Moated site

The National Monuments Service's description

In 2003 (Coyne 2006, 239-40, No. 907: Excavation Licence No. 03E1752) and 2004 (Coyne 2007, 195-6, No. 817: Excavation Licence No. 03E1752 ext.), archaeological excavation in advance of the extension of a sand and gravel pit revealed a moated site, which had a later period of use as a burial ground (KD023-113001-). An almost square area (L 50m; Wth 45m) was enclosed by a substantial ditch (Wth 5-6m; D 2m) with a causeway in the SW corner, the sides of which were revetted with stone. A shallow internal ditch encircling the central portion of the site contained a large amount of animal bone and a complete horse skull. The N portion of the site contained a series of internal ditches, a possible circular structure and the remains of a possible rectangular house. A complex intercutting series of wide ditches, of similar size and shape to the main enclosing ditch, was excavated just N of the site, as well as a series of smaller ditch and drain features. A possible sunken house was also excavated to the E of the main enclosure. Large quantities of animal bones were recovered throughout the site.

Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy

Date of upload: 18 December 2012

References

Coyne F. 2006 Moated site with later inhumations. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2003: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 239-40 (No. 907). Bray. Wordwell.

Coyne F. 2007 enclosure and cemetery. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2004: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 195-6 (No. 817). Bray. Wordwell.