2025:608 - Hastings House, Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Clare

The site consists of a former detached four-bay single-storey cob-built thatched cottage. The surviving structural remains consist of the lower courses of the cottage walls. A concrete floor is present within the interior of the building, indicating later modification of the structure. The cottage is well known for its use during War of Independence as the prison of British Brigadier General Lucas captured by the IRA and later released.

Three trenches were excavated across the site.

Trench 1 was located within one of the rooms of the house, situated behind the fireplace in the main room of the house. Within the north-western end of the trench, a cut feature was identified, possibly a vent or drain. It was stone-lined on both sides and capped with slabs. The feature measured 0.35m wide and 0.29m deep, running north-east/south-west.

Trench 2 was positioned outside the north wall of the house, in the location of a possible blocked-up doorway. A cobbled surface was found within the trench 0.9-0.11m below the surface.

Trench 3 was opened within an external building identified as a cattle shed. No surface or features were found.

These features illustrate the dual focus on external practicality and internal function within the farmhouse setting. While the cobbled surface reflects yard or working activity, the vent demonstrates architectural adaptation to improve the efficiency of the fireplace. Artefacts recovered were few and predominantly twentieth century in date, contributing little evidence for earlier occupation phases.

The excavation was carried out with the involvement of the local community, including volunteers from Dúchas na Sionna. It provided valuable training in all aspects of archaeological fieldwork and highlighted the importance of best-practice standards in the recording of archaeological features.

Trench 1

Close up of flue in Trench 1

Trench 2

Trench 3