Mesolithic Woven Fish Traps from M3 Site Clowanstown in National Museum

December 2009

We are delighted to announce that the spectacularly preserved remains of a number of woven fish traps dating from the Later Mesolithic Period (c. 5000-4000 BC) which were excavated at Clowanstown 1 on Section 2 of the M3 Scheme, are now on permanent display in the National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology), Kildare St, Dublin. The traps have undergone extensive conservation and stabilisation since they were discovered in 2007. These processes coupled with detailed photography and specialised 3D Laser Scanning ( See Seanda Issue 2 [2007], pp.49-51) has ensured that these fascinating and extremely rare artefacts are preserved for future generations to study and enjoy. An article describing the traps and their recent placement on display in the National Museum of Ireland has just published in the new issue of Seanda 4. The full excavation report of the Clowanstown 1 site which includes a detailed discussion of the excavation of the site. the discovery of the traps and associated features and very detailed illustrations, and photography can be accessed by clicking this link 

  

New Book 'Places Along the Way'to be Launched on Most Significant M3 Discoveries

November 2009

The NRA is delighted to announce the imminent publication of Places Along the Way: first findings on the M3, edited by Mary B Deevy and Donald Murphy. Places Along the Way presents substantial accounts of and reflections on eight of the most significant sites excavated on the M3 motorway between Dunboyne and Navan in County Meath an area incorporating the broader landscape around the Hill of Tara. The chapters describing the individual sites in this volume are all interim statements written while post-excavation research was continuing; however, many of the conclusions tentatively proposed in the new book are unlikely to be radically altered by further research. While the evidence from the sites concentrates heavily on the early medieval period, there are also substantial traces of prehistoric and later medieval activity. The book also contains an important contribution to the documentary evidence for later medieval settlement in Meath.

 

This exciting new book is significant in two respects; it will be the fifth publication in the NRA Scheme Monographs series and represents the first monograph dedicated to the excavation results from the M3 Clonee to North of Kells motorway scheme. Places Along the Way will be published by the National Roads Authority in December 2009 and will be available through bookshops or directly from Wordwell Books Sales (tel: +353 01 2947860; e-mail: helen@wordwellbooks.com).

Final Archaeological Reports for Sections 1,2,3& 5 are now available to download

October 2009

Following completion of post excavation works and specialist analysis we are delighted to announce that all Final Archaeological Reports for sites excavated in Sections 1, 2, 3 & 5 of the M3 Clonee-North of Kells Motorway Scheme are now available to download from the M3 Motorway website. The final reports include a stratigraphical account of the archaeological phases of the site, a discussion of the site and the archaeological artefacts recovered, photos and illustrations of the archaeological features and artefacts, detailed plans & drawings of the archaeological features excavated and specialist appendixes which cover a wide range of analysis including environmental remains, lithics and stone objects, pottery, radiocarbon dates, glass beads, coins,  insect remains and many more. The reports now available cover a wide variety of archaeological periods and site types and include the Early Iron Age ceremonial post enclosure site of Lismullin and the amazingly well preserved Later Mesolithic remains from Clowanstown both excavated in Section 2. Interim Reports for sites excavated in Section  4 are also available for download. To access and download the final reports please click on the webpage for each particular site from the Archaeology Section .The final reports are located on the bottom of each site webpage and are in pdf format.

  

Final Reports from M3 Sites available for download.

 February 2009

Following the completion of specialist analysis and post excavation works we are delighted to announce that Final reports for a number of archaeological sites excavated on Section 1, 2, 3 & 5 are now available for download. Please click on each of the site names which link to the site homepages from where the final reports can be accessed and downloaded in pdf format.

  

Final Reports of M3 Archaeology Sites are now available to download

October  2008

A number of final reports for archaeological sites excavated on Section 1 & Section 5 of the M3 Clonee-North of Kells Motorway Scheme are now available to download in pdf format. The final reports are located within each of the sites specific webpages, below the site preliminary report summary. Updates of final reports as they become available will be posted on the news page.   

  

Five New Research Papers on M3 Archaeology to be Published

August 2008

 

The fifth monograph in the Archaeology of the National Roads Authority Monograph Series will be launched on Thursday 28th August in Dublin. The new book is called Roads, Rediscovevery and Research. It presents the proceedings of a one-day seminar held at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on 30th August 2007 as part of National Heritage Week. The monograph is written in a non-technical style and is extensively illustrated with colour images. Impressively five of the papers in the monograph relate to research on the archaeological results from the M3 Scheme. The paper titles are outlined below.

Roads, Rediscovery and Research is available through bookshops, or directly from Wordwell Books (www.wordwellbooks.com or tel: +35312947860)

 

 

Two New Articles published on M3 Scheme in Archaeology Ireland

July 2008

 

The preliminary excavation results of a number of archaeological sites at Phoenixtown in Section 4, which produced evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age and Medeival activity are reported in a recently published article by Ed Lyne in Archaeology Ireland (Summer 2008).

Also recently published in Archaeology Ireland (Summer 2008) is an article by Magda Piotrowska & Olga Karmowska two Polish archaeologists who worked on the the M3 Motorway Scheme.

Both of these articles can be now downloaded from the publications section. Please click here

 

New M3 Scheme Leaflet Published

June 2008

A new M3 Scheme Leaflet (No. 3 - 2008) is now available for download from the publications section. The new leaflet builds on the exciting archaeological excavation results previously outlined in the two M3 Scheme Leaflets from 2005 & 2006. In addtion to some preliminary archaeological results from Clowanstown, Lismullin, Baronstown and Phoenixtown the 2008 version includes some previously  un-seen photographs of a number of artefacts which have undergone specialist conservation.

Please click here to download

 

NRA Archaeological Discoveries Series Posters on the M3

May 2008

'New M3 posters are now available'. The NRA has recently produced a new series of posters as part of the NRA Archaeological Discoveries Series, including three posters on the M3 

Posters can be downloaded or hardcopies can be requested via m3@nra.ie

 

 

Giant Deer Antler remains found during bog removal on the M3

January 2008

Please click here to read more about the giant deer remains recovered from the M3

Please click here to read about previous discoveries of giant deer antler remains on the M8 Rathcormac/Fermoy Bypass reported in Seanda, Issue 1

  

New M3 articles published in Seanda Magazine

December 2007

Please click here to read new articles on M3 sites in Seanda (Part 1).

Please click here to read new articles on M3 sites in Seanda (Part 2).

  

Megalithic Art Discovery at Lismullin Souterrain

November 2007

Please click here to read more about the megalithic art find at Lismullin souterrain.

  

Updated Excavation Summaries Now Available

October 2007

 

Recently updated excavation summaries including new images are now available for the following sites on the M3 Scheme.

Castlefarm 1 - click here, Garretstown 2 - click here, Merrywell 1 - click here, Raynestown 1 - click here, Roestown 2 - click here,

Grange 3 - click here, Boyerstown 1 - click here, Collierstown 1 - click here, Baronstown 1 - click here, Knocks 1 - click here

National Monument at Lismullin Excavation Progress Reports now available

September 2007

Please click here to access the Lismullin excavation progress reports

 

 

New Metal Detection/ Geophysical Reports

August 2007

Two technical reports now available detail the archaeological metal detection surveys carried out at Lismullin on Section 2 (click here for further details) and Boyerstown 1 on Section 3 (click here for further details).

The results of a recent geophysical survey at Dowdstown, Lismullin, Skreen & Ross are now available for download (click here for further details).

 

Results of OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) Dating at Garretstown 2

July 2007

This cutting edge method of dating was used for the first time on an archaeological site in Ireland on Garretstown 2. The results of this specialized method of dating are now available for download (click here for further details).

 

Report of Palaeoenvironmental Assessment of several archaeological sites on M3

June 2007

This report outlines the palaeoenvironmental assessment of Castletown Tara 1, Castletown Tara 3, Clowanstown, Drumree, Kilmainham 1 C, Lismullin and Newrath Big (click here for further details).

An additional palaeoenvironmental report compiled in March 2007 focuses on Palynological and Testate Amoebae Assessment of Samples from Clowanstown (click here for further details).

 

 

National Monument Discovery at Lismullin, Co Meath

May 2007

 

Launch of NRA Archaeology magazine and new M3 leaflet

January 2007

The National Roads Authority has launched a new archaeology magazine, Seanda, which will be used to communicate the results of NRA-funded archaeological investigations undertaken as part of the national roads-building programme. Issue 1 includes a number of notes and feature articles related to archaeology on the M3 - please click here to download these articles. 

The NRA and Meath County Council have also published a second leaflet in the NRA Archaeological Discoveries Series outlining recent archaeological discoveries on the M3 - please click here to download this leaflet.

 

 

 

Results of latest geophysical survey at Collierstown, Baronstown and Dowdstown

December 2006

The results of the latest geophysical surveys at Collierstown, Baronstown and Dowdstown are now available - please click here to download the geophysical survey reports.

 

Article on Ardsallagh published in Archaeology Ireland

December 2006

The preliminary results of excavations at the prehistoric site of Ardsallagh 2 are reported in an article published by Excavation Director Linda Clarke and Researcher Neil Carlin in Archaeology Ireland (Winter 2006).

Please click here to download this and other published articles related to archaeology and the M3.

 

 

Laser survey of souterrain at Roestown

November 2006

Excavations at Roestown 2 are now substantially complete. The preliminary excavation results indicate that the site consists of a series of successive early medieval enclosures, including a souterrain and field systems, beginning in the 7th century and continuing into the 11th century, with limited occupation into the 13th century. A 3D laser scan survey of the souterrain was carried out in November 2006 by Gridpoint Solutions Ltd - please click here for further details.

 

Articles on Philpotstown and Boyerstown published in Archaeology Ireland

October 2006

The preliminary results of excavations of the post-office and smithy at Philpotstown and the 13th century ring brooch found at the medieval settlement site at Boyerstown are reported in articles published in Archaeology Ireland (Autumn 2006).

Please click here to download these and other published articles related to archaeology and the M3.

 

 

Open days on site during Heritage Week

August 2006

As part of the programme of events during Heritage Week this year (26th August - 3rd September), members of the public were invited to attend open days held at three of the sites currently undergoing excavation on the M3. Excavation Directors Rob O'Hara and Lydia Cagney and Site Supervisor Alistair Clarke of ACS Ltd conducted tours of their respective sites at Roestown, Dowdstown and Castlefarm, describing the ongoing excavations. Selections of artefacts from each site were on display, along with posters and photographs outlining the various stages of the archaeological investigations and the significance of the artefacts recovered. Click here to read more about open days and site visits on the M3.

 

Meath Archaeological and Historical Society visit sites on the M3

June 2006

Vistors from Meath Archaeological and Historical Society and members of the public attended an open day at excavations on the M3 on 25th June 2006. Excavation Directors Rob O'Hara and Lydia Cagney of ACS Ltd conducted tours of their respective sites at Roestown and Dowdstown, describing the ongoing excavations. A selection of artefacts from each site was on display, along with posters and photographs outlining the various stages of the archaeological investigations and the significance of the artefacts recovered.

Click here to read more about open days and site visits on the M3.

 

Results of latest geophysical survey carried out at Castlefarm 1

May 2006

Additional geophysical (magnetometer) survey has been undertaken at Castlefarm 1 in order to determine the extent of the enclosure complex which had been revealed during the previous geophysical works and archaeological testing and to inform on the current phase of excavation. This latest geophysical investigation at Castlefarm was carred out in three areas: Areas 1 & 3 are located within the existing roadtake, while Area 2 lies immediately to the east of the roadtake, beyond the current area of excavation. The eastern section of a large circular enclosure measuring c. 70-80m in diameter was identified in Area 2. A number of anomalies located at the enclosure interior suggest the remains of possible pits and associated internal structures. Numerous linear responses and trends were also detected beyond the enclosure perimeter and some of these are likely to reflect part of an associated field system.

 

 

Archaeological Excavation at Merrywell 1

April 2006

Archaeological excavation at Merrywell 1 (Section 1 Clonee-Dunshaughlin) is now complete. The excavation revealed the remnants of a probable medieval ridge and furrow system or field system. A medieval well was also uncovered and a worked oak beam and wooden bowl were found preserved in its waterlogged deposits. Among the artefacts found were a large quantity of medieval pottery sherds, a knife blade, arrowhead and metal clasp.

Click here for more detail on the results of the excavation at Merrywell 1.

 

 

Palaeoenvironmental Research on the M3

March 2006

An assessment of the palaeoenvironmental research potential on the M3 Clonee – North of Kells Road Scheme was carried out in 2005 by researchers from the Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin. This assessment forms part of an overarching research framework, the aim of which is to transform the archaeological data generated on the M3 archaeological investigations from ‘information’ to ‘knowledge’.  One strategy in achieving this aim is to place the newly uncovered archaeological data within its archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and historical context.

Click here to download the Report on the Assessment of Palaeoenvironmental Research Potential on the Route of the M3 Clonee-North of Kells.

 

Results of Geophysical Survey Carried Out at Boyerstown 3

February 2006

A magnetometer survey has been carried out at Boyerstown 3, revealing a very large complex of enclosures. Both this new geophysical survey and the previous testing indicate that these features are likely to represent sites of different periods, prehistoric and possibly early medieval or later. The complex of anomalies identified include five circular enclosures, a sub-rectangular enclosure network, the remains of several outlying enclosures and a part of a probable field system.

 

 

Results of Geophysical Survey Carried Out at Collierstown 1

January 2006

Geophysical survey, both magnetometer and resistivity survey, has been undertaken at Collierstown 1. Three stone-lined graves and a number of other features were found in testing.  The geophysical survey revealed that these features are ditched enclosures surrounding the burials.

 

Results of Archaeological Excavations at Philpotstown & Dowdstown Now

December 2005

The building foundations of a 19th century post office and smithy were initially uncovered during testing in 2004 at Dillon's Bridge, in Philpotstown townland. Archaeological excavations carried out by ACS Ltd at this site, located on the east side of the present N3 Dublin-Navan road, are now substantially complete - please click here for details.

The foundations and brick floor of an early 19th century house and part of a cobbled road were uncovered during testing in Dowdstown townland in 2004 - please click here for details.

 

 

M3 Clonee-North of Kells Road Scheme: Archaeology Research Framework

September 2005

The National Roads Authority and Meath County Council have recently published the M3 Clonee-North of Kells Road Scheme; Archaeology Research Framework. This document describes the overarching research framework under which the next phase of the M3 archaeological investigations will be carried out. Undoubtedly, these investigations will generate new discoveries that will contribute to our understanding of past societies, both in a local and wider context. The aim of the research framework therefore is to ensure that the data generated on the M3 archaeological investigations will be transformed from 'information' to 'knowledge'.

Click here to download the M3 Clonee - North of Kells Road Scheme; Archaeology Research Framework
 
For further information on this document, please email us at m3@nra.ie .
 

 

M3 Clonee - North of Kells Motorway Archaeology Information Series

August 2005

The National Roads Authority and Meath County Council have recently published the M3 Clonee -North of Kells Motorway Archaeology Information Series. This information pack summarises the planning background of the route, in particular the choice of route for the Dunshaughlin-Navan section, which has attracted most interest. It also details the archaeological work carried out to date on the whole route section by section - methodologies and results - and outlines the future proposed work - excavation, specialist work and other research.

Click here to download the M3 Clonee - North of Kells Motorway Archaeology Information Series.

A digital landscape model that provides a virtual 'flyover' of the completed route in relation to the Hill of Tara both from the air and from the top of the Hill is also now available on disc.

For further information on the information pack or digital landscape model, please email us at m3@nra.ie .

 

Two New Palaeoenvironmental Specialsit Reports on Lismullin and M3 sites available

May 2009

Two new reports by Birmingham Archaeo-Environmental of the University of Birmingham on Lismullin and a number of other M3 sites have been completed and are now available for download. These reports are now available in the technical reports section under the palaeoenvironmental research section.