Excavation of an early medieval vertical watermill at Killoteran, County Waterford

During archaeological testing along the route of the N25 Waterford City Bypass in December 2003, structural timbers were exposed in Dooneen Marsh in the townland of Killoteran, Co. Waterford (Illus. 1). Dooneen Marsh is at the base of a small valley leading toward the River Suir to the north (Illus. 2). It is a very poorly drained area, with a small stream running through the centre and a second stream flowing around the eastern side. In modern times attempts have been made to drain the marsh, but the area is still very wet and prone to flooding. Radiocarbon dates from an oak plank and a yew post suggested that the wooden structure had been built in the late Iron Age or at the beginning of the early medieval period (see below), and it was decided to carry out a full excavation in order to reveal the extent and nature of the structure, now designated as archaeological site Killoteran 9 (NGR 253900, 109530; height 0 m OD; excavation licence no. 03E0406). Excavation on behalf of the National Roads Authority, Waterford County Council, Waterford City Council and Kilkenny County Council was undertaken by Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd from June to October 2004.The site was found to consist of the well-preserved remains of a substantial, vertical watermill. The excavation was continually hampered by the regular inundation of the site by water seeping out of the surrounding marsh and it was halted in October 2004 owing to a severe flooding event that left the entire marsh under 0.5 m of water. The site was allowed to remain flooded in order to protect the exposed remains, and the level of water has been monitored since then. Some minor work was carried out in October 2005, but, with conditions worsening, it was decided to abandon the site again. Work is due to recommence in the spring and summer of 2006 when conditions become workable once more.