부산대학교 도서관

This final archaeological report describes the results of the excavation carried out at the site of Kilcurley 1 in the townland of Kilcurley, Co. Offaly (Figure 1 and 2) as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Phase 2: Kilbeggan to Athlone Dual Carriageway Scheme. Archaeological fieldwork was carried out under ministerial direction by David Bayley of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd (IAC Ltd) and was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority under the National Development Plan 2000–2006, 2007– 2013 and the EU Structural fund. Kilcurley 1 was initially identified during a scheme wide pre-development archaeological and cultural heritage impact assessment (EIS). The assessment identified the site as a possible mound and was designated a Cultural Heritage Site number (CHS 113). A detailed topographical survey (NMS Reg. No. S0037) and geophysical survey (NMS Reg. No. R0056) were subsequently carried out at the site. Based on a combination of the results of the EIS and the technical surveys carried out, archaeological assessment at the site was undertaken by IAC Ltd. in July 2005 (Ministerial Direction No. A016/029; NMS Registration No. E3273). All features identified during this assessment phase (a circular enclosure consisting of 2 ditches) were subsequently re-identified and the site was fully excavated during the resolution phase of the project between 6 December 2005 and 19 January 2006 with a team of 1 director, 2 supervisors and 18 site assistants. The site was located at a height of between 65–66m OD in rough, wet meadowland with an impenetrable woodland area to the northwest. It was situated c. 250m to the east of the closest tertiary road, which linked the N80 to the south with the current N6 to the north and c. 3.5km southeast of Moate town (County Offaly OS sheet 2). The site was assigned the following identification data: Site Name: Kilcurley 1; Ministerial No. A016/019; NMS Registration No. E2647; Route Chainage (Ch): 17320–17480; NGR: 222447/237736 (Area A), 222450/237763 (Area B) and 222371/237734 (Area C).