Medieval knives and pottery dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries have been found in Co Limerick.
The discovery was made at what is believed to be a 13th-century farmstead at Attyflin, near Patrickswell. The pottery was made in Adare and the knives imported from England or France. A silver Henry III coin, knives and bronze buckles, decorated pins, fasteners and a bone dice were uncovered during the selection of the route for the Adare-Annacotty by-pass, which is under construction. The site was discovered by a Limerick Corporation archaeologist, Ms Celie O'Rahilly. The hilltop site involved a six-month excavation carried out by Archaeological Development Services Ltd under the direction of Limerick County Council and Duchas.
The excavations also uncovered four gate-post holes and a number of smaller fence-post holes. Over 500 shards of glazed pottery, a number of iron knives and a small iron slash-hook were also found.
Meanwhile, cobblestones and pottery fragments believed to date from the 17th century have been found in Kilmallock, Co Limerick.
They were unearthed in Sarsfield Street during roadworks excavations.
According to archaeologists, what was discovered was some of the old ground surface, which will be tested to determine its exact age. The experts knew the cobblestones were there, and the find will not hold up the roadworks.