Evidence of medieval life, believed to date from between 400AD and 1400AD, has been discovered at a site in Co Westmeath.
The discoveries include postholes, pits and a circular enclosure associated with a medieval field system.
Artefacts recovered from the site include stone-lined cereal drying kilns as well as pottery, flint and clay tobacco pipes.
The initial discovery in Kilbrennan, was made in 2024 as part of a geophysical survey to identify potential archaeological features through changes in soil magnetism.
The results of the first field survey found five previously undocumented archaeological sites, dating from circa 400AD-1400AD.
"A gas pipeline crosses a modern landscape which has largely changed over time because of land improvements but can yield archaeological sites hidden beneath the ground" said Project Archaeologist Dr Rose Cleary.
"The archaeological input of pipeline construction aims to establish as much information on potential archaeological remains and reduce the risk of uncovering extensive and complex archaeological sites.
"Archaeological remains are invariably uncovered, and these are excavated and recorded for posterity providing a window into Ireland's past.
"The archaeological sites on the Castlelost project and the subsequent scientific analysis of the remains are an important part of the study of the historic landscape of Co Westmeath," Dr Cleary said.
Site located near Rochfortbridge, along the route of a new gas transmission pipeline
The site near Rochfortbridge, is along the route of the new Kiltotan gas transmission pipeline, crossing through the townlands of Kilbrennan, Collinstown and Oldtown.
The pipeline, which has been laid by Gas Networks Ireland and is approximately 5.5km in length, will transport gas to the Castlelost electricity generation plant near Rochfortbridge.
The geophysical survey took place in April 2024, and on-site works involving 56 test trenches were completed late last year, before the commencement of pipelaying.
Post-excavation analysis, including radiocarbon dating of charcoal and seeds and preliminary reports have been completed, with final reports expected to be submitted before the end of this year.
"Sites like these offer an extraordinary glimpse into Ireland’s past, showing how communities lived, worked, and adapted to their environment over the centuries," said Donald Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit’s Managing Director.
"The careful excavation and recording of these finds ensure that the story of the site can be shared with future generations," he added.
