County: Galway Site name: Kiltiernan East
Sites and Monuments Record No.: GA103–140 Licence number: E003698
Author: John Lehane, for Eachtra Archaeological Projects, Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway.
Site type: Enclosure, environs
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 544204m, N 714908m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.181710, -8.834728
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. The purpose of the investigation at this location was due to the presence of an early medieval ‘enclosure’ in the field within 50m of the proposed new route of the N18.
Topsoil-stripping was undertaken with a 14-tonne 360° tracked machine. An area measuring 50m by 40m was excavated, excluding the farm lane that bisected the area. Several early modern rubble dykes converge here forming an irregular group of small and large enclosures, two of which are defined by drystone walls on footings of rubble. A number of possible features including patches of burnt clay and topsoil-filled depressions were investigated by means of half-section. None of these features were believed to be of an archaeological nature, and this site was therefore considered fully resolved.
