Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on a rise in a fairly level landscape. A general magnetic gradiometer survey (09R0075) by J. M. Leigh with detailed targeting at selected points was conducted in a large development area (c. 22 ha), which resulted in the identification of two enclosures defined by fosses. This enclosure presented as a subcircular area (int. dims c. 42m NW-SE; c. 34m NE-SW) defined by a single fosse with an entrance (Wth c. 3m) at SE. The fosse (Wth c. 2.5m) is replaced by two narrow fosses NE-SE. A small ring-ditch (int. diam. c. 4m) defined by a wide fosse (Wth c. 2m) with an entrance (Wth c. 2m) at S is also recorded in the NW quadrant of the enclosure and field ditches connect with the fosse of the rath at N, SE and SW.

Much of the proposed development area was archaeologically tested (10E0033) by M. Saunderson (2010) over two weeks during February 2010 which produced little evidence of archaeological features outside the two recognised enclosures. Trenching at this enclosure confirmed the findings of the gradiometer survey. The enclosing fosse (Wth c. 2-3m) was exposed at five points, including one at E where the slighter double fosse was confirmed. Numerous internal features were also exposed. It is intended to preserve what is probably the remains of a rath within a green area in any future development. (Saunderson 2010, 25-30)

See the attached plan from Saunderson (2010, fig. 4)

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 31 March 2023

Leigh, J. M. 2010 Geophysical Survey Report, Clonmagaddan, County Meth. Licence: 09R0075. Unpublished report, J. M. Leigh surveys
Saunderson, M. 2010 Report on Archaeological Impact Assessment of Proposed Mixed-use Development at Conmagaddan, Co. Meath. Licence: 10E0033, Unpublished report, Arch-Tech