EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Meath
Ferganstown and Ballymackon, Co. Meath
Early Medieval Unenclosed Souterrain
Grid reference: N89126933 (289129/269331)
SMR No: ME025-058
Excavation License No: 99E0178
Excavation duration/year: 1999
Site director: K. Hanley (Freelance)
Excavation in advance of the construction of a sewerage treatment plant revealed a
potentially unenclosed souterrain in the townland of Ferganstown and Ballymackon. The site
was situated south of the River Boyne and approximately 3km north-east of Navan town.
The souterrain consisted of a single dry-stone passage, which lead westwards into a simple
beehive chamber. The excavation was limited to four trenches that were inserted across the
site area. Therefore, the possibility remains that an enclosure exists but was not detected by
the excavation trenches.
The first trench was sectioned across part of the souterrain passage. Its walls were
constructed from roughly shaped limestone rocks and they slanted inwards. The passage was
crowned by seven large lintels. It measured 3.3m in length, was 1m high and sloped down to
the beehive chamber. The chamber was constructed using both flat and rounded rocks and
was sealed by a large capping stone. There was sufficient evidence to suggest that there may
have been an entrance passage or drop-hole feature leading north from the exposed end of
the existing passageway. Cow and pig bone was present around the souterrain passage and
analysis showed that slaughtering and primary butchery was carried out in the vicinity of the
site.
Another trench revealed a series of four linear parallel cut features which were possible
furrows. Two shallow pits, a curving ditch and a circular structure were also identified. No
associated stake- or postholes were identified in association with the latter – which lay
outside the arc of the ditch – but it may have demarcated a dwelling area.
The remaining two trenches revealed no archaeological features.
(No plans were available for this site).
Reference:
Hanley, K. 1999:0687. Ferganstown and Ballymackon, Co. Meath. www.excavations.ie.
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