2018:481 - KNOCKADORRAGHY, Mayo

Testing was carried out for the proposed building of a dwelling house, driveway, garage and percolation area at Knockadorraghy, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co Mayo.

The proposed development is within the archaeological constraints for MA090–097005, listed as a road or trackway associated with the earthwork MA090–097004. In Moraghan (1995-96) the site is described as a moated site with an associated roadway similar to ones found in the townlands of Cloghannageeragh and Fahybeg. The survey highlights their uniqueness as they are the only moated sites to date recorded in the county (Morahan 1996, p.2). The moated site was visited by Morahan in 1996 and was described as a “Moated Site Complex in good condition” (p. 127).

The topsoil on the site varied from 0.18–0.28m in depth and contained inclusions of small irregular-shaped stones ranging in size from 0.15m to 0.22m. The topsoil was mid-brown in colour containing some sand particles. The depth of topsoil increases to the south of the site. The natural was generally composed of an orangey silty subsoil with seams of gravel. There were also pockets of a dark silty sand deposit.

No artefacts or environmental evidence were revealed during the test trenching exercise. Nothing of archaeological significance is impacted upon by the proposed developments.

Reference
Morahan, Leo, 1995-1996, ‘Mayo Abbey Archaeological Survey’. F.A.S Community Co.Op.