2009:583 - AGHAGOWER, Mayo

Pre-development testing was carried out on 12 June 2009 at a site at Aghagower, Co. Mayo. The proposed development consisted of the demolition of an existing dwelling, public house, outbuildings and stores and the construction of five townhouses, two retail units with living accommodation overhead, connection to public services and all associated site works. Testing was required as the proposed development was located within the constraint for ecclesiastical remains (MA088–063). The site location was just inside the southern end of the constraint circle for Aghagower, over 70m from the abbey and round tower and over 30m from the graveyard. There were no archaeological features visible within the proposed development site.

The site was located in Aghagower village at the junction of the Leenane and Tourmakeady roads. The existing buildings on the site appeared to date to the 19th or early 20th centuries, with the corner of one of the outhouses containing a reused punch-dressed block. The site also contained a lawn, a partially covered beer garden/smoking area and a gravelled yard. Incorporated into the northern boundary was a Marian grotto dating to 1954.
The testing consisted of the excavation (by machine) of three trenches located to best cover the area of the site that was accessible. The trenches measured 7.6m, 8m and 20.6m long respectively, 0.8–1.5m wide and 0.2–1.1m deep. Below the topsoil and gravel was modern fill, orange/brown compact sandy silt loam, blue/grey loose loamy sand, orange/brown loose sand and gravel and orange/brown firm sandy clay loam. The topsoil and fill contained modern artefacts and services.
The testing revealed evidence of modern activity only, with topsoil and gravel/chippings above modern fills and natural subsoil. Nothing of archaeological significance was uncovered.