2006:748 - BALLYGARRAUN WEST, Galway

Testing with subsequent excavation of skeletal remains took place at Ballygarraun West, Co. Galway, as part of the proposed N6 Galway to East Ballinasloe scheme, Contract 1 (Doughiska to Ballygarraun South), on behalf of Galway County Council and the National Roads Authority.

The site was identified as the remains of pits identified by geophysical survey carried out in the course of the EIS prior to the commencement of archaeological excavation work on the site (ArchaeoPhysica 2004). A total of 1600m2 of test-trenches were to be excavated on the site using a tracking machine with a 2m-wide toothless bucket. The site is afforded fine views to the north and east but fairly limited views to the higher land to the west and south. A large number of trees are also present towards the north-west.

Six trenches were excavated across the site. Features considered to be of archaeological significance were identified only in Trench 5, which produced a subrectangular grave-cut that had been heavily disturbed by ploughing activity. The grave contained the fragmentary remains of a single human skeleton. This was in a poor condition and was orientated east–west. The grave pit was shallow (0.15–0.2m deep) and measured 1.5m in length and 0.8m wide. Several stones were identified scattered above the grave fill, possibly representing a disturbed covering cairn. The inhumation was in a supine position with arms and legs extended and the head to the west. An area measuring 15m by 10m was opened up around the feature to establish if it was isolated. No further graves were found. The grave also contained several fragments of red-deer antler. One piece in particular had been placed upon the pelvic girdle of the individual. The inhumation in turn was lying on a shallow bed of carbonised clay containing a small amount of burnt bone.

The preliminary osteological report has suggested the remains are of a mature female adult of 50+ years at death (Dr Patrick S. Randolph-Quinney, ODK Resources). There were no artefacts retrieved from the burial to indicate a date, but this isolated inhumation is located within an environment of early medieval sites including ringforts and enclosures (GA084–009 to GA084–018) and the east–west orientation of the inhumation also may act as an indicator to this era. The deposition of red-deer antler within the grave, however, does leave open the possibility of the isolated remains being considerably earlier and only when the charcoal deposits retrieved from under the inhumation are 14C dated will a secure date be ascertained.

Brehon House, Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny