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EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

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Meath<br />

Sheephouse 2, Co. Meath<br />

Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure<br />

Grid reference: O06307472 (30630/27472)<br />

SMR: N/A<br />

Excavation Licence No: 00E0810<br />

Excavation duration: February – May 2001<br />

Site director: D. Moore (Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd.)<br />

Excavations in advance of the M1 Drogheda By-Pass, revealed a multi-period settlement site<br />

that consisted of a Neolithic structure, a potential early medieval enclosure, an undated oval<br />

enclosure and a number of ditches, pits, hearths and postholes. <strong>The</strong> latter occurred in<br />

isolated contexts but also formed linear and curvilinear features (possibly forming structures).<br />

Arable agriculture was evident by the presence of cereal-drying kilns. <strong>The</strong> site was 1km west<br />

of Drogheda and overlooked the River Boyne to the north. <strong>The</strong> immediate landscape is<br />

utilised for crop cultivation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> potential early medieval phase consisted of an enclosure which measured 38m in<br />

maximum width north-south and continued on in section to the east. Its ditch fills contained<br />

lots of animal bone fragments, a blue glass bead and an amber bead. A palisaded entrance<br />

was recorded at the north-east and the postholes curved gradually south-west to a cobbled<br />

entrance where two external drainage ditches fed into the main enclosing ditch.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ditch profile differed across the extent of the enclosure. At its east-facing side it had a<br />

central slot, perhaps indicating a large stockaded timber fence. However, the southern side<br />

was U-shaped and deeper, with steep sides. At the north there was a steep north-facing<br />

slope and a gradual south-facing slope. No evidence of a bank was observed. Internally a<br />

second, shallower slot-trench was excavated. This may represent a small delimiting ditch or<br />

drainage<br />

feature.<br />

A series of north-south and east-west ditches were located in proximity to the enclosure and<br />

may represent contemporary animal or field enclosures.<br />

(No plans were available for this site).<br />

Reference:<br />

Moore, D. 2001:1055. Site 2, Sheephouse, Co. Meath. www.excavations.ie.<br />

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