2022:510 - TAWNAGH/AN TAMHNAIGH, Mayo

The test excavation of a site in advance of its development at Tawnagh (An Tamhnaigh) townland, Tourmakeady, in County Mayo, was carried out between 11 and 13 July 2022. The project, which was in the pre-planning phase, consisted of proposed upgrade works at the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant. A Preliminary Archaeological Assessment of the proposed works, compiled in March 2022, recommended a comprehensive programme of pre-development testing. The report on the testing would accompany a planning application for the proposed development.

The proposed development site was located across three fields on an east-facing slope in the foothills of the Partry Mountains, overlooking Lough Mask. The existing Water Treatment Plant was located adjacent to the south. There were no recorded monuments within or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development site.

The testing consisted of the excavation of ten trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development. The trenches measured 120.2m, 121.5m, 49.9m, 10.1m, 20.2m, 30.5m, 21m, 40.5m, 40.2m and 31m long respectively; 1.8–2.2m wide and 0.1–0.8m deep. The spoil from each trench was carefully inspected during the testing.

The pre-development testing revealed topsoil, above natural subsoils and bedrock. Two modern pottery sherds were found in the topsoil. A 25mm diameter water service crossed two of the trenches and a relatively modern land drain was uncovered. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.