1987:20 - MERCHANT'S ROAD, Townparks, Galway

In early 1987 the archaeological potential of a two and a half acre site lying between Merchant's Road and Quay St/Middle St/William St., situated within the north-east corner of the designated area of Galway city, had to be assessed in advance of redevelopment work. The line of the medieval town wall formed the western boundary of the site; thus virtually all of the site lay outside the town wall. After trial-trenching was completed in April 1987, an excavation proper was started on 17 June and finished on 11 September 1987. As the excavation progressed, it was revealed that 2m plus of modern debris had built up on the site owing to relatively recent land reclamation. Because of this, most of the contexts were of a disturbed nature. The excavation was funded by Galway Corporation with some input from the then owner of the site, Thos. McDonogh Ltd, Galway.

The most important features uncovered were two walls and the foundations of a possible third, a corner bastion, the continuation of the city wall and the remains of the late medieval outer city wall. The walls and foundations of the diamond-shaped bastion which was built in 1646 stand up to 2.3m high and 3.1m (avg.) wide, while the towers survive to a height of c.3m. These two towers (exact date unknown) are the only visible remains of the original 16 early defensive towers which surrounded the medieval city of Galway. In later medieval times the eastern defences of the city were strengthened by the addition of four massive bastions and an outer revetment wall. The corner bastion which was revealed during the course of the excavation was the largest of these. Part of the outer revetment wall and its foundation which joined these bastions was also uncovered.

The number and range of finds recovered were minimal in relation to the area excavated and the substantial structural remains which had survived.

A total of 43 sherds of medieval pottery were found, virtually all from disturbed contexts. Most of the other pottery found belongs to the post-medieval period. Some is of local manufacture, but the bulk consists of North Devon sgraffito and gravel-tempered wares, Staffordshire slipware, stonewares and some Spanish imports.

Twenty seven clay pipe bowls and 235 stem fragments, most of which came from disturbed contexts, were found. They date from the late 17th to the 19th century and are English, Dutch and Irish in origin. Other finds include two tokens, a bronze needle, a decorated bone scoop, a perforated polished bone disc, the remains of 5 human skulls and some post-medieval glass, wood, leather and iron objects.

It is hoped to publish the excavation report in the Galway Historical and Archaeological Journal.

Clooncundra East, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo