10.
Archaeological and Cultural Heritage
10.3
Assesment Criteria
10.3.1
The Archaeological Receiving Environment
The southern section study area is a rich archaeological landscape
with approximately 1045 sites identified. Many sites were
identified by Dúchas using aerial photography, where above
ground indications identify a monument which may have been
destroyed. These have been interpreted as cropmarks, enclosures,
field systems and deserted medieval settlements or complexes.
It is likely that topsoil stripping at a later stage will
uncover new sites with no visible surface remains.
A
number of megalithic structures are recorded in the area,
some of which have been destroyed over time. This type of
site consists of stone built monuments often containing collective
burials. Four definitely classified portal tombs are located
within the Constraints study area (CW019-041, CW019-090, KK021-029,
KK032-00901) (see Figures 7A and 7B). The presence of this
type of site in the area is an indication of well-established
activity and settlement during either the Neolithic or Early
Bronze Age.
The vast majority of the sites identified in the desktop study
consist of earthworks and enclosures - circular, oval and
rectilinear. Most of the earthwork sites listed in the Record
of Monuments and Places were identified through early maps
and aerial photography, as the majority of these sites have
been levelled through time. Consequently it is often difficult
to determine their exact nature.
A large amount of fualachta fiadh sites, or cooking sites,
were identified in the assessment. Most were noted during
a National Museum of Ireland Fulacht Fiadh survey and presumably
remain extant. They have become the most frequent monument
found in the Irish countryside in recent times.
A number of cists, or graves, were found in the Constraints
study area. The majority of these graves date to the Bronze
Age period (c. 2000 - 700 BC).
A large number of ringforts were identified which are the
most widely distributed and commonplace monuments on the Irish
landscape. Research and excavation have dated the majority
of ringforts to between c. 500 - c. 1200AD (Mitchell & Ryan
1997, 254-261; Edwards 1990, 6-33; Ó'Ríordáin 1979, 29-59).
A number of souterrains were identified. These sites are frequently
associated with ringforts and early ecclesiastical settlements.
As souterrains were used for defense the plans for many of
them are completely unpredictable and most are found accidentally
during ploughing or foundation digging. Excavation results
indicate a date range from c. 800 - 1200 AD.
A
number of moated sites where identified and are usually associated
with the Anglo-Norman settlement of Ireland during the thirteenth
and fourteenth centuries.
Also
located within the area of interest were several motte and
baileys. These consist of earthen mounds, which were usually
erected as initial forts by the invading Anglo-Normans in
the 12th century.
A
number of castles and tower houses were identified which can
date from the 12th to 17th centuries. Some 17th century and
possible earlier dwellings are associated with the castles
and tower houses. Associated landscape features might include
formal gardens, vistas, ponds, follies, mazes and tree rings.
Quite
a number of ecclesiastical remains were also found within
the Constraints study area. These consisted primarily of churches
and graveyards, with features such as bullaun stones, fonts
and altar tombs. Nave and chancel churches date primarily
to the 12th and 13th centuries while more simple rectangular
buildings are of 14th to 16th century date. A number of post-medieval
(1540AD onwards) churches are also included.
Many of the holy wells identified are associated with ecclesiastical
remains, although a number of isolated sites do occur. The
date and origin of the dedication of some wells is known from
documentary evidence and many are still used for pilgrimage.
Local interest in and awareness of such sites can often be
very high.
10.3.2 Historic Towns and Areas of Settlement Historic Towns
The following historic towns and areas of settlement (see
Figures 7A and 7B and Table 6 of Appendix D) are located within
the Constraints study area: -
-
Kilkenny;
- Dungarvan;
- Gowran;
- Kells;
- Knocktopher;
- Thomastown;
and
- Danesfort.
The
towns are listed in the Kilkenny County Archaeological Urban
Survey and are considered to be zones of archaeological potential.
Areas of Settlement
Seven
deserted medieval settlements were identified within the study
area (also refer to Figures 7A and 7B and Table 6 of Appendix
D).
-
Kilree (KK023-04703);
- Newtown
Baker (KK023-067);
- Kilbline
(KK024-083);
- Stonecarthy
West (KK027-047);
- Sheepstown
(KK031-01505);
- Newtown
Jerpoint (KK028-062); and
- Jerpoint
Church (KK028-056).
These
sites have mainly been identified through literary sources
and aerial photography, although on some sites evidence for
settlement is still visible in the form of churches or tower
houses.
These areas should be avoided, where practical, as they are
extensive areas of high archaeological potential.
10.3.3 National Monuments
Eleven of the sites identified in the archaeological report
(see Table 1 of Appendix D) are classed as National Monuments
currently under state ownership or guardianship.
The majority of the sites are listed in the Record of Historic
Monuments and Places (RMP), established under Section 12 of
the 1994 National Monuments (Amendment) Act.
The
inclusion of archaeological objectives by planning authorities
in their statutory development provides the basis for such
authorities to provide for the protection of the archaeological
heritage.
10.3.4 Preservation Orders, Registered Sites and Sites listed
in County Development Plans
Four of the sites within the Constraints study area are protected
by Preservation Orders (see Figures 7A and 7B and Table 2
of Appendix D). These Orders make it unlawful to interfere
with the monument in any way without the written consent of
Duchas.
Nine sites are listed as Registered Sites (see Figures 7A
and 7B and Table 2 of Appendix D). Under the National Monuments
(Amendment) Act 1987 it is unlawful to carry out work to a
Registered Monument, except in the case of urgent necessity
and with the consent of Duchas. The majority of Registered
Sites are also listed in the county development plans as being
protected.
10.3.5 Record of Historic Monuments and Places
The
vast majority of the archaeological sites identified (see
Table 3 of Appendix D) are listed in the Record of Historic
Monuments and Places (RMP), which was established under Section
12 of the 1994 National Monuments (Amendment) Act.
10.3.6 Architectural Heritage
Eighty three Architectural Heritage sites were identified
(see Table 4 of the Archaeological Report) through consultation
with the Kilkenny and Carlow County Development Plans.
The
buildings and structures listed in the Catalogue of Sites
of Architectural Importance were identified in expert surveys
carried out for the County Councils.
The
1999 Planning and Development Act introduced the provision
for a Record of Protected Structures. It is the policy of
the County Councils to seek the preservation of items listed
in the Record. No listed building or structure may be demolished
or materially altered without the permission under the Local
Government Acts. Listed sites include country houses vernacular
houses, churches, mills, bridges and other buildings of note.
10.3.7
Industrial Archaeology
Sixty two Industrial Archaeological sites were identified
in the Kilkenny County Council portion of the study area (see
Table 5 of Appendix D). These sites consist primarily of bridges,
mills, railway bridges and structures associated with coal
mining.
There
were no Industrial Archaeological sites included in the County
Carlow Development Plan. It is likely that sites will be identified
during the field walking to be carried out during the route
selection phase.
Under the new provisions of the National Monuments (Amendment)
Act 1987 the owners of industrial archaeological sites, which
are deemed to be important, require planing permission in
order to demolish or alter these sites.
A further amendment to the Act enabled industrial archaeological
sites to be added to the national record of monuments, affording
them a measure of statutory protection.
10.3.8
Rivers
Duchas The Heritage Service requires archaeological assessments
to take water bodies and associated features into account.
10.3.9 Bogland
Bogs or water-logged areas are frequently rich sources of
archaeology and their exceptional capability in the preservation
of remains makes them a unique archaeological resource.
Although there are no very large areas of bogland within the
Constraints study area, the location of smaller areas of bog
or waterlogged, highly organic soils should be noted in the
route selection phase.
10.3.10
Gravel Ridges
Gravel
Ridges/Gravel deposits by their nature provide raised areas,
generally with commanding views and with well-drained soils,
which were very popular in particular for Bronze Age Settlement.
|
