2001:1139 - CALTRAGH, Sligo

Testing, associated with the proposed Sligo Inner Relief Road, was carried out in the townland of Caltragh during May and June 2001, in a field recorded as Field H, to the north of a prehistoric complex where several archaeological investigations took place. During a recent AIS carried out by Mary Henry in spring 2001, this field was also identified as Site No. 27.

Several potential archaeological features, visible as cropmarks and topographical anomalies, were identified in this field during a general field survey carried out in the townland during summer 2000. Another aim of pre-construction testing was to try to establish the full extent of Site No. 5 (also recorded as Site No. 26 in an AIS carried out during summer 2001), previously excavated in the corridor of the Caltragh Sewerage Scheme (Excavations 2000, No. 873, 00E0815). This field slopes downwards in a southerly direction, towards the marshy area. Site No. 5 extends to the base of this field. The entire field measures 155m east–west by 140m.

Seven test-trenches were mechanically opened. The general stratigraphy consisted of sod and topsoil overlying the natural boulder clay. Sparse small archaeological features and deposits were encountered throughout the entire field.

The second test-trench was manually opened at the location of a potential site identified during October 2000, halfway into Field H. Various deposits were excavated to a depth of 1.1m below ground level, where a stone structure was exposed. All the deposits uncovered to a depth of 0.8m below ground level contained sparse modern and post-medieval finds and inclusions. No datable artefacts were recovered from the material sealing the stone feature. It was not possible at this stage to determine the real nature of this anomaly. It was decided that a wider test-trench (Trench F) should be opened at the same location to determine the nature of this large circular feature. It was noted that all the upper deposits may not have been associated with the feature itself and may have been dumped recently in the hollow for possible agricultural reasons. Several similar hollows were recorded and identified elsewhere in the townland. Trench F measured 9.2m east–west by 3.5m. It was dug to a maximum depth of 1.65m. A stone mound lay at the base of the cut. Only half of the mound was exposed as it ran under the southern baulk of the test-trench. It was assumed that this mound has a circular shape. The known dimensions of the portion exposed (including the possible collapse) reached 4.1m east–west by 2.1m. The maximum known depth was approximately 0.5m. The mound was made up of frequent medium to large stones and boulders (mostly limestone, but sparse gneiss and sandstones were also recorded). It also included sparse to occasional small to medium-sized stones. Sparse land snail shells were found within the upper levels of the stones, which may indicate that this feature was left open for a time. It was suspected that the feature may be associated with ritual or funeral activities dating from prehistoric times.

Archaeological features were exposed throughout this field. It is not feasible to determine the density of archaeology present in this part of the townland. It is also possible that the full extent of the archaeology was not fully established and that more may be present to the north and west of the field. The top of the field is represented by the top of a ridge dominating part of a valley where prehistoric archaeology was exposed. Several Bronze Age fulachta fiadh were identified and excavated along the valley. It is therefore possible that further features and structures dating from the same period may be present on top of the ridge.

Horge House, Camp, Co. Kerry