1997:Ad1 - BALLYCONNEELY, Clare

Preliminary archaeological excavations at Ballyconneely townland were undertaken in advance of motorway construction for the Ballycasey-Dromoland route to bypass Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare. The archaeological site at Ballyconneely consists of a complex of enclosures and field boundaries and a standing stone. The portion of the site to be affected by the motorway consisted of outlying fields and associated structures to the east end of the complex and includes the standing stone. Excavation consisted of seven cuttings to investigate the standing stone, field boundaries, a possible hut site, a possible entrance feature and the interior of one of the enclosed fields.

Although no dating evidence was recovered for the erection of the standing stone, a well-constructed stone setting at its base and the fact that the socket is cut into boulder clay indicate the likelihood of an early monument. The discovery of two small trenches to the west of the stone suggests closely associated activity.

The excavation at the junction of the field boundaries showed that there were at least two phases of construction. However, without proper dating evidence it is not possible to determine the time-lapse between the phases of construction. It was evident that naturally occurring ridges of outcropping bedrock were used as a foundation for the boundaries, probably to give extra height and to act as a natural kerb at certain points. Two separate phases of ploughmarks were discovered on the interior of the main field. No dating evidence was recovered at any of the features investigated. However, since the complex lies near the sites of two medieval castles as well as Early Christian and prehistoric monuments, it is likely that the different levels of activity on the site date from various periods.

Balliny North, Fanore, Craggagh PO, Co. Clare