2015:403 - Lough Atalia Bridge, Galway, Galway

The excavation works in Galway associated with the lowering of Lough Atalia Road at Lough Atalia Bridge, which is a Recorded Protected Structure (Reg. No. 30315004), were carried out under archaeological supervision. The reduction in ground level resulted in the permanent exposure of three further courses of stonework along the underbridge. A 19th/early 20th-century deposit was recorded at the north-western approach to the bridge and a minor shell deposit was identified on the southern approach to the bridge. The 19th/early 20th-century deposit comprised of grey to black charcoal-rich silt with frequent inclusions of pottery, glass, clay pipe and animal bone. Among the sherds of 19th-century pottery was a sherd of ironware with a date range of 1870s to 1898. It is not possible to determine if the shells represent archaeological midden material. Given its location beside the shoreline of Lough Atalia/Galway Harbour and the absence of charcoal or any other associated cultural material it is likely that the deposit is natural.

Mizen Archaeology, 61 Lady's Cross, Clonakilty, Co. Cork