2008:909 - Glencastle–Rathmorgan Group Water Scheme, Glencastle, Mayo

Testing was carried out in the vicinity of several archaeological sites along the route of a group water scheme being developed by Mayo County Council within the townlands of Bunnahowen, Carrowkeel, Glencastle, Fauleens, Ederglen, Rathmorgan and Srahataggle South. This scheme was located c. 10km east of the coastal town of Belmullet in north County Mayo. The scheme involved the laying of a pipe network, which primarily ran alongside existing roads in the grass verge and river crossings, i.e. bridges and culverts. The trenches were between 0.3m and 0.4m wide and had a maximum depth of 1.4m. The majority of the pipeline proceeded along the R313 road for c. 6km, commencing at the junction of the R313 at Bunnahowen and terminating south-east at the townland of Rathmorgan. The pipeline also proceeded along smaller roads to private dwellings and farmhouses and passed through extensive areas of blanket bog interspersed with reclaimed land. Test-trenches were excavated along the road verge within the vicinity of MA017–007 (Megalithic tomb-possible), MA017–008 (cross-inscribed stone), MA017–009 (children’s burial-ground), MA017–012 (promontory fort, gatehouse and platform) and MA017–014 (a possible enclosure), all in the townland of Glencastle. Testing was also carried out in the vicinity of MA018–007 (a rath) in the townland of Rathmorgan. No archaeological material was encountered during the course of test-trench excavation.