Quarry

The National Monuments Service's description

Four large pits (dims 5.2m x 4.5m; D 1.2m; to 14.8m x 9.7m; D 1.5m) were principally located at the N edge of the excavated area, with one (diam. 6.2m; D 1.15m) close to the top of the spur at its S end. They can be assigned to the high medieval period through the occasional recovery of well dated pottery sherds. The smallest pit had been dug into the silted pond and was filled with peaty clays and stones. Meath-type wares (13th-14th century) were recovered from the top of its fill and the dating was confirmed by C14 dates of 1280-1420 cal. AD (Beta 235624), while a determination of 1020-1210 cal. AD (Beta 235625) was returned for the bottom of the pit. The pollen analysis indicated an open arable landscape, and the microfossils were dominated by water beetle with caddis flies and water flea eggs, typical of swampy conditions. The other pits were probably created for the extraction of gravel and were back-filled with sands or loose clays and silts. The largest pit was generally steep-sided but had an entrance ramp at SE. They are dated to the high medieval period through the recovery of Meath-type wares. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 145-7)

See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (figs 6, 7)
ME017-087_1 Site plan;
ME017-087_2 Contour plan;
ME017-087_8 Location;

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 22 March 2022

References

Walsh, F. 2011 M3 Clonee – North of Kells, Contract 4, Navan to Kells and Kells Bypass. Final Report on Kilmainham 1C, Co. Meath. Licence: E003140. Unpublished report, 2 vols, Irish Archaeological Consultancy