2006:757 - Barraderry, Galway

Testing in advance of the proposed development of a treatment plant at Barraderry townland, Carraroe, Co. Galway, was undertaken over a period of two weeks in January 2006. The proposed development site is located immediately south of Sruffaun Pier to the north of Carroroe village. An assessment undertaken in October 2005 indicated a local tradition of burial at two locations within the site. Three trenches were excavated in Area 1 and revealed bedrock below a shallow peat layer. No evidence for any burials was uncovered in this area. The second area tested (Area 2) was located in the south-east of the site in a low-lying area prone to flooding. Prior to testing this area appeared as a low grassed-over mound measuring c. 2.5m by 2m. Excavation revealed a pile of stones which covered and partly filled a linear cut orientated roughly east–west. Six coins were recovered from the north-facing section of the trench excavated. One of the coins bore a date of 1824. Water levels at the site prevented further excavation of the cut.
The excavations in Area 2 would suggest that a burial is located at this site. While the human remains were not encountered, it is most likely they survive at a greater depth. The mound of stones identified below the sod would appear to represent a grave marker, while the linear cut indicates the north line of the burial. The six coins indicate that the burial is post-1824 in date and would appear to correlate with local information of a burial in the mid-19th century.