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Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd (IAC), funded by the National Roads Authority (NRA) through Kilkenny County Council, undertook an excavation at the site of AR055, Baysrath 2 along the proposed N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme, Phase 4 – Knocktopher to Powerstown (Figure 1). The following report describes the results of archaeological excavation at that site. The area was fully excavated by Fintan Walsh under Ministerial Direction A032 and Excavation Registration Number E3627 issued by the DOEHLG in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland for IAC. The fieldwork took place between 20 August and 19 September 2007. The site (55m north-south by 62m east-west) was located on pasture land, rising slightly to the west, adjacent to a large ceremonial and habitation site dating from the late Bronze Age to the early medieval period (AR053?54). The activity at Baysrath 2 consisted of a metalled surface/path, a linear ditch, a possible structure, and a number of isolated pits and hearths. The earliest dated feature identified at Baysrath 2 consisted of a posthole that was interpreted as being associated with a small rectangular structure that consisted of three postholes and a possible slot-trench and measured 4.00m by 2.00m. The posthole was dated to the Iron Age. To the north of the structure a later pathway extended east-west across the excavation area for a length of 60m. It was a maximum of 3.80m wide and was constructed of small angular and sub-angular stones densely packed in one layer and directly sealing the natural subsoil. On the north side of the path and parallel to it was a shallow linear ditch. At the west end of the site this ditch intersected with another which extended to the north and continued beyond the limits of the excavation. One of the ditches was dated to the early medieval period. As the ditches respected the line of the path they are interpreted as being contemporary. Other features on the site consisted of possible waste pits with charcoal rich fills, a possible un-used cereal drying kiln and other isolated pits and small spreads. The possible un-used kiln had a distinctive figure of eight shape but its fills were relatively sterile and there was no evidence of in situ burning. Three samples were sent for AMS radiocarbon dating. A sample of alder charcoal from posthole fill C13 was radiocarbon dated. The 2 sigma calibrated result was 165BC–AD16 (UBA 10984). A sample of ash charcoal from ditch fill C18 was also radiocarbon dated. The 2 sigma calibrated result was AD780–971 (UBA 10985). A sample of sheep/goat proximal rib from a deposit C4 overlying the path was radiocarbon dated and returned a 2 sigma calibrated result of AD1664–1952 (UBA 14020). As this is from a deposit sealing the path, and the bone may be intrusive, it is not felt that this date accurately dates the path. The site at Baysrath 2 can be seen as an extension to the larger multi-period settlement at AR053?54 immediately to the south and it is important locally due to the additional ephemeral information it provides. Of more interest and regional significance is the mettled pathway which, on the basis of a related feature, has been dated to the early medieval period. The pathway is an important addition to the previously documented references to the Bealach Eile and to possible associated routeways between the ecclesiastical complexes of Kilree, Sheepstown and Knocktopher