1997:067 - WEST TOWN (TORY ISLAND), Donegal

As a result of the recommendations of an archaeological assessment carried out by Eoin Halpin of ADS Ltd in May 1996, in response to Dept of the Marine works that were taking place at and in the environs of the pier at Camusmore Bay, West Town, Tory Island, an archaeological excavation was carried out. One of the requirements of these works was the insertion into undisturbed subsoil levels in a field just north of West Town of a deep pit to hold a septic tank. This field had always, in living memory, been used to grow potatoes.

Given the importance of West Town as an ecclesiastical site, the proximity of upstanding monuments such as the Tau Cross and round tower, and also the current status of the island as an area of special environmental importance, it was decided that the pit for the septic tank be manually excavated. This work was carried out between 3 and 6 June 1997.

The excavated trench was 3m x 3m and contained a maximum depth of 1m of stratigraphy. The only features encountered were a large pit and a narrow linear feature, both cut into undisturbed subsoil and both truncated. The features may have been either prehistoric or Early Christian in date. Unfortunately no datable artefacts whatsoever were recovered to confirm this. From the thick, peaty, topsoil deposit overlying the early features were retrieved ceramics dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Pottery types recovered included creamware, brownware, transfer-printed ware, pearlware and miscellaneous stoneware.

The excavation by machine of further material below the level of undisturbed subsoil levels to facilitate the insertion of the septic tank was monitored, but subsoil was observed to be uniform for a considerable depth.

Preliminary talks with the Dept of the Marine were also held to try to initiate measures for the protection of the medieval Tau Cross from possible damage during the ongoing works at the pier.

Westlink Enterprise Centre, 30–50 Distillery Street, Belfast BT12 5BJ