2020:092 - Hospital Road, Gurteenroe, Macroom, Cork

A programme of archaeological test trenching was carried out in Gurteenroe townland, in Macroom, Co. Cork.

A total of five test trenches were excavated across the relevant areas. Each trench measured 1.5m in width and in total 69m of linear trenches were excavated. In general, the trenches were excavated to a depth of 0.6-1.1m. Topsoil in the form of mid-brown sandy clay and sod with a combined depth of c. 0.3–0.45m was exposed across the whole site. Natural geology was represented by a dark greyish-brown sandy clay subsoil with frequent medium-size stones. The natural was overlaid by a demolition layer, consisting of lime, stone and rubble that measured on average 0.1-0.45m. This represents material likely derived from the demolished workhouse structures, which was used to raise the ground level.

At the south end of Trench 1 a compact mortar layer measuring c. 0.05m in depth and c. 1m in width was exposed, likely representing a path associated with the 19th-century workhouse, as depicted on the 1897 OS map. At the north end of Trench 3, at a depth of 0.7m below present ground level, a mortar and stone wall foundation was exposed; this was c. 0.65m wide and c. 0.4m deep. This represents part of the foundation of the demolished southern wall of the 19th-century infirmary/ward, which was adjacent to and north of the standing former chapel building. Some remains of this wall are still visible adjacent to the chapel building. Both features likely represent remains associated with the workhouse complex dating to the 19th century, which burnt down in 1921.

No further features or deposits of archaeological or historical significance were exposed or identified. Archaeological monitoring of the site will be carried out in due course.

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