2003:2240 - RAHALLY, Galway

A ringfort in Rahally occupies the summit of a steep slope of northern aspect. The route of the proposed N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road scheme will affect the northern perimeter of the site. Two test-trenches were opened by hand in the affected area.

Trench 1 extended north–south from the interior, near the entrance area, across the ditch and external bank. In the interior of the ringfort this trench revealed the stone facing or revetment of the inner bank face. There was a stony layer on the surface near the bank but no other evidence of occupation. Externally, the stony fills of the main ditch were exposed (the ditch was not bottomed, for safety reasons) as well as the stony outer bank and a shallow outer ditch.

Trench 2 was cut across one side of a small, oblong structure or enclosure in the north-west quadrant of the interior. (This was one of three such features—possibly the remains of oblong or sub-rectangular buildings in the interior.) The trench exposed a low bank of rubble but no clear evidence that this was part of a habitation. A modern sheep carcass was buried in the interior of the structure.

Construction of the proposed road would have removed about 20% of the site. The design has been amended, however, to minimise impact on the monument, so that all of the visible or upstanding elements of the ringfort will survive in an elevated position above the cut for the road.

The work was conducted by Galway County Council and was funded by the National Roads Authority under the aegis of the National Development Plan.