By Dan Walsh
New Ross Municipal District has launched a new book in New Ross Library. It is a Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) publication, edited by James Eogan MIAI FSA, Senior Archaeologist, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and titled ‘Places for the Living, Places for the Dead; archaeological discoveries on the N25 New Ross Bypass’,
The event was attended by over 70 enthusiastic members of the public and representatives from TII, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd, The Heritage Council, Wexford County Council and New Ross Municipal District elected members.
Peter Walsh, Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, presented landowner Philip Becker with a signed copy of the book. One of the most significant finds of a Norman period farmstead was discovered on Mr Becker’s land.
Deputy Chief Executive, Eamonn Hore, who acted as master of ceremonies on the night, said; “What a wonderful night of knowledge and learning about or past, excellently presented in the lovely setting of New Ross Library. My thanks to all who contributed.”
The publication which is the latest addition the TII Heritage Series was published in December 2023, alongside detailed reports on the evidence excavated at eight key sites. The book provides an overview of the archaeology of this region and shows how the remains uncovered on the bypass route deepen our understanding of human activity in the lower Barrow Valley over almost nine millennia.
Chapters written by experts in their fields consider different topics and periods in greater detail, including, the paleoenvironmental background of the sites uncovered, the nature and range of evidence for the first farmers and early metal-using societies in the region, the impact of Anglo-Norman colonisation and the establishment of a feudal economy in the area.
The book, which is richly illustrated with eight specially commissioned artistic visualisations, and more than 140 photographs, plans, drawings, and maps, describes the discoveries and shows how this new evidence provides fresh perspectives on the communities who called this place home over the past 9,000 years.
Places for the Living, Places for the Dead is TII’s latest publication. Find out about the fascinating archaeological discoveries made along the route of the N25 New Ross Bypass, and how they contributed to deepening public understanding of human activity in this historic area over nine millennia.
The book can be purchased from Wordwell Books, an e-book is also available from digital platforms.
