2004:1448 - CLOONAKILLE, Roscommon

Testing was carried out at a proposed development site comprising three houses and associated services in Cloonakille, Belnamulla, Co. Roscommon. The site is within the zone of archaeological potential for ecclesiastical remains (SMR 51:18) and a mill (SMR 51:19).

Six trenches were excavated. The stratigraphic sequence was similar in all six, with the topsoil differing slightly. Three possible archaeological features were found in Trench 5, one in Trench 1 and one in Trench 6. These features comprised two shallow ovoid cuts, one area of scorching and associated charcoal, one shallow cut filled with clay and animal bone, and a shallow furrow-like feature. The features were tested by hand. They do not appear to be of any archaeological significance and are most probably related to modern agricultural practices carried out on the site. This is suggested by the agricultural furrows noted in Trenches 2–4, which contained modern material.