Previously unrecorded pillboxes dating back to World War II have been revealed by archaeologists working on the Foynes to Limerick Road Project.
Nine were already listed on County Limerick’s Record of Protected Structures within the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District.
A further seven pillboxes were found during field-work for the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
Another one was found  hidden in a field boundary when vegetation was being cleared and yet another possible example was identified from aerial photography.
A pillbox is a small structure made from reinforced concrete with openings (often referred to as embrasures or gun loops) that could be used to fire rifles or light machineguns through while giving some protection to the soldiers inside.
“Because we were neutral during World War II, Ireland took active measures to secure its independence,” explained Bryn Coldrick, Historian and Senior Consultant at AMS (Archaeological Management Solutions).
“In important locations such as the Shannon Estuary, pillboxes were grouped to form a line of deep defences to contain any invasion for as long as possible and protect road and rail networks, both of which were essential for moving troops and equipment if faced with an attack emanating from the Shannon Estuary.”
He added: “Comparing the locations of the known pillboxes with plans we uncovered in the Military Archives from 1940, it looks like there could be more out there waiting to be rediscovered, so it’s difficult to be sure about the exact number and locations of those still standing.”
Fintan Walsh, Senior Archaeologist of AMS, commented: “Two of the pillboxes within the scheme will be preserved in situ and we have under-taken built heritage surveys of both, including the production of a 3D digital model. Two more will be moved intact, after being fully recorded. We hope to find homes for them at a local Limerick museum.”
The pillboxes will not impact the progress of the Foynes to Limerick (including Adare) Road Project, but their redis-covery has shone a light on this important part of our recent history.