2017:205 - Park, Mayo

Pre-development testing took place in Park townland, Turlough, Co. Mayo, on 31 July and 1 August 2017. The development consisted of the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage with effluent treatment system and all associated site works. Testing was required as part of a Request for Further Information by the Local Authority and was necessary due to the location within the site of a fulacht fiadh (MA070-096). The proposed development was located in the north-eastern half of a field of pasture which showed evidence of being reclaimed in the recent past. Prior to the testing there was no clear surface evidence of the monument.

The fulacht fiadh was described (by Christy Lawless, who discovered the monument) in the files of the National Monuments Archive as having been levelled. It was, according to Mr. Lawless, located approximately 2-3m from the north-east field boundary and 40-50m from the south-east field boundary. The mound measured approximately 5m in diameter and 0.5m high.

Four test trenches were excavated (by machine) in order to uncover any sub-surface remains of the monument and to best cover the area of the proposed development. The trenches measured 45.1m, 18.2m, 30.5m and 29m long respectively; 1.8-2.7m wide and 0.3-1.2m deep. The testing revealed topsoil above fill in all four trenches, which was the result of the reclamation of the field, which was further evidenced by the presence of a number of land drains. The testing also revealed the original peaty topsoil and peat, below the fill and above natural subsoils. A burnt spread, the remains of the fulacht fiadh, was uncovered below the peat in two of the trenches. It extended 8m north-west/south-east by 3.6-4.1m and consisted of blackened soil with a concentration of heat-shattered small rocks.

4 Lecka Grove, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe, County Mayo