For the second year in a row there is a slight drop in the number of sites listed (1,986). The volume for 2005 contains an interesting and varied range of sites, and some of the ones that stand out are those of post-medieval date, including a major glassworks, the Sirocco Works in Belfast (Ballymacarret, Co. Down). Brick clamps again feature (as at Coonagh West, Co. Limerick), and even a post office/smithy (Philpotstown 1, Philpotstown, Co. Meath). Who would have thought that post offices would already be the subjects of archaeological investigation? As always, there is a wide range of prehistoric and medieval sites.

As usual, Dublin was once again the county in which most work took place during the year, with summaries provided for 163 sites (and a further 24 licences issued). This number was down considerably on 2004, when 242 licences were issued, but this trend will be noticed everywhere as site numbers fall. And again, as with the previous year, Meath was in second place, with 141 summaries (and thirteen further licences issued), and Cork was in third place, with 133 summaries (and 31 further licences issued). The counties with the least number of excavations were all in Northern Ireland, with six sites investigated in Fermanagh (and two further licences issued), six in Armagh (and three further licences issued) and nine in Tyrone (with six further licences issued). Fermanagh and Tyrone were in a similar position in 2004, with Laois being the third county at this end of the scale. Laois’s position has changed considerably for 2005, with 78 sites being investigated (and two further licences issued), mainly owing to the proposed M7 Portlaoise to Castletown/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill Motorway Scheme. Such schemes have taken over from urban developments as the major reason for much archaeological work in various parts of the country. This will surely change with the economic downturn and the completion of the first phases of many road schemes.