2009:588 - BALLYNASLEE, Mayo

Pre-development testing was carried out on 27 July 2009 at two adjacent sites at Ballynaslee, Partry, Co. Mayo. The proposed development, which was in the pre-planning phase, consisted of the construction of two dwelling-houses together with septic tanks and percolation areas, including all ancillary site works and services. Testing was necessary as the proposed development was partially located within the constraint for a castle (MA109–005), of which no surface trace survived. The castle was marked on the OS maps as ^Kilkeeran Castle (Site of)’ and was located a short distance north-west of the proposed development sites. There were no archaeological features visible within the proposed development sites, which were located in a relatively flat field of pasture. A 6-inch water main was located along the western and northern boundaries of the field.
The testing consisted of the excavation (by machine) of five trenches located to best cover the area of the sites, while attempting to avoid the water main. The trenches measured 56.7m, 56.6m, 38.5m, 29.2m and 54m long respectively, 1–1.35m wide and 0.3–0.9m deep. Below the topsoil was pea-gravel, redeposited subsoil and orange/grey/brown plastic clay (natural subsoil). The topsoil contained one modern pottery sherd and one modern glass fragment. The redeposited subsoil was not fully excavated as it covered the water main. Testing revealed nothing of archaeological significance.