2006:768 - CARROWKEEL, Galway

Excavation was carried out in advance of construction on the N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road scheme. The site was located at the proposed junction to the Loughrea link road. Testing in 2005 (Excavations 2005, No. 575) supported by archaeological geophysics located an enclosure ditch on the summit of a small hill, GA097–066. Excavation identified that the ditch was 1.5m deep, 3m wide, V-shaped and that part of the associated bank had been preserved beneath a drystone field wall. Approximately one-third of the ditch remained beyond the area of excavation, although traces could be seen in the topography of the field; the enclosure was estimated to have been 65m by 47m in width.

There was no evidence of recutting to the main enclosure ditch and the latest fill appeared to have been the deliberate deposition of large stones and boulders, possibly related to field clearance. Other discrete and linear features were identified, including a possible earlier series of enclosures or a defended entranceway and a large pit filled with stones, assumed to be later field clearance. The interior of the enclosure was found to have been utilised as a cemetery and later a cillín, although the concentration of burials suggested that the main part of the cemetery was situated beyond the area of excavation. A total of 133 individuals ranging from foetal to adult skeletal remains were recovered.

No structures were found within the enclosure, but the termini of two curvilinear ditches suggested that the greatest concentration of archaeology is likely to be located beyond the area of excavation.

The above work was made possible as a result of funding and cooperation from Galway County Council and the National Roads Authority.

Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork