2014:395 - Oranmore, Co. Galway, Galway

Monitoring and subsequent excavation was carried out in the townland of Oranmore, Co. Galway between December 2013 and January 2014. The development project involves the construction of a new 2-storey Gaelscoil,other ancillary accommodation and external site works including on-site car parking, access roads, drop down areas, ballcourts and site boundary treatments and a new approach road to site. The proposed site was the subject of a Cultural Heritage Assessment in 2011. The assessment recommended that a geophysical survey be carried out to inform a testing programme. This survey identified a number of possible ditches, pits and two potential walls. Subsequent to discussion with the DoAHG, it was agreed that initial topsoil stripping would focus on the location of these anomalies and should material of archaeological significance be encountered all works would be suspended pending discussion with the relevant authorities. This work was carried out in late December 2013. Monitoring identified 4 discreet shell middens (Features 1-4) found along both the southern and western boundaries of the site. The middens were investigated between January 8 and 13 2014 and contained quantities of well-preserved periwinkle and oyster shell with lesser amounts of cockle/mussel/razor and scallop shell and occasional fragments of animal bone. A corroded nail recovered from Feature 1 was the only artefact recovered from the sites. Based on the level of preservation and the single find it is likely that the middens represent post-medieval deposits.

Within the subject area, to the north of the site was a circular stone clearance cairn measuring 10.5m in diameter by 1.5m high. This feature does not appear on historic mapping nor is it a recorded monument. Initially it was hoped to preserve the cairn in situ, however due to its height above the proposed finished floor level of the school and its relative instability, it was felt necessary to remove it. This was done under archaeological supervision. The cairn had a rubble core ranging from large limestone boulders to smaller rocks. It was retained by a drystone wall. The stone will be re-used to build a boundary wall.

3 Gort na Rí, Athenry, Co. Galway