2020:310 - Loughrea, Galway

The archaeological assessment consisted of a desk survey and pre-development test excavations. The stratigraphy encountered during the course of the excavations revealed different phases of activity at the rear of the existing building, with finds retrieved indicating an early 19th- to mid-20th-century date. Removal of the modern surfacing and clay revealed some disturbance in the southern end of the trenches for a depth of 0.25m. A cobbled surface was revealed in both trenches and overlay the remains of walls. This cobble surface is the most recent phase of activity and may date to 1890s as indicated on the OS map indicating no buildings in this area. Removal of the cobbles revealed the remains of 2 walls.
In Trench A the partial remains of a north-south running wall was revealed for a length of 6m and extended into the west baulk. Overlying and abutting this wall is what would appear to be rubble associated with the demolition of this building. A black clay layer would appear to be contemporary with the wall, and contained a fragment of North Devon ware pottery.
In Trench B the wall was revealed below a layer of stone with red brick, mortar and clay. The location of this wall corresponds with a building indicated on the 1838 OS 6-inch map. The width of the wall (2.1m) would suggest a substantial building.
The finds retrieved during the course of the excavations comprised primarily of 19th- and 20th-century pottery, glass fragments and animal bone. One sherd of North Devon ware was recorded in the black clay layer in Trench A.

As the site is located within the Zone of Notification for Recorded Monument – Historic Town (GA105:150), it is recommended that further archaeological investigations be undertaken at the site in advance of any further works.

Through Time Ltd, Old Church St., Athenry, Co. Galway