2009:380 - ANNAGHDOWN, Galway

Pre-development testing was carried out on 6 July 2009 at a site at Annaghdown, Co. Galway. The proposed development consisted of the construction of a dwelling-house, domestic garage, wastewater-treatment system and all ancillary site works and services. Testing was required as the proposed development was partially located within the constraint for an archaeological complex. The southeastern half of the site, where the proposed development was located, was outside the constraint circle for the monument, the nearest element of which was a holy well (Tobar Brendan) 20m to the north-west, part of the ecclesiastical remains. There were no archaeological features visible within the proposed development site, which consisted of a field of pasture. A large modern two-storey dwelling with associated grounds was visible adjacent to the north-east of the proposed development, with the parapet of a recently restored tower-house, Annaghdown Castle (GA069–00102), just visible above the trees to the south-west.
Testing consisted of the excavation (by machine) of four trenches located to best cover the area of the site. The trenches measured 19.2m, 40.2m, 39.8m and 41.1m long respectively, 1–1.5m wide and 0.1–0.55m deep. Below the topsoil was orange/grey/brown loose sand and gravel, orange/brown plastic clay and bedrock. The topsoil contained three modern pottery sherds. Testing revealed nothing of archaeological significance. The stratigraphy was natural and undisturbed, consisting of topsoil above natural subsoil and bedrock.