2019:156 - Tullynahinera, Mayo

Monitoring was carried out at Tullynahinera, Co. Monaghan, in the vicinity of ringfort MO024-022. The scheme forms part of a larger Water Network Programme that is being undertaken by Irish Water over the next six years, which comprises the upgrading/replacing of water mains and the laying of new water mains at specific locations in Galway City and across eight counties (Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Sligo).
Initial works involved the excavation of a north–south orientated trench along the Tullynahinera Road in order to decommission approximately 88m of water mains and the laying of approximately 541m of replacement/new water mains including all necessary fittings and associated assets. The trench for the new upgrade water services runs along the west side verge of the road. The depth of the trench is 1m to 1.2m, and the width 0.45–0.5m. These measurements vary slightly.
The work started at the north end of the road passing the location of the ringfort (MO024-022), of which there is no visible sign. This section of the trench, which ran over 40m, contained a continuous line of rock and heavy clay which had medium to large stones. No archaeological deposit/features were recorded at this location. Beyond this section, the rest of the trench line along the road varied from a heavy clay of greyish brown to greyish orange/brown with small to medium sized stones and rocks. Some modern services were also observed in the trench. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted in this section.
Three cross-sections were cut across the road at the southern end of the road for services to houses. The natural was uncovered immediately under the road surface and was clear of any archaeological features.

Unit 1, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, Co. Clare.