Road - road/trackway

The National Monuments Service's description

This monument was identified by geophysical survey (Licence no. 05R030Ext) and confirmed by test excavation (Licence no. 05E0415) undertaken within Killeen Castle Demesne in advance of golf course development. Located south of Killeen castle (ME038-012----) and extending downslope to the vicinity of the wayside cross (ME038-014----), the site was characterised by linear anomalies that were confirmed as large ditches and gravel pathways. Pottery recovered from this area was predominantly 18th and 19th century in date while the gravel pathways were defined by redbrick. This area may have functioned as a formal garden prior to landscaping.

In the vicinity of the wayside cross there are broad linear anomalies extending northwards that intersect with similar anomalies sweeping eastwards. The latter correspond with extant remains to the west of the demesne which consist of a roadway delineated on either side by ditches and banks. Within the test trenches this was reflected by the presence of ditches and the remains of a gravel-laid surface (Wth 3.8m). The old road from Dunshaughlin to Trim passed east-west through the demesne at this point and is depicted on a 1753 Estate map. Locally it is held that the road to Tara extended from this road at the Cruise monument and the presence of a roadway just east of the wayside cross seems to confirm this. While there is no artefactual material to date the roadways it is possible they were in use from the early medieval period until the mid-18th century (Baker 2009, 34). Preserved within the 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.