Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

This monument was identified through archaeological monitoring (Licence no. 04E0969) of topsoil stripping for services. Subsequent geophysical survey (Licence no. 05R030Ext) revealed a series of enclosures and anomalies encompassing an area (dims 300m N-S; 130m E-W). Located towards the towards the northern limit of Killeen Demesne, on relatively flat high ground with extensive views southwards. The ground falls away sharply to the west to a stream. A series of three enclosures were identified within the area exposed by the topsoil stripping. The inner enclosure (diam. 22m) encompasses burials and intersects with another enclosure (diam. 40m) to the northeast, the area between the two being characterised by a possible structure and accompanying habitation evidence (pits, ditches, surfaces etc.). A large outer enclosure surrounds the main focus of burial and habitation (dims c.58m) diamond also intersected with the inner enclosure to the north east. On the basis of the recovery of a ringed polyhedral-headed pin it can be concluded that the site was active in the 10th century A.D. (although both earlier and later usage cannot of course be precluded). To the south of these enclosures geophysical survey shows several more enclosures and possible field systems indicating the multi-period nature of the monument (Baker 2009, 28). Preserved in situ adjacent to a golf course.

Compiled by: Christine Baker

Date of upload: 22 February 2015

References

Baker, C. 2009 The Archaeology of Killeen Castle, Co. Meath. Wordwell Ltd. Bray.