County: Galway Site name: Kentfield
Sites and Monuments Record No.: None Licence number: 20E0693
Author: Richard Crumlish
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 526654m, N 728315m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.300045, -9.100338
The test excavation of a site in advance of its development at Kentfield townland, on the north-west outskirts of Galway City, was carried out on 9 December 2020. The development consisted of the construction of holiday lodges, ancillary reception and a laundry store within the grounds of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel. The pre-development testing was part of a Request for Further Information from Galway County Council.
The proposed development site was located in an area overgrown with grass, briars and willow, which sloped down from south south-west to north-north-east. Within the adjacent Glenlo Abbey Hotel complex were an 18th/19th-century house (GA082-047001) and a chapel (GA082-047002).
The testing consisted of the excavation of five trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development. The test trenches measured 59.8m, 43m, 46m, 43m and 50.8m long respectively; 1.9-2.4m wide and 0.3-1.8m deep.
The pre-development testing revealed topsoil above modern redeposited material/fill and natural subsoils. The machine driver informed the writer that he had backfilled a number of areas across the site within the last ten years. Two culverts, which were uncovered, were probably associated with the estate, which was founded in the 18th century by the Ffrench family and subsequently purchased by the Blakes in the 19th century.
There were no finds. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.
4 Lecka Grove, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe, County Mayo
