Kilmainham

213 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Kilmainham, from 12 m² to 303,806 m² (30.38 ha, 75.07 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 44 neighbouring parcels touch it.

• P5RA - Rural Area (Mixed/general primary sector uses, including 'rural')
  Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, Meath · 257 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 11 Jun 2026N/a

  the development will consist of the following: 1) to demolish a single storied sun-room extension to the side of existing two storied dwelling house, 2) to construct a two storied extension to the side of dwelling, 3) to construct an extension to the rear of the dwelling at first floor level above the existing single storied area, 4) to decommission an existing septic tank and percolation area and to install a new waste water treatment unit and percolation area in accordance with the current EPA code of practice, 5) all ancillary site works

  Permission · Meath County Council, 2660713

• 5 Mar 2026N/a

  RED III APPLICATION- A solar farm and energy storage compound with a total area of circa 137 hectares. The proposed development will consist of a solar farm comprising of c. 462,660 sq.m of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, associated string inverters mounted to rear of panels and 41 no. single storey electrical transformer stations and 1 no. medium voltage control/switching substation. The energy storage compound will consist of 70 no. containerised energy storage modules and associated plant and equipment, 35 no. transformers and 5 no. auxiliary transformers, 2 no. spare parts containers and 1. no. medium voltage control/switching substation. The overall project will also consist of underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site and within the R163 and R147 public roads, Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) crossing of the Blackwater River, temporary construction compounds, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, landscaping, drainage and all ancillary development works and apparatus necessary to facilitate the proposed development. Construction and operational access will be via 2 no. existing entrances from the R147 and R163 which will be upgraded. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application. The NIS includes an assessment of the grid connection for the solar farm project comprising a 110kV electricity substation and ‘loop-in / loop-out’ grid connection cabling to the existing Arvagh/Navan 110kV overhead line which will be the subject of an application to An Coimisiún Pleanála and is situated in the townland of Kilmainham, Kells, Co. Meath. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.

  Permission · Meath County Council, 2660267

• 30 Jan 2026Conditional

  File Ref: 21566 - the development will consist of the following: (A) To construct a storey and a half type dwelling house and a detached domestic garage. (B) To close up an existing septic tank and soak-pit serving an existing dwelling to the North of the site and to install a new proprietary waste water treatment and percolation area to serve the existing dwelling. (C) To install a new waste water treatment unit and percolation area to the rear (West) of the site to serve the new dwelling and to connect to mains water supply (D) To make a new entrance onto the road to serve the new development. The new entrance will be part of a combined entrance which will also serve an adjoining site which is the subject of a separate planning application. (E) All ancillary site development works

  Extension of duration, 2 homes · Meath County Council, 2656

• 8 May 2025Refused

  EXTENSION OF DURATION OF PLANNING PERMISSION KA200067 - Planning permission to construct a two-storey dwelling house, domestic garage, new entrance off existing access laneway & sewerage treatment system & associated works

  Extension of duration, 2 homes · Meath County Council, 2584

• 24 Apr 2025Conditional

  EXTENSION OF DURATION OF PLANNING PERMISSION REF NO: KA191576 - a two storey dwelling house, domestic garage, new entrance off existing access laneway and to install a sewerage treatment system with percolation area together with all associated works.

  Extension of duration, 1 home · Meath County Council, 2572

• 9 May 2024Conditional

  permission for (a) change of use from existing Farm Building to domestic dwelling (b) demolish existing single storey extension to front of building (c) construct a single store extension to rear & side of existing structure, (d) install new proprietary wastewater treatment system & all associated site development works

  Permission · Meath County Council, 2460328

• 12 May 2023Conditional

  a new single storey extension to the rear, front and side of an existing residential dwelling, elevational changes, internal layout reconfiguration and all ancillary site works, including the upgrading of the existing septic tank to a new on-site wastewater treatment system

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 23508

• 17 Feb 2023Conditional

  retention of variations to and proposed revisions to current grant of permission ref: 21/1576 and consists of the following: retention permission for (1) revised location of agricultural building consisting of haybarn, covered dungstead and open fronted parking shed for horseboxes along with minor revisions to the external finishes of the shed (2) all ancillary site works. Permission for (1) revisions to the approved stables building to include a central courtyard, covered calf shed area and minor revisions to the external elevations (2) relocation and revised design of the approved straw bedded shed to include a lie back area and a concrete yard area (3) revised location of the proprietary waste water treatmenet unit and percolation area (4) revised location for underground effluent storage tank (5) and all ancillary site development works. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

  Permission · Meath County Council, 23156

• 9 Feb 2023Conditional

  the development will consist of the following works; (a) construct an all weather training pitch (24m x 40m). (b) erect 2.4m high perimeter wire fence within additional 3.6m high netting installed above wire fencing to the boundaries of the new pitch, (6.0m high in total). (c) associated 12m high floodlighting to training pitch (d) erect 20 No. 5m high lighting columns to existing walking path around the perimeter of the existing pitch. (e) together with all associated site works

  Permission · Meath County Council, 23111

• 15 Sept 2022Conditional

  as built changes to the permitted part two-storey/part single-storey extension to the front of an existing 2-storey detached dwelling under planning permission reference number KA200030. The retention application includes for the change to a single-storey extension and minor elevational changes to the front of an existing 2-storey detached dwelling

  Retention, 1 home · Meath County Council, 221211

• 2 Sept 2022Refused

  a new single storey extension to the rear, front and side of an existing residential dwelling, elevational changes, internal layout reconfiguration and all ancillary site works. The development will also consist of the construction of a new garden office to the south of the dwelling, and the upgrading of the existing septic tank to a new on-site wastewater treatment system

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 221152

• 2 Sept 2022N/a

  as built changes to the permitted part two-storey/part single-storey extension to the front of an existing 2-storey detached dwelling under planning permission reference number KA200030. The retention application includes for the change to a single-storey extension and minor elevational changes to the front of an existing 2-storey detached dwelling

  Retention, 1 home · Meath County Council, 221153

• 22 Jul 2022Conditional

  the demolition of existing single storey side and rear extensions and the erection of a single-storey extension to the side of existing dormer bungalow. Also to relocate site entrance and close up existing entrance and to construct a detached domestic garage and to include for all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 22976

• 8 Jul 2022N/a

  the development consists of as built changes to the permitted part two-storey/part single-storey extension to the front of an existing 2-storey detached dwelling under planning permission reference number KA20030. The retention application includes for the change to a single-storey extension and minor elevational changes to the front of an existing 2-storey detached dwelling

  Retention · Meath County Council, 22902

• 13 May 2022Conditional

  to construct a single storey family flat to side of dwelling house and to decommission existing septic tank and install a new sewage treatment system with percolation areas together with all associated site development works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 22625

• 5 Oct 2021Refused

  construction of a single storey style dwelling, detached domestic garage, install proprietary waste water treatment system and percolation area and form a new entrance from the public road, together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 211940

• 15 Sept 2021N/a

  construction of a single storey style dwelling, detached domestic garage, install proprietary waste water treatment system and percolation area and form a new entrance from the public road, together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 211811

• 10 Sept 2021Conditional

  to construct a part two storey/part single storey type dwelling, detached domestic garage, install waste water treatment system and percolation area and form a new entrance from existing access lane together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 211774

• 13 Aug 2021Conditional

  the following: (A) Retention permission for: (1) a detached domestic garage along with ancillary site works and (B) Planning permission for (1) to demolish 2 no. stable buildings and a machinery storage shed (2) to construct a new stables building to include meal and tack rooms, records keeping office and toilet and wash room (3) to install a proprietary waste water treatment system and percolation area (4) to construct a straw bedded shed (5) to construct a haybarn, covered dungstead and open fronted parking shed for horseboxes (6) to install an underground effluent storage tank (7) and all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 211576

• 8 Apr 2021Conditional

  construction of an agricultural livestock shed consisting of cubicles and underground slatted slurry storage tanks and all associated site works. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

  Permission · Meath County Council, 21654

• 26 Mar 2021Conditional

  the development will consist of the following and is to supersede existing Grants of Permission on the site, Ref. No.s: KA/140789 and KA/191366, : (A) Change of house type from one and a half storied to single storied and a change of domestic garage design. (B) Revised site boundaries and revised site layout which will include installing a new proprietary waste water treatment and percolation to the rear (West) of the site along with connection to mains water supply. (C) To make a new entrance onto the road to serve the new development. The new entrance will be part of a combined entrance which will also serve an adjoining site which is the subject of a separate planning application. (E) All ancillary site development works. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 21564

• 26 Mar 2021Conditional

  the development will consist of the following: (A) To construct a storey and a half type dwelling house and a detached domestic garage. (B) To close up an existing septic tank and soak-pit serving an existing dwelling to the North of the site and to install a new proprietary waste water treatment and percolation area to serve the existing dwelling. (C) To install a new waste water treatment unit and percolation area to the rear (West) of the site to serve the new dwelling and to connect to mains water supply (D) To make a new entrance onto the road to serve the new development. The new entrance will be part of a combined entrance which will also serve an adjoining site which is the subject of a separate planning application. (E) All ancillary site development works. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, 21566

• 19 Mar 2021N/a

  planning permission to construct a storey and a half dwelling house, domestic garage, new entrance and to install a sewage treatment system with percolation area together with all works ancillary to the overall development on site off Cul De Sac

  Permission, 2 homes · Meath County Council, 21518

• 11 Dec 2020Conditional

  proposed works consist of: Construction of a two storey style dwelling, detached domestic garage, install proprietary waste water treatment system and percolation area and form a new entrance from the public road, together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Meath County Council, KA201905

• 21 Sept 2020Conditional

  a detached 2 storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, new vehicular entrance onto public roadway, driveway, waste water treatment system, percolation area, boundaries, landscaping and associated site works. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

  Permission, 2 homes · Meath County Council, KA201321

The 25 most recent of 39 applications.

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC 002299
• Special Protection Area: River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA 004232

Recorded monuments

• ME017-021 Moated site
  Description

  Located at the S base of a low ridge on the S bank of a NW-SE section of the River Blackwater, with the stream c. 30m to the NE. This is a rectangular grass-covered area (dims 32m NW-SE; 28m NE-SW) defined by earthen banks (at SW: Wth of base 6.5m; int. H 0.2m; ext. H 1m) and outer fosses or moats (at SW: Wth of top 6.5m; Wth of base 2.6m; ext. D 0.8m), with outer banks on the NE (Wth of base 5m; H 0.5m) and NW sides. An original entrance is not identified. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 12 April 2019 Amended: 3 March 2023

• ME017-085001 Structure
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). The two Neolithic structures are situated in a fairly small area (dims c. 35m N-S; c. 12m E-W). Structure 1 (dims 4.6m NE-SW; 2.2m NW-SE) is defined by four corner postholes, with a fifth on the line of the SE side. There is a hearth (dims 1.91m NW-SE; 1.57m NE-SW; D 0.23m) with a red/orange silty oxidized base and fills of sandy silt in the interior. It may have functioned purely as a cooking area, and was probably open on the NW side. The only artefacts recovered were some flint pressure flakes, and five sherds of a carinated bowl from the S posthole. (Lyne 2011, 7-8) See the attached plans adapted from Lyne (2011, figs 7, 8) ME017-085_1 Site plan; ME0117-085002- Structure; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-085002 House - Neolithic
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). Structure 2 is c. 2m SW of Structure 1 but appears less complete and substantial. It has eight structural postholes on its perimeter, the most substantial of which are in the N wall, forming a rectangular structure (dims 6.5m NNE-SSW; 4.5m WNW-ESE). No entrance, slot-trenches or internal hearth is identified, but other internal postholes might also have been part of the house. A polished stone axehead was lying in the bottom of one of the perimeter postholes, and a sample of hazelnut shell from the SE corner posthole produced a C14 date of 3701-3639 cal. BC (UBA 12100). Two of the posts which were oak had rotted in situ but the others, of a variety of species, appear to have been removed. A large irregularly-shaped cut (dims 5m x 1-3.8m; D 0.5m) occupies much of the interior and may have formed a laid floor, as its component layers produced significant amounts of early Neolithic pottery and flint. Six of the eight postholes within the structure and largely set in these layers produced sherds of carinated bowls. One, close to the N wall, had 18 sherds from a single vessel, and a sample of hazelnut shell from the same context provided a radiocarbon date of 3760-3639 cal. BC (UBA 12106). Three small pits (dims c. 0.9m x 0.5m; D 0.2m) within the floor space produced 19 sherds of carinated bowls as well as flints, including two possible arrowheads. However, a sample of hazel charcoal from one of the floor layers returned a C14 date of 2571-2468 cal. BC. (UBA 12101) and a sample of hazelnut shell from another floor layer provided a radiocarbon determination of 1452-1313 cal. BC (UBA 12105). Clearly, given the amount of Early Neolithic pottery recovered, these layers are early Neolithic in date but some have been contaminated with later material. An oval pit (dims 4.6m E-W; 1.3m N-S; D 0.97m) straddles the S wall and must pre-date the house while a large refuse pit (4.5m x 2.65m; D 0.75m) that was c. 9m to the E is probably connected with it as the pit produced 32 sherds of early Neolithic carinated bowls. An adjacent metalled surface and associated layers provided 19 sherds of early Neolithic wares and a possible polishing stone. A small hearth (dims 1.15m x 0.5m; D 0.15m) c. 2.5m W of the house’s NW corner is also probably related to it, and nine pits and six stakeholes in the immediate vicinity are most likely contemporary with it, although few definitive artefacts were recovered from these features. (Lyne 2011, 8-18) See the attached plans adapted from Lyne (2011, figs 7, 9) ME017-085_1 Site plan; ME0117-085003- House; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-085003 Hut site
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). Structure 3 is a circular hut-site (int. diam. 7.75m N-S; 7.25m E-W) defined by 10 postholes on the perimeter that are placed c. 1.5-1.7m apart and it has a projecting entrance porch (Wth c. 1m; L c. 1.7m) at SE. It is located c. 6m NW of the site of Structure 1 and had no internal hearth, although a hearth (dims 1.19m x 1m; D 0.11m) located c. 10m to the NE might have served it. No artefacts were recovered from the postholes, but a sample of hazel charcoal from one provided a C14 date of 1436-13114 cal. BC (UBA 12099) while a sample of alder charcoal from another yielded a determination of 1426-1271 cal. BC (UBA 12102), placing the hut-site in the Middle Bronze Age (1700-1200 BC). Two pairs of postholes, together with some stakeholes form a NE-SW line towards the SE edge of the interior and it is thought that they might form an internal partition. From either end of this feature a line of multiple stakeholes extends NW, delineating a square area (dims c. 3m x 3m) at the centre of the hut-site that is open to the NW. The NE line of stakeholes post-dates an extensive layer of grey/brown silty sand that occupied much of the interior, and only five stakeholes of the 80 or so in the interior can be shown to pre-date this deposit. The deposit itself produced no artefacts, but three sherds of an early Neolithic carinated bowl were recovered from one of the stakeholes cut through it. A large irregularly-shaped pit (dims 2.6m x 2.3m; D 0.32m), with a stone-lined base that included a fragment of a saddle quern, was cut through the entrance area, destroying the original connection between the hut-site and its porch. A single sherd of a carinated bowl was recovered from the pit and a sample of alder charcoal from its base provided a C14 date of 3791-3659 cal. BC (UBA 12098). The pit must post-date the abandonment of the hut-site but it seems to contain redeposited material, perhaps from a Neolithic midden. (Lyne 2011, 18-27) See the attached plans adapted from Lyne (2011, figs 7, 10) ME017-085_1 Site plan; ME0117-085003- Hut-site; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-085004 Flat cemetery
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). Three small pits (diam. 0.6-0.65m; D 0.24m: diam. 0.49m; D 0.35m: diam. 0.4m; D 0.15m) were in a small area (dims c. 10m N-S; c. 5m E-W) with rock outcrop, and each had fills of silty sand with charcoal and calcined bone that varied in amount from 62gm to 680gm. The remains of an adult male and an adolescent were identified, and one sherd of coarse pottery was retrieved from one of the pits. A sample of hazelnut shell from one pit produced a C14 date of 1619-1458 cal. BC (UBA 12107), while a sample of bone from another provided a date of 975-830 cal. BC (UBA 12945). The use of the cemetery spans the Middle and Late Bronze Age but the rock outcrop had been quarried, and the cemetery might once have been larger. There were some other pits and layers in the vicinity that are probably related, and one deposit in the interstices of the rock-outcrop adjacent to one of the burials contained four sherds of pottery. (Lyne 2011, 29-31) See the attached plans adapted from Lyne (2011, figs 7, 12) ME017-085_1 Site plan; ME017-085004- Cemetery; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-085005 Field boundary
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). A winding gully (Wth 0.63m; D 0.33m; L 80m plus) meandered NW-SE along the top of the slight rise overlooking the circular hut-site, and while it may have retained a palisade it never came closer than c. 15-20m to the hut-site. It followed the high ground and was re-cut once towards its S end. It had two fills of grey or brown sandy silt, and a sample of cherry charcoal from the fill returned a radiocarbon determination of 1497-1415 cal. BC (UBA 12097), placing it firmly in the Middle Bronze Age and contemporary with the hut-site. A pit (dims 1.9m x 1.1m; D 0.3m) and a hearth (dims 1.22m x 0.5m; D 0.14m) were placed immediately W of the gully towards its N end and c. 5m from each other. No artefacts were recovered from these features, but the pit was slightly cut by the gully. (Lyne 2011, 27-8, 32-4) See the attached plans adapted from Lyne (2011, figs 7, 11) ME017-085_1 Site plan; ME01`7-085005- Boundary; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-085006 Field boundary
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). Metalled surfaces of probable post-medieval date are confined largely to the NE part of the excavation. A NNE-SSW drain (Wth 0.9m; D 0.3m; L 78m plus) through them contained medieval pottery and at its S end it cut a curving NE-SW drain that contained Neolithic pottery. The drain is a continuation of a long boundary (ME017-087015-) that was excavated as part of Kilmainham 1C where an Iron Age date was returned for material from the ditch. Therefore this long boundary remained open, or was at least partially visible as a surface feature, into the high medieval period. As the artefacts recovered from the topsoil are largely prehistoric flints and pottery it is likely that the ditch is of prehistoric date. (Lyne 2011, 32-4) See the attached plans adapted from Lyne (2011, fig. 7) ME017-085_1 Site plan; ME01`7-085006- Boundary; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-085007 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  Situated in a slight fold in a gently undulating landscape, with rock outcrop close to the surface at the S edge of the hollow. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003141) in November and December 2006 by E. Lyne (2011) as Kilmainham 1A when an L-shaped area of 7000 square metres was opened. The excavated area was just SW of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Two Neolithic structures, a Bronze Age hut-site, a prehistoric boundary and a flat cemetery, were recorded as well as an early medieval cereal-drying kiln and a long ditch that extended into Kilmainham 1C (excavations.ie 2007:1334). This feature was just 2.5m N of the site of Structure 1. It has a figure-of-eight shape (dims 2.27m NE-SW; 1.3m NW-SE; D 0.55m) with an oxidized base of red clay from in situ burning. The charcoal-rich silty sand above this included fragments of burnt bone, including a tooth of sheep/goat, while the remainder of the fills were backfill. A large amount of carbonised cereals including wheat, barley and oats was present, but smaller quantities of wild species such as goosefoot, black bindweed, water pepper and knotgrass were also present in the primary deposit. A charred hazelnut shell from this layer returned a C14 date of 423-552 cal. AD (UBA 12104). (Lyne 2011, 31-2) See the attached site plan adapted from Lyne (2011, fig. 7) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-086001 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  Situated on a slight E-facing slope in a gently undulating landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003142) in January to March 2007 by D. Bayley (2011) as Kilmainham 1B when 15623 square metres in an L-shaped area was opened (excavations.ie 2007:1335) to investigate isolated items from four phases of prehistoric activity ranging from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age. The prehistoric material consists mainly of pits and hearths and no structures have been identified. Four early medieval corn-drying kilns, dating 335-560 cal. AD, were also recorded. The excavated area was just S of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Three small pits (dims 0.44m x 0.4m; D 0.11m to 1.4m x 0.68m; D 0.3m) placed close together at the N of the excavated area were sealed by a layer, and 19 sherds of carinated bowls were recovered from the layer and pits. They were c. 15m ENE of a pit (dims 1.47m x 1.08m; D 0.17m) that produced an almost complete Beaker domestic pot with an S-shaped profile. About 35m to the E of the Neolithic pits four sherds of a vase urn were recovered from a single pit (dims 1.35m x 1.15m; D 0.24m), but the main focus of prehistoric activity was about 100m to the SW. Here, four postholes form no pattern but five sherds in the vase urn tradition were recovered from the topsoil. In the vicinity (dims 15m x 15m) were four pits (dims 0.66m x 0.5m; D 0.35m to 1.52m x 0.78m; D 0.19m), a hearth (dims 0.84m x 0.78m; D 0.29m) with a stone-lined base, five postholes and some stakeholes. No pattern was discerned amongst the postholes and stakeholes, but six sherds of a vase urn were recovered, four from the hearth, and some habitation layers close to the hearth provided 52 sherds representing at least three vase urns. All this indicates an Early Bronze Age date for what might have been a temporary habitation. At the N of the excavated area was a rectangular pit or trough (dims 1.9m NE-SW; 0.7m NW-SE; D 0.25m) with an uneven stone-lined base. The sides of the pit also had a stone lining, caulked with clay that had charcoal and burnt clay inclusions, possibly from a dismantled furnace, as well as burnt bone, including portion of a red deer antler. Larger stones were at the bottom and oak timbers lined the sides above the stones, adhering to the caulking clay. The wood lining had been burnt in situ and the base of the pit had a thin primary layer of black silty clay with charcoal beneath a closing layer of grey/brown silty clay with stones, burnt bone and a piece of burnt clay that may have derived from a mould. A sample of burnt bone from the backfill provided a C14 date of 902-812 cal. BC (UBA 12934), placing it in the Late Bronze Age. It seems to have been designed to retain water and may have been the trough of a fulacht fia but no burnt mound material was present anywhere. Just 10m to the SE a group of six intercutting hearths were adjacent to a working surface of compacted clay and stones (dims 2m x 1.5m; T 0.1m). No diagnostic material was associated with the hearths but they are probably of later prehistoric date and they were cut by one of the corn-drying kilns. (Bayley 2011, 5-15) See the attached site plan from Bayley (2011, fig. 6) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-086002 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  Situated on a slight E-facing slope in a gently undulating landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003142) in January to March 2007 by D. Bayley (2011) as Kilmainham 1B when 15623 square metres in an L-shaped area was opened (excavations.ie 2007:1335) to investigate isolated items from four phases of prehistoric activity ranging from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age. The prehistoric material consists mainly of pits and hearths and no structures have been identified. Four early medieval corn-drying kilns, dating 335-560 cal. AD, were also recorded. The excavated area was just S of the multi-period complex of Kilmainham 1C. Four corn-drying kilns placed 3-12m apart formed an E-W line at the N of the excavated area. From the W the kilns are a figure-of-eight pit (dims 2.15m N-S; 0.75m E-W; D 0.14m) with a stepped base that was deepest at N where there was in situ burning. It had five fills of brown to orange sandy clays with charcoal and burnt clay. A charred barley grain from the second fill provided a C14 date of 427-560 cal. AD (UBA 15477). Just 3m to the E was a poorly defined dumb-bell shaped kiln (dims 2.16m N-S; 1.2m E-W; D 0.44m) with evidence of burning in the N pit. It had four fills of brown to yellow/orange silty clays with high volumes of carbonised barley and oats and lesser volumes of wild taxa in the fills. A charred barley grain from the primary fill yielded the C14 date of 355-532 cal. AD (UBA 15478). About 8m to the E was a keyhole-type kiln (dims 2.6m N-S; 1.5m E-W; D 0.37m) with the firing end at N and a flue extending S from it. A fragment of hazel charcoal from the layer of black clayey silt that formed the primary fill returned a C14 date of 406-537 cal. AD (UBA 12067), but an important aspect of this kiln is that it cut the group of later prehistoric intercutting hearths associated with a working area. The final kiln figure-of-eight kiln (dims 1.98m NNW-SSE; 0.88m E-W; D 0.35m) is 12m to the E, with in situ burning in a yellow/orange burnt clay at the base of the deeper N end. It seems to have had only one firing with burnt bone and a relatively low amount of carbonised grain in the residue. A charred barley grain from this returned a radiocarbon determination of 429-545 cal. AD (UBA 15479). (Bayley 2011, 15-19) See the attached site plan from Bayley (2011, fig. 6) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-087001 House - Neolithic
  Description

  Situated at the N end of a slight S-N ridge (max. H 4m), with slightly lower ground around it W-N-E and a low circular rise (H 0.5-2m) c. 50m W of the ridge. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material that was fully excavated (E003140) between September 2006 and March 2007 by F. Walsh (2011) as Kilmainham 1C when almost all the available area was opened, amounting to 21,300 square metres. Human activity dating from the Early Neolithic to the High medieval and post-medieval was recorded in ten phases (excavations.ie 2007:1336), but as few stratigraphic connections could be made between features radiocarbon dating is used extensively to identify the phases. However, not all features can be related to particular phases or structures, and both Arabic and Roman numerals are applied to the structures. The prehistoric pottery is of great interest, but relatively little lithic material was recovered. The Early Neolithic is represented by two houses and two structures, while two possible houses and related features date to the late Neolithic. During the Early Bronze Age three circular hut-sites, the fulacht fia described as Burnt mound 2, a stone platform or cairn and some pit burials were in use. Some flimsy fencing is likely to belong to this era also. During the Middle and Late Bronze Age a field system began to be established although it might not have been completed until the Iron Age, but the only structures were a small four-post structure and a section of a wooden path as well as a fulacht fia. During the later part of the Iron Age cereal-drying kilns came into use and a rectangular enclosure was built, probably to establish a burial ground, although only two inhumations might be associated with it. Some large pits in the high Middle Ages were probably for the extraction of gravel, and many of these features from all periods that were so close to the surface were damaged by E-W post-medieval furrows. Two houses and two structures from the Early Neolithic (c. 4000 BC - c. 2800 BC) were recorded. This rectangular house (Structure 1) was located in a sheltered hollow towards the bottom of the NE-facing slope of the ridge. It is defined by corner posts and nearly central posts on its long and short sides (dims 8m NE-SW; 4m NW-SE), and sometimes the posts are doubled. The posts were burnt or decayed in situ but there were no slot-trenches for walls and an entrance is not identified. However, it had a central heath (dim 1.45m x 1.15m; D 0.22m) with stakeholes on its NE side, and early Neolithic carinated pottery and charred grain were recovered from some of the postholes. A sample of emmer wheat from the posthole at the W angle yielded a C14 date of 3773-3657 cal. BC (UBA 12896). About 2.5m NW of the structure a NE-SW line of postholes (L 6m) running more or less parallel with its NW wall is interpreted as an annexe but might just as well be a property boundary, and five light postholes 0.5-2.5m SE of the structure and aligned E-W (L c. 10m) may have had a similar function. (Walsh 2011, 6-14) A large hearth (dims 3m x 1.5m; D 0.2m) 3.5m SW of the structure sealed some pits and postholes, and produced a sherd of Early Neolithic ware. A sample of blackthorn charcoal from the hearth provided a radiocarbon date of 4045-3811 cal. BC (UBA 12897). A large pit (diam. 2-2.15m; D 0.52m) 8m S of the structure had seven fills derived from waste and produced 80 sherds from six carinated bowls and some flints. Four postholes 0.5-5m S of the pit form a rough NW-SE line but it is thought no structure was involved while a large, shallow pit (diam. 1.24-1.38; D 0.2m) c. 9m S of the structure and c. 6m E of the ceramic pit produced no artefacts although it is probably contemporary. Other scattered shallow pits S and E of the structure that produced a few Neolithic sherds would also have been part of the milieu. A cluster of ten stakeholes c. 6m to the NW formed a rough circle (diam. c. 1.5m) that may have served as a small animal pen. A fragment of hazel charcoal from one of the stakeholes provided a C14 date of 3765-3651 cal. BC (UBA 12903). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 14-21, 45) See the attached images adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6-10) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_3 Location; ME017-087001-_1 location; ME017-087001-_2 plan; ME017-087001-_3 plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2020

• ME017-087002 House - Neolithic
  Description

  Two houses and two structures from the Early Neolithic (c. 4000 BC - c. 2800 BC) were recorded. This rectangular house (Structure 3) was on the broad col on the W side of the ridge and at the S edge of the excavation. It is defined by four corner posts and centrally-placed posts on the centre of its long sides (dims c. 9.5m NW-SE; c. 4m NE-SW at NW to c. 5m at SE), but all its posts had been removed when it was abandoned. It had three internal postholes, and the presence of post-pipes shows that the internal posts had been left in situ. Five sherds of Early Neolithic pottery were jammed around one of the posts, indicating they were inserted with it, and a sample of hazelnut charcoal from this context provides the C14 date 3944-3713 cal. BC (UBA 12899). Two of the three small internal pits had some pottery sherds as did a central hearth (dims 0.77m x 0.64m; D 0.25m), some of whose sherds match those from one of the pits. (Walsh 2011, 21-8) Externally, there was a working area (dims 3.3m x 2.2m) represented by 12 charcoal-rich layers attached outside the S end of the SW wall from which 50 sherds of pottery representing at least five vessels, and a flint core were also recovered. The base of this platform showed signs of in situ burning. A few small pits in the vicinity usually had some pottery and some sherds could be matched with sherds directly associated with the structure. Six pits, five postholes and two spreads dispersed 6-18m N of the house produced Neolithic material and are undoubtedly contemporary with it. The largest pit (dims 4.5m x 3m; D 0.5m) with four fills produced over 350 sherds from at least 24 early Neolithic carrinated bowls from one of its layers, as well as a few flint and chert pieces and also an amount of quartz. A sherd of Beaker was in a shallow deposit at the top of the pit but this is related to Beaker activity in the area. A small pit (dam. 0.36-0.38m; D 0.15m) just outside the NW wall of the structure produced two sherds of Grooved ware as well as three sherds likely to be Early Bronze Age in date. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 28-34, 48-9) True location: ITM (675583, 774066) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6-7, 11) ME017-087_1 site plan; ME017-087_2 contour plan; ME017-087_3 location plan; ME017-087002- house plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-087003 Structure
  Description

  Two houses and two structures from the Early Neolithic (c. 4000 BC - c. 2800 BC) were recorded. This structure is located in a fold on the E side of the ridge c. 10m NW of the Neolithic house, Structure 1, and is designated Structure 5. A relatively small area (dims c. 20m N-S; c. 20m E-W) has a dense concentration of postholes at the centre (diam. c. 5-6m), but no pattern was discernible except that the larger postholes tended to be on the outside and there was very little intercutting of features. Stakeholes extend outside the concentration of postholes to the NW and N. Some pits (dims 0.49m x 0.37m; D 0.17m to 1.38m x 0.78m; D 0.21m) are also in the vicinity but no artefacts were recovered from any of these contexts and nothing like a hearth was identified. However, a sample of oak sapwood charcoal from one of the postholes provided a C14 date of 4060-3800 cal. BC (SUREC 29347), which is the earliest Neolithic date from this excavation. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 35-43) True location: ITM (675650, 774117) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 13) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_3 Location; ME017-087003-_1 Monument plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-087004 Structure
  Description

  Two houses and two structures from the Early Neolithic (c. 4000 BC - c. 2800 BC) were recorded. This oval feature (Structure IV) was located towards the bottom of the NE-facing slope of the ridge and c. 5m NE of the Early Neolithic house, Structure 1. This slight structure (dims 3.8m E-W; 2.5m N-S) was defined by a circle of ten stakeholes and one posthole surrounding an inner ring of four stakeholes and a central stakehole. No artefacts were recovered from this structure, but a sample of hazel charcoal from the posthole yielded a C14 date of 3776-3659 cal. BC (UBA 12906), providing an Early Neolithic date. The function is not clear and it may have been a small animal pen, but a small cluster of six stakeholes just to the SE was undoubtedly connected with it. A pit (dims 0.6m x 0.48m; D 0.3m) just 2m to the W that was itself cut by a pit with Beaker sherds produced two sherds of Early Neolithic pottery and four flints. A fragment of fruitstone charcoal from a stakehole just outside it at SW provided a C14 date of 2857-2573 cal. BC (UBA 12902) but this probably relates to a line of N-S stakeholes further S (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 154-5). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 43-6) True location: ITM (675681, 774116) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 9) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_3 Location; ME017-087004-_1 Location; ME017-087004-_2 Monument plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-087005 House - Neolithic
  Description

  The Late Neolithic (c. 2800 BC - c. 2500 BC) is represented by this possible rectangular house (Structure VI), and another house, Structure V, c. 80m to the W on the other side of the ridge. This structure (dims 6m E-W; 2m N-S) is on the E-facing slope of the spur, and is represented by three of its four corner posts, the other being removed by a later pit. It has no other features associated with it and only one chert platform flake was recovered from one of the postholes, which also provided a C14 date of 2870-2490 cal. BC (SUERC 29343) placing it in the Late Neolithic. Two small pits (diam. 0.44-054m; D 0.1m) c. 2m to the S are probably contemporary with it and one of them produced 17 sherds of Grooved ware. An intact Grooved ware pot had also been set in a soft sandy subsoil c. 10m SW of the structure. The only other indication of pure Late Neolithic activity is a small pit outside the NW wall of the Early Neolithic house Structure 3 that had two sherds of Grooved ware. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 47-9) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 14) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_4 Location; ME017-087005-_1 House plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-087006 House - Neolithic
  Description

  The Late Neolithic (c. 2800 BC - c. 2500 BC) is represented by this possible rectangular house (Structure V), and another house, Structure VI c. 80m to the E. Structure V is situated on the slight col between the spur and the rise to its W, with a hollow that contains a seasonal pond c. 30m further N. This structure is a rectangular area (dims 13m NE-SW; c. 7.75m NW-SE) defined by corner postholes, and with central postholes on all its walls except the NE. There were no internal features apart from one posthole and a cluster of six stakeholes in the N angle. The postholes on the perimeter were shallow, and the only artefact recovered was a sherd of what is thought to be Beaker pottery from a posthole that also returned a C14 date of 3086-2913 cal. BC (UBA 12919). This is from a piece of a burnt skull, possibly human, but as the date is too early the bone must be residual. However, another C14 date of 2474-2309 cal. BC (UBA 15480) from a piece of young oak charcoal in another posthole is probably more reliable. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 54-6) A group of ten small pits (diam. 0.5m; D 0.13m to 1.67m x 0.81m; D 0.33m), two hearths, and a metalled surface (dims 3.9m x 2.6m; T 0.07m), together with some post- and stakeholes c. 8m to the W is interpreted as another possible Structure (6) but no pattern is discernible amongst the postholes and no structure might have been present. A sherd of Early Neolithic pottery from a posthole is probably residual, but three tiny fragments of Beaker pottery from one of the 24 stakeholes are probably contemporary with it as a sample of alder charcoal from a posthole returned a C14 date of 2433-2148 cal. BC (UBA 12920). The smaller hearth (dims 0.654m x 0.35m; T 0.09m) beside the metalled surface yielded three sherds of Early Neolithic pottery testifying to the disturbed nature of the deposits but a fragment of hazelnut charcoal provided a radiocarbon date of 2287-2061 cal. BC (UBA 13021). The larger hearth (dims 1.96m x 1.39m; D 0.16m) was c. 3.5m to the SE but produced no material. The metalled surface may have extended further E from the amount of stone in disturbed contexts here, but one of the two layers of grey silt with a large charcoal content over the surface produced three tiny fragments of Early Neolithic pottery. Some layers c. 10m NNE of this area provided five sherds of Beaker ware and may be contemporary. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 56-62) True location: (675594, 774116) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 16) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_4 Location; ME017-087006-_6 House plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 16 March 2022

• ME017-087007 Hut site
  Description

  Three hut-sites, a stone platform or cairn, some pit-burials and burnt mound 2 can be dated to the Early Bronze Age (2500-1700 BC). Structure 4 is situated towards the bottom of the E-facing slope of the S-N spur, and is about 10m NE of the possible late Neolithic structure VI. This is a roughly subcircular feature (dims 2.4m E-W; 1.5m N-S) defined by eight postholes on the perimeter, with four internal postholes and some stakeholes, but it is not known in most cases if the posts rotted in situ. There is no internal hearth, and an entrance at N is tentatively suggested. However, if two postholes at the E edge are interpreted as a porch the structure would be smaller (diam. c. 2m E-W). Nor were any diagnostic artefacts recovered, but a sample of hazelnut shell from an internal posthole provided a C14 date of 2128-1926 cal. BC, placing it in the Early Bronze Age. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 67-8) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, figs 6, 7, 17) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_6 Location; ME017-087001-_1 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087008 Hut site
  Description

  Three hut-sites, a stone platform or cairn, some pit-burials and burnt mound 2 can be dated to the Early Bronze Age (2500-1700 BC). Structure 2 is situated on the NE-facing slope of the spur. This is a subcircular feature (dims c. 2.7m N-S; c. 2.3m E-W) consisting of 20 postholes and portion of a foundation trench E-S. There is no internal hearth or identified entrance, but if two postholes at the extreme E are interpreted as a porch the foundation trench would align better with the E edge of a smaller structure (diam. c. 1.5m). No contemporary diagnostic artefacts were found. A sherd of Early Neolithic pottery from one of the postholes is considered to be residual and illustrative of the disturbed nature of the deposits at this point. However, a sample of ash charcoal from one of the postholes returned a C14 date of 1953-1774 cal. BC (UBA 12898), indicating an Early Bronze Age date. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 68-70) A group of four small pits (dims 0.55m; D 0.16 to 0.6-0.65m; D 0.12m) and three hearths (dims 0.9m x 0.36m; D 0.33m: 1.9m x 1.22m; D 0.14m) in a concentrated area (dims c. 8m x c. 7m) on the other side of the ridge c. 58m to the SW of Structure 2 are probably contemporary with it as six sherds of Beaker pottery were recovered from them and a charred grain of barley from one of the hearths provided a C14 date of 2122-1831 cal. BC (UBA 12918). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 70-1) True location: ITM (675660, 774107) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 17) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_6 Location: ME017-087008- plan: Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087009 Hut site
  Description

  Three hut-sites, a stone platform, some pit-burials and burnt mound 2 can be dated to the Early Bronze Age (2500-1700 BC). Structure VII is located on the W-facing slope at the tip of the S-N spur overlooking the seasonal pond on the shelf beneath it to the W. This is a circular feature (diam. c. 8m) defined by postholes on the periphery ESE-W-N but features on the NE side, including perhaps the entrance, must have been eroded away. The perimeter is slightly clipped at NW by a NE-SW Iron Age ditch. There were two internal postholes just inside the perimeter at S, and a sample of hazel charcoal from one of these provide the C14 date of 1880-1530 cal. BC (SUERC 29342). There was no evidence of an internal hearth but a pit (dims 1.3m x 0.9m; D 0.22m) just to the W is interpreted as a cooking pit, although it does not have an oxidized base. Another pit (diam. 1.22m; D 0.49m) NW of the structure was cut by the Iron Age ditch and contained no artefacts but did retain grains of barley (50), oats (6), rye (1) and wheat (1). Another pit (dims 1.3m x 0.8m; D 0.3m) 6m NW of the structure might also be related, although no stratigraphic relationship can be established. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 100-02) True location: ITTM (675612, 774145) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 22) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan: ME017-087_6 Location: ME017-087009-_1 plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087010 Burnt mound
  Description

  Three hut-sites, a stone platform or cairn, some pit-burials and this burnt mound can be dated to the Early Bronze Age. This feature is Burnt mound 2 and is located towards the bottom of the N-facing slope of the hillock W of the S-N spur, and it is c. 50m W of a hollow with a seasonal pond. A possible trough was identified in a large pit (dims 3.2m x 1.5m; D 0.4m) with three hollows in its base. It was filled with a charcoal- rich burnt mound deposit (dims 6.3m NE-SW; 5.4m NW-SE; T 0.4m) that extended off to the SW. Some of the charcoal was vitrified, indicating very high temperatures, and a sample of alder charcoal from the trough yielded a C14 date of 2573-2472 cal. BC (UBA 12925). A larger spread (dims 15m E-W; 5m N-S; T 0.15m) of grey sandy silt with 10% charcoal overlying a light grey silty clay with 10% charcoal just S of the trough is probably connected with it. A contemporary feature is probably the large pit located just NE of the platform A (ME017-087012-) and is described with it. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 50-1) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (figs 6, 7, 15) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_5 Location; ME017-087010-_1 plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087011 Fulacht fia
  Description

  The Middle (1700-1200 BC) and Late (1200-800 BC) Bronze Ages are represented by the establishment of a field system, three flimsy structures that might be connected with it, this fulacht fia, and probably the length of path across the pond and the small four-post structure (7) on top of the ridge. This fulacht fia is located on a slight E-facing slope at the W edge of the seasonal pond on the shelf which is on the W side of the S-N spur. The pond would have been largely silted up by this period. A rectangular, flat-bottomed trough (dims 1.68m E-W; 1.26m N-S; D 0.3m) with a stakehole at each corner and two at the SE is at the W edge of a mound of brown silt with charcoal and heat-affected stone (dims 11.5m N-S; 5.8m E-W; T 0.3m). There was evidence of planking in a soft thin layer of black soil, and the trough was filed with a black stony silty sand with charcoal and heat-shattered stone. A fragment of hazel charcoal from one of the stakeholes provided a C14 date of 1208-1007 cal. BC (UBA 12924). A subcircular trough (dims 1.7m N-S; 1.4m E-W; D 0.3m) with a rounded base and some external stakeholes was 5m S of the rectangular trough and outside the spread of the mound. It had a stone base beneath three layers of silty sands with some charcoal and it was undoubtedly a trough that had been allowed to silt up naturally. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 114-16) True location: ITM (675575, 774145) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 5, 6, 20) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_5 Location: ME017-087011-_1 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087012 Platform
  Description

  Three hut-sites, this stone platform, some pit-burials and burnt mound 2 can be dated to the Early Bronze Age (2500-1700 BC). A series of metalled surfaces are located at the top of a SE-facing slope towards the tip of the S-N spur. The primary surface is an irregularly-shaped area (dims 9m x 6m) covered in pebbles laid directly onto the subsoil. It was densest at the centre but larger pebbles were at the thinner edges, and it was covered by a brown silty clay which produced no artefacts. A larger surface (dims > 11m x > 6m; T 0.1m) in two localized areas was partially covered with a brown sandy deposit that yielded two sherd from what is probably a cinerary urn. A fragment of ash charcoal from this context provided a C14 date of 1896-1752 cal. BC (UBA 12922). A small hearth with some burnt bones cut through this deposit at one point. These were sealed by a layer of grey / yellow clayey silt and a brown sandy silt which produced residual sherds of early Neolithic ware together with seven sherds from a vase urn that has an outwardly expanded rim. A small scraper and flint debitage was also present. A small pit (dims 0.75m x 0.67m; D 0.4m) cut through the sealing layer and produced no artefacts but provided a C14 date of 1299-1059 cal. BC (UBA 15481) placing it in the Late Bronze Age. A metalled path (L 5.48m; Wth 1m) extended SE from the centre of the covered metalled area and may have led to further stoney surfaces to the SE, while stakeholes penetrated the covering of the metalled surface at NW. Two small charcoal-rich layers over this at SW produced some redeposited Early Neolithic ceramics as well as some flint flakes and blades. These, and the clays covering the sealed metalled surfaces were covered with layers of clay that had varying amounts of silt and charcoal. Stakeholes and occasional pits were inserted through these layers but the ceramics recovered are of Early Bronze Age character and included Beaker. Flint and chert artefacts also occur including an unfinished flint arrowhead, while a complete arrowhead from the topsoil in this area could also have derived from these layers. A fragment of ash charcoal from a closing layer returned a C14 date of 1906-1683 cal. BC (UBA 12923). A NW-SE line of 28 stakeholes (L c. 15m) just SW of the metalled platform are set partly into the covering layers, and the line might be continued further E from its S end and is part of a system of light fences (ME017-087014-). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 71-81, 112) The covering layers also partially covered a large pit (dims 5m NW-SE; 3m NE-SW; D 0.6m) just NE of the metalled surface. It had 21 layers, but the lowermost fills appear to be redeposited subsoil. Above these was a small metalled surface at the NW end and an accumulation of clayey silts. Above these were dumped closing layers of yellow / brown silty clays. Five sherds from the same Beaker vessel and one lithic were recovered from the central layers. Three large postholes around the edge of the pit are thought to be contemporary and a sample of hazel charcoal from one provided a C14 date of 2569-2350 cal. BC (UBA 12921), placing it in the Late Neolithic / Early Bronze Age and older than the metalled surfaces. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 51-3) Two concentrations of stake- and postholes were c. 2m NW of the metalled surface. The W group (dims c. 2.5m E-W; c. 2m N-S) has 12 postholes and five stakeholes that are filled with the same brown silty clay and are thought to be closely contemporary. About 2m to the E is the SW angle of a triangular array of 13 postholes and five stakeholes, and all but three of these have evidence of burning in situ. No diagnostic artefacts were recovered and they were partially covered by the final layers sealing the metalled surface. An irregularly-shaped pit (dims 2.5m x 1.6m; D 0.27m) just W of the metalled area was cut through and filled with sandy soils, but two worn sherds of what is probably a cordoned urn were recorded from it. Pits and postholes S and SW of the metalled surface could also be related to it, but no pattern is discernible amongst the postholes and no artefacts were recovered from them. Two postholes at NE related to the sealing layers of the metalled surface and cut the closing layer of the large isolated pit that had produced Beaker pottery. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 81-92) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 5, 6, 19) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_6 Location ME017-087012-_1 Early phase; ME017-087012-_2 Middle phase; ME017-087012-_3 Late phase; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087013 Pit-burial
  Description

  Three hut-sites, a stone platform or cairn, some pit-burials and burnt mound 2 can be dated to the Early Bronze Age (2500-1700 BC). Two pits 14m apart are located in a N-S line just off the W crest of the knoll that is W of the S-N spur. The N pit (diam. 0.45-0.5m; D 0.22m) had a fill of black silty sand with burnt bone and there was a hearth (diam. 0.8-0.9m; D 0.22m) just beside it. Charred remains of alder, wheat and barley were also present in the pit, but the remains were those of an adult and a fragment of a femur provided a C14 date of 1885-1749 cal. BC (UBA 12909). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 92-3) The S pit (diam. 1.7-1.8m; D 0.45m) contained the upper portion of a large cordoned urn (rim diam. 0.25m) with a high neck defined by applied cordons. The upper neck was decorated with a panel of broad lozenges half filled with oblique lines on one side of a vertical line, with pairs of horizontal lines above and below. Stylistically it is unique, and perhaps personalised, but very little burnt bone was present. The urn is dated on stylistic grounds to c. 1700 BC. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 97) True location: ITM (675539, 774109) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (figs 5,6) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_6 Location; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 March 2022

• ME017-087014 Field system
  Description

  A number of flimsy boundaries can be identified amongst the stakeholes throughout the excavation. The posts are variously spaced (1-8m) and undoubtedly many stakes with a shallow footing will not have survived, but spacing of c. 1-2m appears to be common. Fences I (L c. 18m) with 20 stakeholes and J (L 17m) with 24 stakeholes follow similar courses W-E, both arcing to the S at the E end. They are located 2-5m S of the spread associated with Burnt Mound 2. Fence I terminates at the E end in a possible circular structure (diam. c. 2m) defined by the cuts of what might be a plank footing and some stakeholes. The boundaries produced no diagnostic artefacts, but a sample of hazel charcoal from a stakehole in Line J provides a C14 determination of 1751-1616 cal. BC (UBA 12912). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 04-07) Other equally flimsy boundaries can be traced across the excavated area but they cannot be provided with direct dating evidence. They consist of stakeholes that can be closely or widely spaced, which may reflect differential survival at particular points, and the fences would probably have been of post and wattle construction. The N-S fences D (L c. 30m) on the E slope of the ridge and F (L c. 16m) c. 30m to the E define the area with the most intense prehistoric activity, and fences E/L and C connect with D from the W. The two C14 dates of 1882-1745 cal. BC (UBA 12900) and 799-566 cal. BC (UBA 12901) from charcoal in stakeholes from Fence D are unhelpful. They might be derived in some part either from residual or intrusive material, or they might be from different fences. The curving E-W Fence H (L 12m) might connect with Fence L if continued at its E end. Fences L and the N end of fence D surround much of the platform A, and as this is the most easily discerned pattern it might be concluded that most of the fences could be related to that feature and that era as suggested by the radiocarbon date from Fence J. The short Fence G (L 6.5m) is c. 6-9m W of the N part of Fence D, and its S end could be connected to the N end of Fence F by sections of an interrupted E-W gully. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 149-54, 160, 177) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 5,6,8) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087014-_1 plan; ME017-087014-_2 plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087015 Field system
  Description

  The Middle (1700-1200 BC) and Late Bronze Ages (1200-800 BC) are represented by the establishment of a field system, three flimsy structures that might be connected with it, fulacht fia 1, and probably the length of path across the pond and the small four-post structure (Structure 7) on top of the ridge. During the Middle Bronze Age the rudiments of a field system began to be established on the gentle NE-facing slope at the NE base of the ridge. Six segments of a NW-SE gully (Wth 0.4-1.4m; D 0.15-0.3m) designated A survive (L 48.4m) with segments placed 0.8-4.15m apart. It is thought that they might have supported elements of a plank fence. The sections had a fill of yellow / brown silty sand below a dark brown sandy clay and sloped down (H 0.9m) to the SE where it terminated at but did not join a SW-NE ditch (B) while its NW end stopped over 10m from a later NE-SW ditch (A). A sample of blackthorn charcoal from Gully A returned a C14 date of 1440-1316 cal. BC (UBA 12917). (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 109-10) Ditch B extends SW-NE past the junction with Gully A in a section (Wth 1.1m; D 0.34m; L 18.5m) SW of the junction and another (Wth 1.35m; D 0.28m; L 22m plus) extending NE outside the limits of the excavation. Both sections were filled largely with brown clays or silts with some stones but the bottom of the ditch was level throughout. A sample of hazel charcoal from the bottom of the ditch provided a C14 date of 1128-977 cal. BC (UBA 12916), placing it in the Late Bronze Age, but it must have been constructed in conjunction with Gully A. The only other feature dating from the Late Bronze Age is the four-poster Structure 7 on top of the spur. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 117) During the Iron Age (800 BC – 500 AD) the plan was completed by the construction of an ENE-WSW ditch (A) that extended across the entire area (L c. 180m plus), extending outside its limits at either end. At the W end it extended into the excavation of Kilmainham 1A (ME017-085006-) where high medieval pottery was recovered in the excavated sections (Lynne 2011), testifying to the long period that parts of it remained open, or at least visible. Within Kilmainham 1C it survived in three sections. From its W end the W section (L c. 75m; Wth 1.8m; D 0.5m) sloped down slightly to the E and terminated where it ran onto the fill of the silted pond. It had two layers of silt and produced no diagnostic artefacts. From the E side of the pond the ditch (Wth 2m; D 0.59m), sloping down severely to the W, continued for 20m before it was cut by a medieval pit, and this section clipped the NW edge of Structure VII. The E section began c. 30m E of where the middle section had been cut and sloped down from the summit of the spur to the E. It had a more complex stratigraphy of silty clays and sands, but produced no diagnostic artefacts. However, a sample of charred holly from the basal fill at its W end returned a C14 date of 203-51 cal. BC (UBA 12915). Further E it was cut by a high medieval cereal-drying kiln. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 120-3) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh (2011, vol. 2, figs 6, 7) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_9 field system; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087016 Structure
  Description

  The Middle (1700-1200 BC) and Late Bronze Ages (c. 1200-800 BC) are represented by the establishment of a field system, three flimsy structures that might be connected with it, fulacht fia 1, the length of path across the pond and this small four-post structure on top of the ridge. Structure 7 is situated on the highest point at the S end of the S-N spur. It is represented by four postholes at the angles of a small rectangular structure (dims 2.4m NW-SE; 2.34m NE-SW). Two post pipes (diam. 0.12-0.25m) were in place, and a further posthole 1.5m to the S may have been related. No artefacts were recovered from the structure, but a fragment of hazel/alder charcoal from the largest post-pipe provided a C14 date of 1119-932 cal. BC (UBA 12914), placing it in the Late Bronze Age. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 117-19) True location: ITM (675649, 774077) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 18) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_10 Location ME017-087016- Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087017 Structure
  Description

  The Middle (1700-1200 BC) and Late ( 1200-800 BC) Bronze Ages are represented by the establishment of a field system, these three flimsy structures that might be connected with it, fulacht fia 1, and the length of path across the pond and the small four-post structure (7) on top of the ridge. Three tentatively identified circular structures are at the NE edge of the excavation on either side of Ditch B, but not all can be independently dated. Structure I is a circular area (diam. c. 8m) defined by five postholes and five stakeholes, but all the features are very slight and are widely and irregularly spaced. It probably functioned as a pen for small animals, and it may have been clipped by Ditch B at E. A sample of hazel charcoal from one of the postholes yielded a C14 date of 1443-1293 cal. BC (UBA 12905), making it the only dated structure of the three flimsy features in a NE-SW line in the vicinity of Gully B. Structure III is 4m to the NE of I and is a circle of five stakeholes (diam. c. 2m). Structure II is c. 7m to the NE of III and on the other side of Ditch B, but it is also at the unfinished junction of that feature with Ditch A. It has five stakeholes forming a subcircular feature (dims 2.5m x 2m) that may have been open at NE. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 110-11, 173-4) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 23) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_10 Location; ME017-087017-_1 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087018 Road - unclassified togher
  Description

  The Middle (1700-1200 BC) and Late Bronze Ages (c. 1200-800 BC) are represented by the establishment of a field system, three flimsy structures that might be connected with it, fulacht fia 1, this length of path across the pond, and the small four-post structure (7) on top of the ridge. A seasonal pond (diam. 16-17m; D 0.9m) is situated in a hollow that forms a shelf on the W side at the tip of the S-N spur. The pond is probably seasonal and natural but it accumulated organic sediments during the Bronze Age. One Early Neolithic and two medieval sherds of pottery were the only diagnostic artefacts recovered from it, although three pits were cut into the silted pond. Samples for radiocarbon dating show the pond accumulation commencing 2060-1675 cal. BC and terminating by 1510-1125 cal. BC. The pond would have been already silted by the time a fulacht fia 1 was established at its W edge. In the pollen analysis the basal layers are dominated by grasses and sedges which changes to an almost total mixed woodland tree cover of alder and oak. This is followed by a sudden increase in hazel, elm and alder towards the end of the sequence before a return to mixed woodland. The macrofossils were dominated by water beetles, caddis fly and water flea, indicative of shady conditions and perhaps a seasonal, autumnal milieu, but taxa associated with human habitation are scarce. Twenty two timbers were within the pond deposits and are the remnants of a path that attempted to cross the silting pond E-W, but most of the significant fragments are oak posts driven into the bottom of the pond or are parallel split timbers forming the base-plate of a structure like a jetty (L 5m; Wth 2m) projecting from the E edge of the pond. However, a raised trackway on the surface of the silting was probably intended although not completed to the W edge. A sample from a 30 year old oak provided a C14 date of 6745-6599 cal. BC (UBA 13961), which may have been a piece of recovered bog oak, but a sample from a 20 year old oak returned a C14 date of 3800-3640 cal. BC SUREC 29348), which is as early as the earliest structures in this complex and equally unreliable as the togher would have been built on the surface of the silted pond and is probably Middle to Late Bronze Age in date. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 93-97) True location: ITM ( 675596, 774133) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 21) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_10 Location; ME017-087018- Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087019 Enclosure
  Description

  The later part of the Iron Age (800 BC – 500 AD) and the early part of the Early Medieval Period (500-100 AD) are represented by a rectangular enclosure, two inhumations, and the use of cereal-drying kilns. Structure 8 is a rectangular enclosure (int. dims 16.2m NNW-SSE; 14.1m ENE-WSW) that is situated towards the top of the NE-facing slope of the spur from where it commands wide views, including towards Kells which is c. 2.5km to the NW. It is defined by a foundation trench (Wth 1.2m; D 0.31-0.51m) on every side except the W and the W end of the S side where it has probably been truncated as the trench is narrower and shallower at both termini. The entrance must have been on the W side, and the trench probably supported a post and panel construction. There were four external postholes outside the N and E walls and four stakeholes c. 1.5-2.5m inside the S trench. Within the trench were several stony contexts that probably represents packing stones and several post-pipes were recognized through the general primary fills of silts. A possible polishing stone, an intrusive Neolithic sherd and a spindle whorl were the only artefacts recovered from the silts. Fragments of burnt bone were also retrieved from these deposits, but only one cow tooth was recognizable. However, a sample of bone from a primary fill returned a C14 date of 143-343 cal. AD (UBA 15488). The upper fills of the trench were more compact brown sandy silts or clays, and a small perforated stone bead and a grinding stone were recovered from them. A fragment of birch charcoal from these deposits produced a determination of 433-606 cal. AD (UBA 12908). Although numerous samples were examined no grain was recovered, which suggests that it had no role in the use of the contemporary cereal-drying kilns. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 134-141) It is too large to have been roofed without internal supports that are completely lacking, and the enclosure may have been intended to encompass the burials c. 5m further W in an enclosed burial ground. A cogent argument that it may even have been a pre-Christian shrine or temple can also be made (Walsh 2012, 305-11) as comparable contemporary monuments can be cited from Roman Britain and Gaul. See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (vol. 2, figs 6, 7, 25) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_7 Location; ME017-087019-_1 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087020 Burial
  Description

  The later part of the Iron Age (88 BC – 500 AD) and the early part of the Early Medieval Period (500-11 AD) are represented by a rectangular enclosure, two inhumations, and the use of cereal-drying kilns. Two inhumations were located c. 5m W of Structure 8, at the summit of the ridge. The remains were badly truncated, but both were supine and extended W-E with the head at W. The sex and age at death could not be determined but both were adults, and a sample of bone from one provided a C14 date of 434-598 cal. AD (UBA 12933). One fairly large perforated stone bead was recovered from one of the burials which could be a match for the smaller stone bead from the rectangular enclosure. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 141-2; 2012, 308-09) True location ITM (675651, 774107) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (figs 6, 7, 25) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_7 Location; ME017-087020- Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087021 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  The later part of the Iron Age (800 BC- 500 AD) and the early part of Early Medieval Period (500-1100 AD) are represented by a rectangular enclosure, two inhumations, and some of the cereal drying kilns. Thirteen cereal-drying kilns were dispersed about the excavated area, and while three of them proved to be Iron Age in date most had a confined period of use at the start of the early medieval period, although one was thirteenth century in date. The presence of so many cereal-drying kilns at this and adjacent excavated areas suggests that a watermill would be close by but no evidence of one has come to light. Four of the kilns are situated on top of the ridge, but there was a group of five placed relatively close together on the low ground at the E side of the spur. They are usually of the figure-of-eight form aligned N-S or NNW-SSE with the firing chamber at the N end but one keyhole kiln (dims 1.3m x 0.8m; D 0.41m), positioned just N of Ditch A was aligned WSW-ENE parallel with the Iron Age ditch. It had an oxidized base and charcoal-rich lenses from its use, but very little cereal was recovered. However, a charred barley grain provided a C14 date of 27-127 cal. AD (UBA 12927). A figure-of-eight kiln (dims 1.75m x 0.8m; D 0.28m) isolated at the N tip of the spur had plentiful evidence of working with barley, oats and wheat in that descending order, and returned a C14 date of 269-432 cal. AD (UBA 12926) from a charred barley grain. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 123-5) Another kiln (dims 2.35m x 1.25m; D 0.6m), the first of five in a concentrated area (dims c. 15m E-W; c. 10m N-S) on the low ground on the E side of the spur, had stone from the superstructure in its fill, and was used for barley, wheat, and oats. Its firing chamber was at S, and a charred barley grain returned a date of 235-376 cal. AD (UBA 12929). The other four kilns were similar in dimension (dims 2.15m x 0.95m; D 0.25m to 2.4m x 1.2m; D 0.36m) and cereal grains were recovered from them in the descending frequency of barley, oats and wheat. They also returned similar C14 dates within the range 422-542 cal. AD, and burnt animal bone, of which sheep / goat is generally the only species recognized, is present in these and the remainder of the kilns. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 124-31) A kiln (dims 2.49m x 1.14m; D 0.83m) with the fire-bowl at the S end was located at the crest of the W-facing slope at the S end of the spur. It was only used once and provided only small amounts of barley and wheat, but the burnt bones of sheep/goat and other unidentified species were also present. A barley grain yielded a radiocarbon determination of 412-535 cal. AD (UBA 12931). Another kiln (dims (2.17m x 1.3m; D 0.4m) was at the crest of the E-facing slope of the spur at the S end. Cereal grains were scarce but some burnt bone was also present, and a barley grain returned a date of 542-637 cal. AD (UBA 15485). A kiln (dims 2.35m x 1.04m; D 0.3m) on the ridge between the pond and the Early Bronze Age platform (ME017-087012-) returned a date of 427-538 cal. AD (UBA 12930) while another (dims 2.22m x 1.16m; D 0.56m), just 8m to the N yielded a date of 425-562 cal. AD (UBA 15486). Two pits (dims 0.85m x 0.8m; D 0.1: 1.15m x 0.6m; D 0.1m), just off the W-facing crest of the W knoll, connected by a channel and with charcoal-rich fills although without evidence of in situ burning probably constitute a kiln as it had a large quantity of barley and small quantities of oats and wheat. It also had burnt bone, and a charred barley grain provided a date of 425-537 cal. AD (UBA 12910). The final kiln (dims 5.2m ENW-WSW; 1.4m N-S; D 0.45m) was cut into a hollow on the line of the Iron Age ditch (A). It had a stone lining and its usage was dominated by rye and oats with very little wheat. A rye grain provided a C14 date of 1208-1271 cal. AD (UBA 15467) and this proved to be the last use of a cereal-drying kiln within the excavated area. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 126, 129, 132-3, 143, 147-8; Walsh 2012 304-05) See the attached adapted plans from Walsh 2011 (figs 6, 7) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_7 Locations; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-087022 Quarry
  Description

  Four large pits (dims 5.2m x 4.5m; D 1.2m; to 14.8m x 9.7m; D 1.5m) were principally located at the N edge of the excavated area, with one (diam. 6.2m; D 1.15m) close to the top of the spur at its S end. They can be assigned to the high medieval period through the occasional recovery of well dated pottery sherds. The smallest pit had been dug into the silted pond and was filled with peaty clays and stones. Meath-type wares (13th-14th century) were recovered from the top of its fill and the dating was confirmed by C14 dates of 1280-1420 cal. AD (Beta 235624), while a determination of 1020-1210 cal. AD (Beta 235625) was returned for the bottom of the pit. The pollen analysis indicated an open arable landscape, and the microfossils were dominated by water beetle with caddis flies and water flea eggs, typical of swampy conditions. The other pits were probably created for the extraction of gravel and were back-filled with sands or loose clays and silts. The largest pit was generally steep-sided but had an entrance ramp at SE. They are dated to the high medieval period through the recovery of Meath-type wares. (Walsh 2011, vol. 1, 145-7) See the attached plans adapted from Walsh 2011 (figs 6, 7) ME017-087_1 Site plan; ME017-087_2 Contour plan; ME017-087_8 Location; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-088001 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  Situated on a fairly level landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material on the route of the E link road to Kells that was excavated (E003144) in February and March 2007 by Y. Whitty (2011) as Kilmainham 3 (excavations.ie 2007:1338) when an area of 5176 square meters was opened and five structures were recorded. Two structures that were probably houses and a timber circle were associated with Grooved ware. Nearby, portion of an Early Bronze Age ring-ditch was excavated, and about 50m S of the timber circle were five postholes and some pits of an Early Neolithic date. There were five postholes and three pits in a confined area (dims c. 8m E-W; c. 5m N-S). No pattern was clearly discernible, except that three of the posts could have formed the corners of a small four-post structure (dims c. 3m NE-SW; c. 2m NW-SE), and two of the pits and another posthole are within the area. The fifth posthole and another pit were 5m to the W. Some burnt bone and charcoal derived from various woods were present, but there were no cereals. A fragment of a chert arrowhead was recovered from one posthole that also provided a C14 date of 3702-3638) cal. BC (UBA 12080) from a hazelnut shell. The arrowhead was probably lozenge-shaped and had not been produced on site as there was no debitage. (Whitty 2011, 5-7) See the attached plans from Whitty (2011, figs 5, 6) ME017-088001-_1 Site plan; ME017-088001-_2 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-088002 House - Neolithic
  Description

  Situated on a fairly level landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material on the route of the E link road to Kells that was excavated (E003144) in February and March 2007 by Y. Whitty (2011) as Kilmainham 3 (excavations.ie 2007:1338) when an area of 5176 square meters was opened and five structures were recorded. Two structures that were probably houses and a timber circle were associated with Grooved ware. Nearby, portion of an Early Bronze Age ring-ditch was excavated, and about 50m S of the timber circle were five postholes and some pits of an Early Neolithic date. Structure 1 is situated on a rise c. 20m SSE of the timber circle and is composed of five postholes, four of which form a subrectangular feature (dims c. 1.7m N-S; 0.5-2m E-W) with the fifth c. 1.2m to the S. A sample of hazelnut shell from one of the postholes provided a C14 date of 2872-2622 cal. BC (UBA 12081). There are three stone-lined pits (diam. 0.55-0.65m; D 0.2-0.31m) just S of the structure, two of which contained cremated bone and can be interpreted as pit-burials, although the only bone identified from one was animal bone. A sample of hazelnut shell from the other yielded the radiocarbon determination of 2858-2496 cal. BC (UB 12082). The pits were arranged around the base of a Grooved ware vessel and extend the rectangular structure into a trapezoid (dims 4.2m N-S; 2.2m E-W at S). As well as Grooved ware pottery 40 pieces of flint were recovered, including two leaf-shaped cutting tools and a scraper on a long blade. (Whitty 2011, 7-10) See the attached plans from Whitty (2011, figs 5, 7) ME017-088002-_1 Site plan; ME017-088002-_2 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-088003 Timber circle
  Description

  Situated on a fairly level landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material on the route of the E link road to Kells that was excavated (E003144) in February and March 2007 by Y. Whitty (2011) as Kilmainham 3 (excavations.ie 2007:1338) when an area of 5176 square meters was opened and five structures were recorded. Two structures that were probably houses and a timber circle were associated with Grooved ware. Nearby, portion of an Early Bronze Age ring-ditch was excavated, and about 50m S of the timber circle were five postholes and some pits of an Early Neolithic date. This is a subcircular feature (dims 18m N-S; 16m E-W) consisting of a double ring of postholes, although the inner ring of generally smaller postholes does not survive W-ENE, on the N side of two WNW-ESE post-medieval drains that bisect it. A wide gap (Wth 6m) at WNW may have been an entrance. Radiocarbon dating of material from four of the postholes provided a wide range of dates from 5620-5480 cal. BC (SUERC 29340) in the Mesolithic to the early medieval with 608-665 cal. AD (UBA 12084), and only one sample returned an acceptable date of 2880-2580 cal. BC (SUERC 29341) supported by the Grooved ware sherds from two of the postholes. At the centre four postholes formed a square structure (dims 3m x 3.4m) that has a shallow central pit (diam. 0.42m; D 0.11m) with some burnt bone, the only piece recognized not being human. Some sherds of Grooved ware were recovered from these features and a sample of hazelnut shell from a small pit just outside the structure provided a C14 date of 2871-2586 cal. BC (UBA 12086). Oak was the dominant or sole species recorded in the environmental samples examined. (Whitty 2011, 10-17) See the attached plans from Whitty (2011, figs 5, 9) ME017-088003-_1 Site plan; ME017-088003-_2 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload; 22 March 2022

• ME017-088004 House - Neolithic
  Description

  Situated on a fairly level landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material on the route of the E link road to Kells that was excavated (E003144) in February and March 2007 by Y. Whitty (2011) as Kilmainham 3 (excavations.ie 2007:1338) when an area of 5176 square meters was opened and five structures were recorded. Two structures that were probably houses and a timber circle were associated with Grooved ware. Nearby, portion of an Early Bronze Age ring-ditch was excavated, and about 50m S of the timber circle were five postholes and some pits of an Early Neolithic date. This is a rectangular structure (dims c. 3.5m NE-SW; c. 3m NW-SE) located c. 22m N of the timber circle. It has three to four postholes on each side except the NW which has none apart from the corner posts, and a porch (dims 2.2m NW-SE; 0.6m NE-SW) extends from the SE side. Four pits in the vicinity contained some burnt bone, and 50 sherds of Grooved ware from the same vessel and some lithics were recovered from the largest (dims 1.95m x 1.04m; D 0.2m). Sherds of Grooved ware were also recovered from some of the postholes. A radiocarbon date of 2855-2496 cal. BC (UBA 12093) was returned from the large pit which matched dates of 2878-2637 cal. BC (UB 12094) and 2918-2779 cal. BC (UBA 12092) from two of the postholes, but a third posthole provided a date in the Mesolithic of 5197-4913 cal. BC (UBA 12091) and must be contaminated with residual material. The environmental samples were dominated by oak followed by hazel. (Whitty 2011, 17-21) See the attached plans from Whitty (2011, figs 5, 11) ME017-088004-_1 Site plan; ME017-088004-_2 Plan; Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

• ME017-088005 Ring-ditch
  Description

  Situated on a fairly level landscape. Archaeological testing (04E0917) by J. Roynane (2005) at Testing Area 10 of Contract 4 of the M3 motorway identified (excavations.ie 2004:1270) archaeological material on the route of the E link road to Kells that was excavated (E003144) in February and March 2007 by Y. Whitty (2011) as Kilmainham 3 (excavations.ie 2007:1338) when an area of 5176 square meters was opened and five structures were recorded. Two structures that were probably houses and a timber circle were associated with Grooved ware. Nearby, portion of an Early Bronze Age ring-ditch was excavated, and about 50m S of the timber circle were five postholes and some pits of an Early Neolithic date. A ring-ditch (int. diam. c. 9m) was located c. 20m W of the timber circle, but only about a third of its defining ditch (Wth 0.6m; D 0.14m) was within the excavated area. It had a single fill consisting of a loose, mid-brown silty clay. There were no original internal features, although it was truncated by a WNW-ESE post-medieval ditch at S and cut by a NW-SE one. No artefacts were recovered from the ditch but a fragment of a carbonized hazelnut shell provided a C14 date of 2137-1965 cal. BC (UBA 12083), placing it in the Early Bronze Age. (Whitty 2011, 23-4) A pit (dims 2m x 1.5m; D 0.42m) with evidence of in situ burning and fills of broken bedrock, black and brown clayey silts was c. 14m to the NE and c. 7m W of the timber circle. Fragments of iron nails and iron slag from smithing were recovered from the pit and a posthole beside it provided a C14 date of 51 cal. BC to 52 cal. AD (UBA 12087) from a sample of a fruitwood. It is the only evidence of Iron Age or later activity, apart from post-medieval ditches. (Whitty 2011, 24) See the attached plans from Whitty (2011, figs 5, 13) ME017-087005-_1 Site plan; ME017-087002-_2 Plan Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 March 2022

Architectural heritage

No building of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage stands in the townland of Kilmainham.

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Buildings: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

No address of the register names Kilmainham with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Meath.

Name

Kilmainham

Area

5,227,598 m² (522.76 ha, 1,291.77 acres)

Civil parish

Teltown, and its townlands

Barony

Kells Upper

Electoral division

Teltown, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Athgaine Little, Ballybeg, Bloomsberry, Cookstown Great, Fyanstown, Gardenrath, Hurdlestown, Kilmainham, Kilmainham (headfort), Martry, Nugentstown, Sedenrath

Placenames

Kilmainham on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. A townland is the smallest land division of Ireland, and the unit of a rural address; old registers such as the 1901 and 1911 censuses file it under its civil parish and barony.