2003:2239 - RAHALLY, Galway

Remnants of a field system in Rahally lie in pasture on a north-facing slope. The site is on the route of the proposed N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road scheme and this will affect approximately 30% of the visible remains. Nine test-trenches were opened by hand.

Trenches 1 and 2 were opened across the main north–south field bank. Trench 3 was opened across an apparent portion of the same bank running east–west towards the base of the slope. Trenches 4–9 were opened in the extramural area between the bank and the adjacent ringfort (SMR 86:211). In

Trenches 1 and 2, the field bank remnants were found to consist of dumped mineral soils. In Trench 2, a shallow ditch was discovered at the foot of the bank. This contained some bone and burnt-bone fragments in its uppermost fill, though no diagnostic finds were made here or in the lower fills. In Trench 3, the make-up of the bank was indistinguishable from topsoil. Trenches 4–9, in the area outside the ringfort, contained no archaeological features or deposits.

Further and more extensive testing by machine will be conducted in this area in advance of construction of the proposed road. The present excavation was conducted by Galway County Council and funded by the National Roads Authority under the aegis of the National Development Plan 2002–2006.