County: Galway Site name: Caherweelder
Sites and Monuments Record No.: GA103–083 Licence number: E003692
Author: Simon Ó Faoláin, for Eachtra Archaeological Projects, Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway.
Site type: Burnt mound
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 544577m, N 716465m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.195737, -8.829420
Phase 1 archaeological investigations and townland boundary surveys commissioned by Galway County Council and the National Roads Authority were undertaken along the 27.2km N18 Oranmore to Gort (Glenbrack to Rathmorrissey) national road scheme. Testing was carried out between September and December 2007. This area was identified in the EIS as one that would require site-specific hand testing to determine the existence and extent of archaeological features, deposits or finds associated with the known monument.
The mound was a typical kidney shape. Two 5m by 1m trenches were hand dug over the central depression and the area of the mound with the greatest gradient. Nine layers of burnt-mound material, at least nine stake-holes and what appeared to be a circular or oval trough were recorded. The site is scheduled for full Phase 2 excavation in 2008.
