Stafford Mcloughlin Archaeology | Heritage

Stafford McLoughlin Archaeology | Heritage | Conservation www.staffordmcloughlinarchaeology.ie

Archaeological Assessment Report, Kilree, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. ITM E669345 N660794

Client: Fir Tree Developments Ltd.

By: Catherine McLoughlin February 2019

Emmet Stafford MA PGC MIAI 086 8079570 Catherine McLoughlin BSc(Hons) PG Dip Cons MIAI 086 3824961 Moonrise Farmhouse, Coolballow, Drinagh, Wexford, Co. Wexford. Tel: 053 9141270 Email: [email protected] Vat reg: IE9537573W Stafford McLoughlin Archaeology

Contents Page 1.0 Introduction 3 1.1 Methodology 3 2.0 The Proposed Development 4 3.0 Core Data & Legislative Background 4 4.0 Archaeological & Historical Background 6 4.1 Location 6 4.2 Historical Background 6 4.3 Archaeology 7 5.0 Previous Archaeological Investigations 9 5.1 Testing within the Development Site 9 5.2 Other Archaeological Testing 10 6.0 Cartographic Sources 11 7.0 Site Inspection 12 8.0 Impact of the Proposed Development 12 9.0 Recommendations 13 11.0 Conclusions 13 Sources Consulted 15 Fig. 1 Location of Kilree, Co. Carlow 16 Fig. 2 Location of site within modern OS mapping 16 Fig. 3 Location of the development site 17 Fig. 4 Layout of development site 17 Fig. 5 Location of development in relation to known archaeology 17 Fig. 6 Previously excavated archaeological test trenches 18 Fig. 7 Extract from the Down Survey map 19 Fig. 8 Extract from 1st edition OS map 19 Fig. 9 Extract from 2nd edition OS map 19 Fig. 10 Aerial photograph of area of proposed development 20 Fig. 11 Area of CW016-131; this area has been archaeologically resolved 20 Fig. 12 View looking NW across site 20 Fig. 13 View looking NW to existing buildings 21 Fig. 14 View from E looking towards buildings at W 21 Fig. 15 View to E to Blackstairs Mountains 21 Fig. 16 View to N to housing developments

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1.0 Introduction This report has been commissioned by Fir Tree Developments Ltd., to accompany a planning application for a new industrial development at Kilree, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow (figs. 1 & 2). The area of development is located in proximity to a number of recorded archaeological monuments and archaeological testing of a portion of the proposed development was undertaken in 2006 by this author under licence 06E0299.

The report is based on historic and cartographic research along with site inspection. An impact statement is included which details the potential impacts of the proposed development along with suggested mitigation measures to address these.

1.1 Methodology The data contained within this report has been compiled from a number of sources:  Archaeological Survey of Ireland  1st and 2nd edition historic mapping  Griffith’s Valuation map  Aerial photographs available at www.osi.ie  National Inventory of Architectural Heritage at www.buildingsofireland.ie  Archaeological excavations bulletin at www.excavations.ie  Unpublished archaeological reports  Carlow County Development Plan  Secondary sources (see bibliography)

The report been prepared in accordance with a number of guideline documents:  ‘Framework & Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’ issued by the DAHGI (1999)  ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ issued by the EPA (2002)

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All recommendations made in this report relate to the statutory protection and legislative framework of the National Monuments Acts (1930-2014) and the Heritage Act (2000). Recommendations are outlined in Section 9 of the report and include the following measures:  Archaeological testing of areas not already subject to testing under licence 06E0299, in advance of construction.

2.0 The Proposed Development The proposed development entails the construction of a new industrial development and all associated carparking and siteworks (figs. 3 & 4). The development will include 4 new industrial units of varying size with road access from the existing industrial estate.

3.0 Core Data & Legislative Background The development site is situated at the southern end of the Oak Park Industrial Estate in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, in the townland of Kilree (figs. 1 & 2).

Location: Kilree, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. ITM co-ordinates: E669345 N660794 Record of Protected No protected structures within the site boundary. Structures refs: RMP No: The following recorded archaeological monument is partially located within the development site boundary: CW016-131 excavation – miscellaneous The following recorded archaeological monuments are in close proximity to the development site; CW016-104 road / trackway CW016-04002 quarry CW016-04001 enclosure

Previous planning 05/680 – planning permission for industrial development refs: 06/726 – planning permission for industrial development

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Previous 06E0299 Archaeological assessment by Catherine McLoughlin of archaeological licence lands partially within this development. no’s: 06E0299ext Archaeological monitoring & excavation by Emmet Stafford of lands partially within the proposed development.

Comprehensive and systematic legislative provisions for the protection of the architectural, archaeological and natural heritage were introduced by the government with the implementation of the Planning & Development Act in 2000, which has been amended in various points since. The 2000 Act set out the development plan as the basic policy document of the planning authority in which the overall strategy and specific objectives for sustainable development and proper planning within an area are set out (Grist 2012, 11). The legislation requires that each planning authority renew its development plan every six years.

The planning authority have an obligation to create a record of protected structures (RPS) which lists structures of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. This record forms part of the planning authority’s development plan (DAHG 2011, 15).

In addition, the National Monuments Act (1930-2014) protects monuments of archaeological, historical or architectural interest creating an overlap with the 2000 Act in the protection of structures of special interest. Monuments within this register are referred to with a Record of Monuments & Places number (RMP number). The proposed development site at Kilree is located in proximity to several recorded archaeological monuments as detailed in the table above. These sites are given statutory protection under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2014).

The Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 contains policies specific to heritage (Chapter 9). Section 9.2.2 of the plan states ‘Any proposed development (due to its location, size or nature) with the potential to affect the archaeological heritage will be subject to an Archaeological Impact Assessment’. Additionally, the

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Muine Bheag / Royal Oak Area Plan 2017-2023 contains polices specific to the archaeological heritage (chapter 10).

4.0 Archaeological & Historical Background 4.1 Location The proposed development is located within the townland of Kilree, in the parish of Sliguff in the barony of Idrone East, on the south-western outskirts of the town of Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. The proposed development site is located in an area of farmland on the southern side of the town and the local topography is relatively flat with glacial ridges rising upwards from the River Barrow which is located immediately to the south of the proposed development site. The Blackstairs Mountains can be seen to the east of the site.

4.2 Historical Background The proposed development site at Kilree is located on the south-western outskirts of the town of Bagenalstown. The extensive modern civil parish of Bagenalstown contains the ancient ecclesiastical districts of Dunleckney, Lorum, Nurney, Sliguffe, Ballyellen, Fenagh and part of Agha (Commerford 1886, 79). Bagenalstown itself is situated in the parish of Dunleckney, or “the fort of the flag-stones”, and is variously known as Moneybeg or Muine Bheag.

The townland of Kilree is located within the medieval parish of Wells and the name Kilree is given by some as meaning ‘Cill Righ’ or church of the king (https://www.logainm.ie/en/3404). It is therefore possible that an unlocated early medieval church enclosure may exist within the area. There is a dense concentration of recorded ringforts in the area, particularly a short distance to the east in the townland of Kilcarrig (the ‘wood of the rock’) and these settlements would have had churches associated with them.

The urban centre of Bagenalstown is of relatively modern date and not considered to be of archaeological significance. Walter Bagenal laid out the centre of the town in

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the early 1790’s on the existing site of Moneybeg in an attempt to establish a profitable trading centre. The centre was intended to become an inland port on the Barrow river. Bagenal, whose family had settled in Carlow after a battle in 1552 in which government forces under Sir Nicolas Bagenal defeated Hugh MacMorragh Kavanagh, intended the town “to be of considerable architectural pretension and to bear the name Versailles” (Shell Guide to Ireland, 252). The development was undertaken in response to the incorporation of the Barrow Navigation Company in 1792, (JCS 1955, 33).

The re-routing of the coach road disappointed the ambitions of Walter Bagenal, whose attempt to create a town was to prove costly. The only building of architectural note to have been constructed was the courthouse, built in the early 19th century (O’Toole 1993, 12).

Earlier settlement in the area may have been concentrated around the deserted medieval borough of Dunleckny, which is located two kilometres to the north-east of Bagenalstown. No evidence of the dun or fortified site which may suggest pre- Norman settlement at the site is known to exist. The borough was founded in the twelfth century when Raymond le Gros was enfeoffed of, or granted the lands of, Castelemore and Dunleckny by Strongbow (Orpen 1911-20, I, 387).

Le Gros may have granted Dunleckney to his nephew, William de Carew, in whose family it remained until 1324. No references to the borough are known after that date and it is likely that the borough was abandoned in the fourteenth century.

4.3 Archaeology A record of all known archaeological monuments is held by the archive section of the National Monuments Section of the Department of Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht. This record, known as the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), combines the work of the Archaeological Survey conducted by the Office of Public Works, with cartographic sources, documentary information and aerial photography. Recorded archaeological monuments are referred to by county abbreviation, followed by

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ordnance survey 6” map sheet number, followed by monument number (e.g. CW016-040). This archive was searched for reference to the proposed development site and the surrounding area. There is one recorded archaeological monument located partially within the development area; CW016-131 excavation – miscellaneous and the following monuments are situated a short distance to the north-east in the townland of Kilree; CW016-104 road / trackway; CW016-04002 quarry; CW016-04001 enclosure (fig. 5).

CW016-131 excavation – miscellaneous A small area of possible archaeological activity in the form of pits was uncovered in archaeological testing by the author in 2006 under licence 06E0299 and fully excavated under extension to this licence.

CW016:04001 enclosure A cropmark enclosure is located to the north-east of the development site. The cropmark is visible on aerial photographs taken by Cambridge University Committee for Aerial Photography (CUCAP AYL 13-15). The feature has a maximum estimated diameter of 25m with a gap at the east. This may a prehistoric ring-ditch, a type of funerary site which dates from the Bronze Age into the Iron Age.

CW016-04002 quarry A second possible cropmark located to the south of enclosure CW016:04001 was tested in 2006 by the author under licence 06E0299. Testing of the feature showed it to be a large backfilled quarry pit.

CW016-104 road /trackway A trackway visible as a cropmark on the CUCAP AYL 13-15 aerial photographs is located to the north-east of the proposed development site. The trackway is oriented north-east to south-west, and takes the form of two parallel ditches, with an estimated length of 60m. A section of this was excavated under licence 06E0299 by the author in 2006 and it was suggested that it may have been a trackway leading to the quarry pit above.

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A further five recorded monuments are located in the townland of Moneybeg, within 1km of the proposed development site.

CW016:039 Enclosure site The remains of a large enclosure first identified by aerial photography is located c.250m to the north of the proposed development site, in the townland of Moneybeg.

CW016:108 Enclosure site The remains of an enclosure first identified by aerial photography is located c.350m to the north-east of the proposed development site, in the townland of Moneybeg. The enclosure appears to have a diameter of c.20m.

CW016:109 Enclosure site The remains of an enclosure first identified by aerial photography is located c.300m to the north-east of the proposed development site, in the townland of Moneybeg. The enclosure appears to have a diameter of c.20m.

CW016-118 Field system Field system uncovered during archaeological monitoring under licence 02E0351 by Emmet Stafford.

CW016-119 Field system Field system uncovered during archaeological monitoring under licence 02E0351 by Emmet Stafford.

5.0 Previous Archaeological Investigations 5.1 Testing within the proposed development site A portion of the proposed development site and an area of the surrounding land, were archaeologically tested by the author under licence 06E0299 in 2006. In total a series of 33 test trenches were excavated and 6 of these were excavated within the

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confines of the presently proposed development. These are shown on figure 6. The testing revealed a number of field boundaries and an area of small pits. In addition cropmark CW016-04002 was tested to see if it was archaeological in origin. Testing revealed it to be a backfilled quarry pit (C12, trench 20). Parallel ditches representing trackway (CW016-104) were uncovered in trenches 13-16, 21 & 25. Excavation of sections through these features did not identify any artefacts. They were shallow, 0.3m deep, and furrows were aligned with both ditches. The evidence suggests a trackway leading to the quarry pit described above.

Following the grant of planning permission for the development site archaeological monitoring and small-scale excavation was undertaken by Emmet Stafford under extension to licence 06E0299. In addition to archaeological monitoring an area measuring 20 x 20m was subsequently topsoil stripped around features C2-C5. No further features were uncovered and C2-C5 were archeologically excavated and preserved by record at this time. These features have been recorded as monument number CW016-131. They have been fully resolved. Works then ceased due to the economic recession.

5.2 Other archaeological investigations in the vicinity A number of to other archaeological investigations have been undertaken in the vicinity.

Archaeological testing by Emmet Stafford in Moneybeg townland under licence 02E0352 uncovered a field system.

Archaeological testing and excavation by Emmet Stafford and Catherine McLoughlin under licence 03E1404 revealed archaeological deposits related to recorded archaeological monument CW016-039 in Moneybeg townland.

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6.0 Cartographic Evidence The earliest depiction of Kilree on a map is on the Down Survey map of the mid seventeenth century (fig. 7). The Down Survey was so-called because a chain was laid down and a scale made which made these maps the first systematic mapping of a large scale area (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/history.html). Teams of surveyors were sent out under the direction of William Petty to measure every townland in Ireland which was to be forfeited to soldiers and adventurers after the 1652 Act of Settlement. The maps record the townland boundaries and notable features such as towns, castles, churches, mills, roads etc.

Whilst Kilree and ‘Moneybegge’ are shown, there are no accompanying features in the townlands.

The first accurately scaled map of the area is the first edition Ordnance Survey map which dates to c.1840 (fig. 8). From this it can be seen that the arrangement of the fields on this map is much the same as today. The railway line is not present. Two areas of structures are depicted on this map within the proposed development site. The one furthest to the west is enclosed by a small rectangular field whilst the one to the east is in an open field. Both buildings are small and accessed from laneways oriented roughly north to south.

By the time of the compilation of the second edition map in 1907 the arrangement of fields has not altered, apart from the building of the railway (fig. 9). The two buildings present on the first edition map are still visible. The western-most building is contained within a very small enclosure, and the eastern-most building can be seen to be enclosed within a rectangular enclosure with an additional building to the north.

The Cassini Ordnance Survey map is slightly later and shows substantially the same arrangement of fields and buildings as the second edition map.

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From the time of the compilation of the first edition map in the mid nineteenth century to the compilation of the Cassini map in the early twentieth century there were revisions to some of the field boundaries shown in the maps.

7.0 Site Inspection Site inspection was undertaken in October 2018. The site is accessed via the road which leads through the Royal Oak Industrial Park. The proposed development site is currently a series of open grassed fields which are bisected by fence lines running down to the River Barrow which forms the southern boundary of the site (figs. 10- 16).

The location of the previously excavated test-trenches in 2006 can no longer be seen as they were backfilled immediately.

The small enclosure of the eastern-most building seen on the historic mapping is still evident (fig. 10).

The area to the north-east of the currently proposed development which contains recorded monuments CW016-04001, CW016-04002 and CW016-104 now contains a football pitch. This area is outside of the currently proposed development zone.

8.0 Impact of the Proposed Development The proposed development consists of the construction of a 4 unit industrial development along with all associated siteworks. Archaeological testing of a portion of the development site was undertaken in 2006 with archaeological monitoring and small-scale resolution of features following for a short time thereafter.

However, figure 6 shows that a large part of the development site has not been subject to archaeological testing as the development site boundaries have now changed.

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The predicted impacts of development include sub-surface excavation which may potentially impact on unknown archaeological deposits which may exist outside of the areas already archaeologically tested.

Mitigation strategies to deal with these impacts are outlined in the following section.

9.0 Recommendations1 A portion of the development site at Kilree was subject to archaeological testing in 2006, as part of a larger development site. Planning permission was granted at that time and a condition of archaeological monitoring was attached to the grant of planning. Some of the area proposed for development at the present time is outside of the areas previously tested.

It is therefore recommended that:  Archaeological testing of those areas not subject to testing previously be undertaken in advance of any construction on the site. Archaeological testing should be undertaken under licence to the Department of Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht.  Should archaeological testing identify the parallel trackway CW016-104 as being located within the development site then excavation of a section of the ditches should be undertaken to confirm/refute the theory that they are post-medieval features associated with the quarry pit identified under licence 06E0299. No artefacts were found in excavated sections during previously assessment.  Archaeological monitoring during construction works of those areas tested previously should be undertaken.  Fencing should be erected to protect the area of recorded archaeological monuments CW016-040001, CW016-040002 and CW016-104 from any unintended impact of development in their vicinity.

1 All recommendations are made subject to the approval of the DCHG and the Planning Authority

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10.0 Conclusions Planning permission is being applied for for the construction of an industrial development in land which was previously partially the subject of archaeological testing. Planning permission for subsequently granted for industrial development at this location with a condition of archaeological monitoring.

Due to the location of a large portion of the development site outside of the area previously tested it has been recommended that archaeological testing of these areas be undertaken in advance of development. In addition archaeological monitoring should be undertaken of the areas which were previously subject to archaeological testing.

Should archaeological features or deposits be uncovered during the construction phase then archaeological excavation and preservation by record will need to be undertaken.

The government issued ‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’ (DAHGI 1999) states the following: ‘Where archaeological sites or monuments are to be removed due to development then it is essential that the approach of preservation by record be applied. Preservation by record requires that appropriate archaeological excavation and recording is carried out which ensures that, as a minimum, a complete and meaningful record is preserved of all archaeological deposits, features and information likely to be damaged as a result of development. If preservation by record is to be applied the developer must accept responsibility for the costs of the archaeological excavation to the extent necessitated by the development’ (pp. 25).

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Sources Consulted Brindley, A., & Kilfeather, A. 1993 Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow, Government of Ireland Publications. Carloviana – Journal of the Old Carlow Society, 1955, Vol 1, no 4. Commerford, M. 1886 Collection relating to the dioceses of Kildare & Leighlin. Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999 Policy and guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999 Framework and Principles for the protection of the Archaeological Heritage. Edwards, N. 2000 The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland. Routledge. Grist, B. 2012 Introduction to Irish Planning Law. Institute of Public Administration. Killanin, M., Duignan, M. & Harbison, P. 1989 The Shell Guide to Ireland. McGraw- Hill Ryerson, Ontario. Mitchell, F., & Ryan, M. 1998 Reading the Irish Landscape. Town House & Country House, Dublin. Orpen. 1911-20 Ireland under the Normans. O’Toole, J. 1993 The Carlow Gentry. Carlow County Development Plan Muine Bheag / Royal Oak Area Plan www.excavations.ie www.archaeology.ie www.buildingsofireland.ie www.osi.ie www.downsurvey.tcd.ie www.carlow.ie

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Fig 2. Location of proposed development site within modern OS mapping

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Fig. 3 Location of development site within other lands owned by applicant

Fig. 4 Layout of proposed industrial development

Fig. 5 Location of development site showing location of recorded archaeological monuments in the vicinity (shown as red dots)

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Fig. 6 Area of proposed development overlaid on previous archaeological testing layout

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Fig. 7 Down Survey map showing location of Kilree (www.downsurvey.tcd.ie)

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Fig. 11 Area of CW016-131. This area has been archaeologically resolved.

Fig. 12 View of development site looking NW to existing buildings

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Fig. 13 View of development site looking NW to existing buildings

Fig. 14 View from the east of the site looking W towards existing buildings

Fig. 15 View to the Blackstairs mountains to the E

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Fig. 16 View over development site to housing development to the N

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