2021:540 - CARROWNALECKA (Rusheens West), Mayo

A proposed heritage trail in Kilmovee, Co. Mayo required the clean-up and removal of excess vegetation from the sites (court tomb, ecclesiastical site, bullaun stone, ogham stone and holy well) and from the proposed access routes. The work was supported by Mayo County Council and the Community Monuments Fund of the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Proposed access routes were 2.5m wide and all heavy vegetation growth was removed by strimmer. Overhanging branches and briars were removed or pruned by secateurs. At the court tomb in Carrownalecka (073–050) the landowner had used the site as a feeding area for cattle over many years and the work also entailed the removal of resultant rope/twine, rotting silage and lots of plastic wraps or bags. In the removal of some of this rubbish two small additional kerb stones were recorded along the north side of the retaining mound (compared to site plan by de Valera and Ó Nualláin – Megalithic Survey). There was no digging involved in any of the works and there was nothing of archaeological significance to report.