The purpose of this paper is not to describe in detail the various early medieval archaeological sites discovered in advance of construction of the M3 motorway but to explore the research opportunities provided by the recent findings from the scheme as a whole. This wil

archaeology | methodology | burials

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This paper provides a brief introduction to the contribution that historical research can make to the understanding and interpretation of archaeological sites.The examples used are drawn from the writer’s ongoing research for archaeologists working on sites recently excavated

archaeology | methodology | site interpretation

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Archaeological investigations carried out in advance of the M3 motorway scheme provided an excellent opportunity to examine a number of previously unknown prehistoric sites. The excavations were carried out on behalf of the National Roads Authority and Meath County Council and we

archaeology | methodology | burials

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The archaeological discoveries made on the M3 Clonee–North of Kells motorway scheme in County Meath have been widely published in the media in recent years.Yet the insights into our past from an extensive programme of research, geophysical survey and archaeological exca

archaeology | methodology | paleoecology

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When trying to understand the historical context of early medieval sites such as those newly discovered along the route of the M3 Clonee–North of Kells motorway scheme, probably the best point of departure is to try to determine the site’s original name. Since all place-names w

archaeology | methodology | place names

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