1971:052 - CLONTUSKERT, Galway

Excavation commenced in June in an area to the south of the church. Here the remains of the domestic buildings grouped around the cloister garth were exposed, including a section of the foundations of the cloister ambulatory. Scattered throughout the debris which had accumulated in this area were carved fragments of the cloister arcade—capitals, bases, arches and pillars. As this section of the priory buildings lie within the modern graveyard enclosure the stratigraphy was largely disturbed. Nevertheless some undisturbed levels were located particularly the south eastern section of the domestic range which yielded a bronze cheek-piece, decorated with late medieval "Celtic Art" motifs and small hoards of Elizabethan coins. Outside the range, among other finds, were a number of late 13th century silver coins of Edward I.

In August and September, excavation was concentrated in the area directly north of the church and outside the present graveyard enclosure. Disturbance here was not so marked. Further foundations and wall footings came to light immediately outside the north wall of the chancel. These probably belong to the original 12th or 13th century church. They clearly antedated the erection of the north transept which was possibly added in the 16th or 17th century. Also exposed were the foundation of a fairly large rectangular structure which had stood apart from the priory buildings until the addition of the north transept. Finds from this sector included portion of a medieval green-glazed jug, another silver coin of Edward I, and a small bronze clasp decorated with red and yellow enamel which may well date from an earlier period.

Towards the end of the excavation a number of cuttings were made within the church buildings proper. In the 15th century a vaulted rood screen or loft had stood as a division between the nave and chancel. In the north-east corner of the nave traces of the foundations for one of the responds of this screen were located, intersected by the wall footings the 17th century wall which now separates the nave and chancel. Access to the loft above the screen may have been obtained through the building whose foundations were uncovered outside the north wall of the nave. Some important fragments of the rood screen were uncovered in the excavations. Indeed almost every cutting, particularly in the north transept, produced fragments of carved and dressed limestone belonging to the windows, doorways and other features of the priory. Numerous small finds also came to light in the course of the excavations. These were largely of an early or late medieval nature and, apart from those already mentioned, included iron keys, knives and arrowheads, bronze and bone pins and harp-pegs, some fragments of medieval painted glass and a number of plain and decorated quernstone fragments.

As part of the archaeological programme a survey was made of the earthworks surrounding the priory.

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