N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway Archaeological Resolution Project Mountshannon Site 1, E2334, Co

N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway Archaeological Resolution Project Mountshannon Site 1, E2334, Co. Limerick Final Excavation Report

Author: Caoimhe Ní Thóibín Director: Aine Richardson

Site Chainage Ordnance Datum NGR Mountshannon Site 1 760.000 30.079 165266/158496

Date: September 2008 Client: Limerick County Council Headland Project Code: NNL06 Townland: Mountshannon Parish: Stradbally Barony: Clanwilliam County: Limerick OS 6” Sheet No: LI‐006 Report Status: Approved

N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway Archaeological Resolution Project Mountshannon Site 1, E2334, Co. Limerick Final Excavation Report

Author: Caoimhe Ní Thóibín Director: Aine Richardson

Site Chainage Ordnance Datum NGR Mountshannon Site 1 760.000 30.079 165266/158496

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

CONTENTS PAGE

1 Executive Summary 2

2 Introduction 2

3 Site description and location 2

4 Historical and archaeological background 3

5 Aims and methodology 4

6 Summary of excavation results 4

7 Discussion 4

8 Archive quantities 4

9 Further work / Recommendations 5

10 References 5

11 Acknowledgements 5

List of Figures

1 N7 Nenagh to Limerick Dual Carriageway: Location of Mountshannon site 1, E2334 2 N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway: Location of Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 on RMP extract 3 N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway: Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Site layout 4 N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway: Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 West‐facing section of hearth (005)

Appendices

Appendix 1 Context Register and Matrix Appendix 2 Sample Register Appendix 3 Photograph Register Appendix 4 Drawing Register

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

1 Executive Summary

This report presents the results of archaeological investigations carried out on behalf of Limerick County Council as part of the N7 Nenagh ‐ Limerick Archaeological Resolution Contract. Phase 1 test trenching of the route was carried out by Judith Carroll and Company Ltd and Aegis Archaeology Ltd. between January and March 2006, under Ministerial Direction Number A026. One Site of archaeological potential was identified in the townland of Mountshannon, which during testing was assigned the sub‐scheme number A026/181. For the purposes of excavation this site was given the registration number E2334 and named Mountshannon site 1. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, following consultation with the National Museum of Ireland, directed that Phase 2 Archaeological Resolution should proceed.

Archaeological test trenching carried out by Aegis Archaeology Ltd in 2006 in the area of Mountshannon Site 1 revealed a feature consisting of a ’ firm deposit of fire burnt clay with moderate inclusions of red and yellow brick fragments. The eastern edge of the feature consisted of a metalled/rough cobbled surface set into a mid‐greyish brown silty clay. The feature measures 1.3m north to south by 1.50m east to west’ (Hayes 2006).

Full archaeological resolution of Mountshannon Site 1 took place between 15 and 19 December 2006. A circular area of burnt clay was the only feature of significance identifed on the site.

A summary Report of works on the site was completed by Headland Archaeology in April 2007.

2 Introduction

The scheme consists of 35.7 km of High Quality Dual Carriageway. It starts at the existing Newport Junction in the townlands of Carrowkeel and Mountshannon and runs northeastwards towards Nenagh (Carrigatogher), excluding two areas of bog in Lisnagry (Drominboy) and in Gooig (Annaholty) and continues to Ballintotty at the end of the Nenagh Bypass, which will be widened. The work described here was undertaken under the N7 Nenagh‐Limerick Archaeological Resolution Contract. The project is funded by the Irish Government and the European Union, through Limerick County Council/ National Roads Authority and under the National Development Plan 2000‐2006. Headland Archaeology Ltd. was commissioned by Limerick County Council to undertake the works.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared in 2003, with Margaret Gowen & Co. compiling the Architectural and Cultural Heritage Assessment for the route. This formed Section 5.12 of the EIS produced as a joint venture by RPS MCOS Scetauroute.

3 Site description and location (Figure 1)

Mountshannon Site 1 was located at NGR 165266/158496, at chainage 760.00 in a fallow greenfield site bounded to the east by the existing N7 and to the northeast by a local access road. It formed the eastern boundary of Mountshannon Demesne from which the main entrance was accessed. This access road possibly formed the southern part of a recorded monument: L1006‐007 representing the original road from Limerick to Castleconnell noted as having being used as a routeway by Cromwell’s son‐in‐law, General Ireton in 1651.

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

The rolling landscape of this area is composed of glacial sands and gravels of mixed sandstone‐shale with limestone in places, and is characteristic of the lowlands in a broad area stretching between Newport and Birdhill (Gowen 2003).

Further sites of archaeological potential in the vicinity were also identified during archaeological testing undertaken by Avril Hayes of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. In February 2006 the surrounding land to the northeast and north contained ditch features (Richhill site 3), burnt mounds and associated features (Richhill Site 1, Areas A, B and C and Lisnagry Site 1) and a circular enclosure with associated features (Richhill site 2).

4 Historical and archaeological background (Figure 2)

The townland name Mountshannon was introduced by settlers and replaced the original name of Ballingown from the Irish ‘Baile na gobhan’ meaning town of the smiths or ‘Baile an Ghaill’ meaning town of the foreigners. This name now refers to the nearby townland Ballynagowan. Mountshannon House is shown on Taylor and Skinners 1778 map as Ballingown (Gowen 2003).

The archaeological potential of Mountshannon townland had been documented in the EIS for the project (Gowen 2003). Here it was noted that Mountshannon house and all associated features are listed as a protected structure in the Limerick County Development Plan 1998. The demesne wall is all that survives in this townland and was not within sight of Mountshannon Site 1. Details of this wall are included in the EIS as follows:

ID No. 1 Townland Carrowkeel/Mountshannon County Limerick OS Sheet No. 006 NGR or chainage Ch 0+530.00‐0+670.00 RMP No. (if any) Not applicable Property No. (if any) Not applicable Site Type Demesne Wall Random coursed stone and mortar wall surviving in heights from between 1‐2.5 m and overhung with dense clumps of ivy; Site Description already broken through with construction of the Limerick Southern Ring Road Mountshannon House is listed as a protected structure in Legal protection or Limerick County Development Plan 1998; all associated features status i.e. it’s cartilage, are also protected Proximity to route Within the fenceline Remaining estate/landscape feature connected with Significance Mountshannon Demesne The wall has been previously damaged to facilitate access to dwellings now fronting the N7 and during construction of the Limerick Southern Ring Road. It also no longer encloses a Sensitivity surviving demesne landscape; Mountshannon wood has all but disappeared and the demesne land subdivided. No specific mitigation requirements will apply

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

The RMP LI006‐064 cited as a possible enclosure was located c.250 m to the west of Mountshannon Site 1 but not within the road take.

5 Aims and methodology

The objective of the work was the excavation and recording of the archaeological features found during Contract 1 Archaeological Testing undertaken by Aegis Archaeology Ltd in 2006 (see summary above). Also the excavation and recording of any additional archaeological features identified within the stripped areas.

Topsoil stripping of the site was conducted using a 360° tracked machine fitted with a 1.9 m wide ditching (toothless) bucket under archaeological supervision. A total area of 120.986 m² was exposed. The resulting surface was cleaned and all potential features investigated by hand. Archaeological contexts were recorded by photograph and on pro forma record sheets. Plans and sections were drawn at an appropriate scale. Registers are provided in the appendices. Ordnance Datum levels and feature locations were recorded using Penmap and an EDM.

Environmental samples were taken on any deposits potentially suitable for analysis or dating as per company environmental guidelines and following consultation with environmental archaeologist and archaeobotanist Karen Stewart.

One soil sample was taken from this site. It is being processed for environmental and dating analysis.

6 Summary of excavation results

The features excavated on Mountshannon Site 1 (Figure 3) consisted of a circular area of oxidised clay (005) which was located in the northern corner of the site. It measured 1.02 m in length, 0.98 m in width and 0.09 m in depth (Figure 4). It had a moderate break of slope at the top, concave sides and a gentle break of slope to a flat base. The fill (003), mid‐pinkish‐red silty clay, contained occasional small sub‐rounded stone inclusions.

7 Discussion

This isolated area of in situ burning with no evidence of associated charcoal or ash rich deposits is difficult to interpret. No other features were found in association with it and its exact function remains unclear. Due to its isolated nature it is of low archaeological significance and it contributes little to the archaeological record.

8 Archive quantities

The site archive is comprised of the following materials:

Context Sheets 4 Drawings 1 Samples 2 Sample recording sheets 2 Finds 0 Photographs 11

MountshannonMountshannon SiteSite 1

E2334E2334 Nenagh Limerick

RReproducedeproduced fromfrom 200119961996 OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ofof IrelandIreland 1:50,0001:50,000 DiscoveryDiscovery SeriesSeries nono 5858 C OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ofof Ireland,Ireland, GovernmentGovernment ofof Ireland.Ireland. LicenceLicence No.No. ENEN 00081070008107

MountshannonMountshannon SiteSite 1

0 50 m

Figure 1 - N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC: Location of Mountshannon Site 1, E2334

ReproducedReproduced fromfrom 19501950 OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ofof Ireland,Ireland, SecondSecond Edition,Edition, SixSix InchInch toto OneOne MileMile map,map, LimerickLimerick SheetSheet 6 C OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ofof IrelandIreland andand GovernmentGovernment ofof Ireland.Ireland. LicenceLicence No.No. ENEN 00081080008108

MountshannonMountshannon SiteSite 1

Figure 2 - N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC: Location of Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 on RMP extract Mountshannon Site 1

005

05 m

Figure 3 - N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC: Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Site Layout NS

003

005

0 0.5 m

Figure 4 - N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC: Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 West-facing section of hearth (005) Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

Registers 4 Notebooks 0

The archive material is contained within 1 box.

Storage of the archive in a suitable format and location is required in order to provide for any future archaeological research. It is proposed that, in addition to the paper archive, a digital copy is prepared. The archive is currently stored in the offices of Headland Archaeology, Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork. Following completion of post‐ excavation, the archive will be appropriately deposited.

9 Further work / Recommendations Due to isolated nature of the single feature identified on Mountshannon Site 1, further post‐ excavation analysis or dating would not enhance the interpretation so no further research, specialist analysis or conservation work is recommended. Soil samples which were taken at the time of excavation will be discarded. The results of this site will not be published in full though a summary of the excavation results will be published in the Excavations Bulletin.

10 References

Cartographic Sources

• First Edition Ordnance Survey 1843, 6 inches: 1 mile, Sheet LI006 • Second Edition Ordnance Survey 1903, 25 inches: 1 mile, Sheet LI006 • Record of Monuments and Places map, LI006

Literary Sources

Gowen and Co. 2003. N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality Dual Carriageway to Motorway Standard Environmental Impact Statement Volume 4B Appendix I.

Hayes, A. 2006. N7 Nenagh to Limerick High Quality dual carriageway Test‐Trenching (Contract 2), Archaeological Preliminary Report A026/181. Unpublished report by Aegis Archaeology Ltd. for Limerick County Council.

11 Acknowledgements

The director would like to thank the following for their contribution to the excavation and post‐ excavation phase of this project: • Celie O Rahilly and Richard O’Brien, Project Archaeologists, MWNRDO, Limerick. • Colm Moloney, Snr. Archaeologist, Headland Archaeology Ltd. • Ross MacLeod, Snr. Archaeologist, Headland Archaeology Ltd. • Damian Shiels. Post Excavation Manager, Headland Archaeology Ltd. • Graphics department, Headland Archaeology Ltd. • Noirin Teehan, Caoimhe Ni Thoibin, Site Supervisors, Headland Archaeology Ltd. • The excavation team.

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

Appendix 1 –Context Register

Context Type Fill Filled D (m) W(m) L (m) Description Interpretation no. of: by: 001 Deposit N/A N/A 0.18 N/A N/A Mid reddish brown sandy clayey silt Topsoil 002 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Mid yellowish brown clay Natural 003 Deposit 005 N/A 0.09 0.97 0.98 Mid pinkish red silty clay Burnt clay 004 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ Cancelled ‐ 005 Cut N/A 003 0.09 0.98 1.02 Cut of circular feature with moderate break of Cut of hearth slope top, concave sides and gentle break of slope to a flat base

Appendices Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Nenagh to Limerick HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

Context Matrix

001

Cut 003 Deposit

Topsoil 005

Natural 002

Appendix 2 – Sample Register

Sample Context Description no. no. 001 003 Mid pinkish red burnt subsoil

Appendices Headland Archaeology Ltd: N7 Limerick to Nenagh HQDC Mountshannon Site 1, E2334 Final Report

Appendix 3 – Photo Register

Download Photo Direction Facing Description no. Mixed register 1 128 Northeast Pre‐ex of hearth [005] Mixed register 1 129 Southwest Pre‐ex of hearth [005] Mixed register 1 130 West Pre‐ex of hearth [005] Mixed register 1 133 East Mid‐ex of hearth [005] Mixed register 1 134 Southeast Post‐ex of hearth [005] Mixed register 1 135 North Post‐ex of hearth [005] Mixed register 1 136 East Pre‐ex of possible surface ‐ natural Mixed register 1 137 South Pre‐ex of possible surface ‐ natural Mixed register 1 138 South Pre‐ex of possible surface ‐ natural Mixed register 1 139 East Post‐ex of possible surface ‐ natural Mixed register 1 140 North Post‐ex of possible surface ‐ natural

Appendix 4 –Drawing Register

Drawing Type Scale Description no. 001 Plan 1.20 Pre‐ex of site, Penmap survey 002 Section 1:10 Mid‐ex of hearth [005], west facing

Appendices