in The Archaeological Journal Volume
153, 1996, 243–290.
Mallory, J.P. and McNeill, T.E. 1995 The Archaeology of Ulster. The Institute of Irish Studies.
Queen’s University of Belfast.
Moore, D. 2003 site 19, Duleek Road, Plantin in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 2001 – summary
accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 320. Bray.
Moore, M. 1987 Archaeological Inventory of County Meath. The Stationery Office. Dublin.
Moore, H. and Wilson, G. 1999 Food for thought: a survey of burnt mounds of Shetland and
Excavations at Tangwick, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 129, 203–237.
Murphy, D, 2000, 708. Randalstown, in Bennett, I, (ed),Excavations 1999 – summary accounts of
archaeological excavations in Ireland, 243-244. Bray
Murphy, D. 2003B Draft Report On Archaeological Excavation at Hardwood 2, County Meath,
Licence Number 02E1141 Unpublished report prepared by Archaeological Consultancy
Services Ltd. and submitted to Dúchas The Heritage Service.
Murphy, D. and Clarke, L. 2001a Nenagh By-Pass Project N52 Link Road. Report on the
Archaeological Resolution of Sites. Unpublished report prepared by Archaeological
Consultancy Services Ltd. and submitted to Dúchas The Heritage Service.
Murphy, D. and Clarke, L. 2001b Report on the Archaeological Resolution of a Multi-Period
Settlement Site at Colp West, County Meath Unpublished report prepared by Archaeological
Consultancy Services Ltd. and submitted to Dúchas The Heritage Service.
Newman, C. 1997 Tara: An Archaeological Survey, Discovery Programme Monograph 2. Dublin.
O’Conor, K. D. 1998 The Archaeology of Medieval Rural Settlement in Ireland, Discovery
Programme Monograph No. 3. Dublin.
Ó Drisceóil, D. A. 1990 Fulachta fiadh: the value of early Irish literature in V.B. Buckley Burnt
Offerings, International Contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology, 55. Wordwell. Dublin.
O’Kelly, M. J. 1954 Excavations and experiments at ancient Irish cooking places, Journal of the
Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 84, 105-155.
O’Riordain, S. P. 1965 Antiquities of the Irish Countryside. University Paperbacks, London.
Russell, I. 2001 Archaeological Excavation at Moorechurch 1, County Meath. Unpublished report
prepared by Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. and submitted to Dúchas The Heritage
Service.
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Russell, I. 2003 Lilsharven 10, Kilsharven in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 2001 – summary
accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 306. Bray.
Ryan, M. (ed) 1991 Irish Archaeology Illustrated. Dublin.
Simms, A. 1988 The geography of Irish Manors: the example of Llanthony cells of Duleek and
Colp in County Meath, J. Bradley (ed) Settlement and Society in medieval Ireland, 291–326.
Kilkenny.
Stout, G. 1994 Embanked enclosures of the Boyne region, Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Academy 91C, 245–64.
Stout, M. 1997 The Irish Ringfort. Four Courts Press.
Sweetman, P.D., Alcock, O. and Moran B. 1995 Archaeological Inventory of County Laois.
Dublin.
Waddell, J. 1998 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Dublin.
Other Sources
Ordnance Survey six inch 1st edition of 1836, County Meath Sheet 38
GSB Prospection Geophysical Survey Report 2000/104, M3 Navan to Dunshaughlin
Road County Meath, Licence, Number 00R064 on Behalf of Margaret Gowen and
Company Limited.
9. GLOSSARY
ACCESS ROAD A new private/public road provided for access to lands where
previous access has been cut off by road development
CODE OF PRACTICE The Code of Practice is an agreement between the Minister
(formally of the Department of Arts Heritage Gaeltacht and the
Islands but now the Department of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government) and the National Roads Authority on
behalf of themselves and the Local Authorities in relation to
archaeology and the development of roads.
CONTEXT/‘C’ NO See Feature below.
CHAINAGE Road scheme centreline distance in metres from scheme start
point to finish, in this case south-north.
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CPO Compulsory Purchase Order used to compulsorily acquire land
required for the development, in this case a road
DOEHLG Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government
EXCAVATION Archaeological Excavation or Resolution – to archaeologically
fully excavate and record an archaeological site.
FEATURE/‘F’ NO Archaeological feature, an artificial (man-made) structure or cut
or deposit. A feature number is the individual number used to
record a feature uncovered in an archaeological excavation.
LANDTAKE The land acquired for the road development.
LICENCE Excavation Licence, archaeological excavation requires a licence
granted by the Minister of the DOEHLG in consultation with the
NMI
MONUMENT Archaeological Monument – An artificial structure of any date
that is of archaeological interest. In common use it generally
tends to be used for upstanding archaeology rather than sites with
negative features.
NATIONAL MONUMENT A monument or the remains of a monument the preservation of
which is a matter of national importance by reason of the
historical, architectural, traditional, artistic, or archaeological
interest attaching thereto.
NMI National Museum of Ireland
NGR National Grid Reference
OS Ordnance Survey
PLOT NO Individual numbers assigned to all landholdings being acquired
by the CPO
RESOLUTION See excavation above.
RMP Record of Monuments and Places – a list of monuments and
places and accompanying maps complied by the State.
ROADTAKE The outer edge of the road including any embankment.
SITE Archaeological site – an individual or group of artefacts and/or
features in an area.
TESTING Archaeological Testing or Test Excavation – a technique used to
establish the nature and extent of archaeological deposits and
features present in a location. It can also be used as a technique
to locate archaeological deposits and features.
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Signed:
____________________
Jonathan Dempsey
Archaeologist
August 2004