2016:512 - Claggarnagh East 1, Mayo

The stone foundation remains of an early 19th-century cottage were identified at Claggarnagh East 1 below the sod and topsoil (F001) at a depth of 0.23m. The cottage is indicated on the first edition 6 inch Ordnance Survey map (1829-41) and appears to have been part of a village which occupied the area prior to the famine and was abandoned completely during that period.

The remains on site consisted of the foundation remains (F05, F10, F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F34, F35, F53 and F54) of a three-roomed structure aligned roughly east-west with a door/entrance along the front (south side) and rear (north side). Internally traces of a compacted earthen floor (F06), stone flagstones and some stones of a possible hearth (F07) were evident. Some foundation remains of smaller structures (F16 and F17) to the rear (north) of the house were visible and flagstones were recorded within structure F16.

The foundation remains (F08) of a smaller external structure survived at the north-western corner of the house and a cobbled pathway (F09) extended from a possible doorway (F04) in the north wall of the house to the exterior of this structure suggesting they were in use at the same time.

The western wall of the house contained the fireplace (F22-F30) and externally collapsed rubble (F10) from this wall (F11) sealed the foundation remains of a wall (F55) that may represent an animal shelter. A metalled surface (F03) survived to the north-west of the house and probably represents structural remains or a yard used in association with a pathway (F09) and a refuse pit (F50). A number of agricultural field boundaries (F41-F42) and furrows (F43) were also identified to the south-west.

Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth