County: Galway Site name: Derrydonnell More
Sites and Monuments Record No.: GA096–085 Licence number: E003702
Author: Gerry Mullins and Simon Ó Faoláin, for Eachtra Archaeological Projects, Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway.
Site type: Enclosure/cashel
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 546513m, N 725387m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.276111, -8.801952
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 environmental impact statement as one that would require hand testing to ascertain the significance and extent of archaeological features, deposits or finds associated with the enclosure. Where the results from hand testing were negative or inconclusive, machine-assisted topsoil-stripping and hand investigation of identified possible features was undertaken.
During testing at Derrydonnell More, ten test-trenches (42m2) were hand excavated in the area depicting an enclosure on the early editions of the OS map, but no evidence of an enclosure was found. A further 1133m2 was machine-stripped on the marked location and environs of the possible site and an additional seven test-trenches were subsequently hand investigated. This investigation yielded evidence for the footings of a former stone structure. Successive attempts were made using both hand and machine testing before the precise location, especially of the circuit of the former cashel wall, could be identified. The site is scheduled for full Phase 2 excavation in 2008.
