County: Galway Site name: Kiltiernan East
Sites and Monuments Record No.: GA103–142 Licence number: E003693
Author: John Lehane, for Eachtra Archaeological Projects, Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway.
Site type: Ringfort and souterrain, environs
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 544189m, N 714428m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.177396, -8.834869
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 was to identify any possible features associated with the monument, and to ascertain their character and extent.
The site consisted of a moderately well-preserved wall or stony embankment of about 35m in diameter, which was internally divided by a low rubble wall. This was certainly a cashel or homestead enclosure of early medieval date. A total area of 50m by 40m was topsoil-stripped, by a 14-tonne 360° tracked machine using a 1.85m-wide toothless bucket, adjacent to the monument. A number of potential features were investigated by half section; however, no archaeological deposits or outlying features associated with the monument were identified. This site was considered fully resolved.
