2005:640 - OULTAUNS, Galway

The site was excavated in July and December 2005 as part of the programme of resolution of archaeological sites on the route of the proposed Galway–Mayo gas pipeline. Monitoring of topsoil-stripping under licence number 05E0584 (see No. 550, Excavations 2005) revealed a ditch containing animal bone. Excavation was therefore undertaken. This work was carried out in two phases, as part of the ditch extended beneath the access route and this land was unavailable for excavation until later in the year.

The primary feature on the site was a possible rectilinear enclosure, although the western half extended outside the land-take. The ditch was most substantial along the north and the south, where it measured up to 2m in width and 1.1m in depth. Here it was V-shaped in section and large stones were evident in the base. It contained a homogenous fill and small amounts of animal bone. As the ditch extended eastwards it became shallower, measuring 0.4m in minimum depth, and was more U-shaped in profile. A gap measuring 2m was located to the south-east and this probably represented the entrance. Post-holes were evident along the outer edge of the ditch along the northern side of the enclosure, suggesting the presence of a fence or palisade in this part of the site. A large circular pit, 1.2m in diameter, was the only feature identified within the interior. The site has been truncated by agricultural activity and stone drains cut through the enclosure ditch. There was no clear evidence of habitation at this site; there was a lack of internal features and no bank was evident.

The function of this site is unclear and, while agricultural activity may have obliterated associated features, it is also possible that it was a protected animal pen. The date of this site is as yet unknown and the results of radiocarbon analysis are awaited.

Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth