2018:858 - Athlone District Garda Headquarters, Barrack Street, Athlone, Westmeath

Archaeological monitoring and subsequent excavation was carried out during works on Phase 1 of Athlone Garda Station Headquarters, Barrack Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Refurbishment of one of two existing buildings began in July 2018.
During the course of monitoring it quickly became apparent that there was good survival of sub-surface deposits linked to the late 17th/early 18th-century portion of Custume Barracks. National Monuments Service were informed and excavation was carried out in advance of all drainage works within the footprint of Phase 1. Excavation in this area led to the finding of various stone-mortared and red-brick wall footings, rounded cobbled surfaces, fireplaces etc., Archaeological artefacts recovered were linked to military activity and included musket balls, 18th-century coins, regimental uniform buttons, sewing pins, a thimble, bone comb, fork, spoon, clay pipes, ceramics etc. giving a fascinating insight into daily items used by 18th-century military personnel stationed in the town.
Excavation revealed information on the everyday lives of the soldiers stationed here during the end of the 17th and early 18th centuries. To date there has been no other extensive excavations carried out on a military barracks in Ireland which have yielded such a wide range of artefacts and ecofacts informing us about the social and domestic activities of the soldiers.

Pier Road, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo