2022:939 - Keelogesbeg, Newtown (Ballymore By), Galway

A programme of Archaeological Testing was undertaken with respect to a proposed replacement electricity supply pole at Newtown, Glinsk, Co. Galway.

The subject works were located within a Zone of Archaeological Notification established with respect to an Enclosure (SMR: GA007-073) and Children’s Burial Ground (SMR: GA007-073001)

Notification of the works was submitted to the National Monuments Service who recommended that if possible, the replacement pole should be relocated at an appropriate distance from the Recorded Monument; if this was not possible, then the extent of the proposed foundation trench should be subject to archaeological testing.

A single trench, with surface measurements of 2m x 0.5m, was excavated; the south-eastern extent included the position of the existing pole.

The topsoil comprised moderately stiff/compact mid-orange/brown clay with moderate pebbles and small-medium flat and rounded cobbles dispersed randomly throughout with a maximum depth/thickness of 0.13m. This largely lay directly upon the subsoil which comprised stiff/compact light-orange/brown clay, with moderate pebbles and small-medium cobbles dispersed throughout, and including some large earthfast cobbles and small stones embedded into, and protruding through, the surface.

A number of relatively large cobbles and small stones were positioned around the base of the existing pole, and extending westwards for a distance of 0.53m along the northern edge of the trench. They were looser than those embedded and protruding through the surface of the subsoil and appear to be packing associated with the foundation pit/trench of the existing pole.

Nothing of archaeological interest was uncovered by the works.