2006:839 - Seapoint, Galway

Testing was carried out at Seapoint, Bearna, Co. Galway, in December 2006. The work was undertaken on behalf of Galway County Council. The proposed project involves the laying of sewerage pipes in the vicinity of Bearna. The majority of the scheme will be routed along existing roads. Subsequent to the final design of the sewerage scheme and in consideration of the proximity to GA093–020, Bearna graveyard (local informants having suggested that there may be burials present in the existing roadway), it was proposed that advance testing be carried out here.
The excavations were initiated by machine. After removal of tarmacadam and hardcore, all additional excavation was undertaken by hand. An osteologist (C. Lofqvist) was present during all works. Test-trench 1 measured 5m north–south by 1.1m wide. It was located at the northern end of the road adjacent to the graveyard. The stratigraphy comprised a thin covering of tarmacadam overlying hardcore to a depth of 0.3m. This overlay 0.4–0.45m of loose, mixed mid-brown silty sand with frequent inclusions of stones and flecks of grey sand. This in turn overlay natural, a reddish-dark-brown clay. At the southern end of the trench, truncated by the burial cut (see below), was a layer of dark-brown silty sand with frequent inclusions of pebbles and small stones. This probably overlies the natural clay. Roughly halfway along the trench there appeared to be an interface between the natural clay and the material into which the burial was deposited, possibly defined by a series of loose stones. It was not possible at the time of excavation to ascertain for certain whether this was the case. One burial (Burial 1) and one possible burial (Burial 2) were detected in Test-trench 1. As little as possible was exposed of the burials, so not to damage or disturb the brittle bones.
Nothing of archaeological significance was noted in Test-trench 2.
Test-trench 3 measured 6.5m north–south by 1.75–1.3m wide. It was located at the eastern side of the road across from the graveyard entrance. The stratigraphy was similar to the two previous trenches. The trench was originally excavated at the eastern road verge alongside the existing footpath. However, due to the presence of a service pipe the trench was moved further out in the road. At the northern end of the trench there were several substantial boulders and large stones. Two burials (Burials 3 and 4) were detected in Test-trench 3. Again, as little as possible was exposed of the burials in order not to damage or disturb the brittle bones.
It was recommended that full excavation of the proposed pipeline be carried out in advance of construction activities.