2019:876 - Barrack Street, Athlone, Westmeath

Archaeological excavation was carried out prior to works at Athlone Garda Station. There was good survival of sub-surface deposits linked to the late 17th/early 18th-century portion of Custume Barracks. Excavation in this area led to the findings of various stone mortared and red brick wall footings, rounded cobbled surfaces, fireplaces etc., Archaeological artefacts recovered were linked to military activity, artefacts included musket balls, 18th-century coins, regimental uniform buttons, sewing pins, thimble, bone comb, fork, spoon, clay pipes, ceramics etc. giving a fascinating insight into daily items used by 18th-century militia stationed in the town. The features and surfaces exposed in all areas are most likely linked to the late 17th-century block of buildings erected in 1691; these buildings were subsequently demolished in 1793 and replaced by Victoria barracks in 1837. The 19th-century barracks was then demolished in the 1930s to make way for the OPW government and Garda Station built 1935-47.