We had several rounds of archeology for our project! 2016 Initial Archeology Testing Catherine McLoughlin was our initial archeologist. We learned a lot in the first phase before starting construction. With our intended renovation, we decided to do some preliminary testing to determine if there was anything of interest before creating specific plans. Originally we wanted a larger set of tests done because we intended to rebuild in all three areas (tower, house and agricultural building). However, we were advised to scale back until we knew the limits of the buildings and associated changes - thus avoiding unnecessary digging. In November 2016 we were onsite when Catherine and Colm measured out six test pits. Two in the tower (above and below vault), two in the house, and two outside the house. It was exciting to watch real archeology being done, and help do some digging under their supervision! 2017 Geophysical Survey (funded by the Heritage Council) In early 2017 we applied for a grant to fund a geophysical survey of the castle.  We wanted to find out more about what lay unseen beneath the lovely green fields.  We knew a geophysical survey would likely be required for planning permissions.  We were interested in finding out where we could lay utility lines and septic without disturbing possible archeology. We applied to the Heritage Council, and In May we were delighted to hear that we had received a €2500 grant for the survey! We contracted Joann Leigh of JML Surveys to do the work. Jo's equipment was not suitable for rough terrain and depends on the grass being relatively short. For these reasons she was not able to survey immediately in or around the castle, but focused on the three fields around it. In August 2017 we received the report from Jo and were able to quickly turn them into large size laminates for use during our events at the castle. This type of survey is non-invasive and provides data from readings under the ground. Resistance and Gradiometer surveys were completed. We have overlaid some of the data with old maps which may give clues to earlier features including boundaries, ditches, fish pond, garden walls 2018 Further Archeology Testing In May of 2018, Catherine returned to do the more significant testing that would be required based on our site and building plans. This included large trenches in the septic area field and the area where the new long driveway would enter on the north side. In total 14 trenches were excavated with a digger and then by hand. There were a lot of finds and these were analyzed by several people including Clare McCutcheon for the pottery. There were pottery fragments from many different periods and types, including Leinster ware, Wexford-type, Saintonge and North Devon - these represent the earlier periods at Sigginstown from late 12th to late 17th century. In addition many 18th-19th century fragments were also found.It is interesting to think about these finds and who the people were who lost or threw away these pieces. Most of the earlier and more interesting finds were near the castle, either around the bend of the ditch, or in front of where the large shed now stands. 2018 Tower Dating Project (funded by The Castle Studies Group) The builders of most Irish castles used wicker arches  on which to lay mortar and stone. Like an upside-down basket, the structure is flexible but very strong. In our tower vault ceiling the remains of many wicker pieces remained. Originally we thought we could do dendrochronology to date the wicker, but were told that is only for oak. However we learned of a Irish Tower Dating project by Dr. Rory Sherlock that used the wicker. In early 2017 we received a €1300 grant from the Castle Studies Group to participate in Dr. Sherlock’s research.Catherine McLoughlin took two samples: one from the tower vault ceiling, and one from the 2nd floor embrasure and sent them in to have the species identified.  Tt was really interesting to look at the wicker - it looked like any dead twig in the woods! Amazing to think it was hundreds of years old...Dr. Ellen O'Carroll provided the species identification.   The first surprise: the wicker for both samples was gorse!  That lovely bush with yellow flowers that smell like coconut and deadly long thorns – in times past this was used for many purposes including fuel, feed for animals, and now obviously as a building material. For dating, the samples ran through two tests – first the carbon dating in the Queens University Belfast lab. Two samples had ranges of 1471 to late 1600s. The data from the report was then fed into Rory Sherlock’s Bayesian Analysis study on Irish Tower Houses. This indicates a most probably date of construction on 1521 – 1592, with a smaller chance of it being built after 1620.