County: Clare Site name: BALLYNACRAGGA
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 98E0335
Author: Christopher Read, Northwest Archaeological Services, for Valerie J. Keeley Ltd.
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: N/A
ITM: E 538115m, N 668756m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.766296, -8.917001
This small excavation was to investigate the area around a potential stone alignment that would be affected by the N18/19 Ballycasey to Dromoland Road Improvement Scheme. The site is c. 1 mile to the north of Newmarket-on-Fergus and had been identified as a possible stone alignment during the pre-planning stage. It consists of three stones orientated east-west and forming an almost straight line with a total length of 13m. Of the stones, only the westernmost, a large erratic-like boulder, appeared to be earthfast. The other two are flat, thin slabs of limestone.
Testing was completed by Anne Connolly in 1998 (Excavations 1998, 8), and although the findings were inconclusive it was recommended that full excavation be undertaken before road construction. However, the road's route was changed slightly, leaving only the westernmost of the three stones bordering upon the take of the road. Thus a small area, measuring 4m east-west by 9m north-south, was excavated. No archaeological materials or features were uncovered. Where the area excavated bordered the westernmost stone, there was no evidence that it rested within an artificial cut, and it was likely glacially deposited, being similar to the many erratics dotting the surrounding fields.
Cloonfad Cottage, Leitrim Village, Co. Roscommon
