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AR01055_EMAP_Gazetteer_of_Sites_4-2_10.pdf - The Heritage ...

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Meath<br />

Ferganstown and Ballymackon, Co. Meath<br />

Early Medieval Unenclosed Souterrain<br />

Grid reference: N89126933 (289129/269331)<br />

SMR No: ME025-058<br />

Excavation License No: 99E0178<br />

Excavation duration/year: 1999<br />

Site director: K. Hanley (Freelance)<br />

Excavation in advance <strong>of</strong> the construction <strong>of</strong> a sewerage treatment plant revealed a<br />

potentially unenclosed souterrain in the townland <strong>of</strong> Ferganstown and Ballymackon. <strong>The</strong> site<br />

was situated south <strong>of</strong> the River Boyne and approximately 3km north-east <strong>of</strong> Navan town.<br />

<strong>The</strong> souterrain consisted <strong>of</strong> a single dry-stone passage, which lead westwards into a simple<br />

beehive chamber. <strong>The</strong> excavation was limited to four trenches that were inserted across the<br />

site area. <strong>The</strong>refore, the possibility remains that an enclosure exists but was not detected by<br />

the excavation trenches.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first trench was sectioned across part <strong>of</strong> the souterrain passage. Its walls were<br />

constructed from roughly shaped limestone rocks and they slanted inwards. <strong>The</strong> passage was<br />

crowned by seven large lintels. It measured 3.3m in length, was 1m high and sloped down to<br />

the beehive chamber. <strong>The</strong> chamber was constructed using both flat and rounded rocks and<br />

was sealed by a large capping stone. <strong>The</strong>re was sufficient evidence to suggest that there may<br />

have been an entrance passage or drop-hole feature leading north from the exposed end <strong>of</strong><br />

the existing passageway. Cow and pig bone was present around the souterrain passage and<br />

analysis showed that slaughtering and primary butchery was carried out in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> the<br />

site.<br />

Another trench revealed a series <strong>of</strong> four linear parallel cut features which were possible<br />

furrows. Two shallow pits, a curving ditch and a circular structure were also identified. No<br />

associated stake- or postholes were identified in association with the latter – which lay<br />

outside the arc <strong>of</strong> the ditch – but it may have demarcated a dwelling area.<br />

<strong>The</strong> remaining two trenches revealed no archaeological features.<br />

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

Reference:<br />

Hanley, K. 1999:0687. Ferganstown and Ballymackon, Co. Meath. www.excavations.ie.<br />

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