2021:477 - Athenry Fire Station, Ballygarraun South, Athenry, Galway

Test excavation was undertaken at Ballygarraun South, Athenry By, Co. Galway on 6 January 2022. A total of 4 test trenches with a combined length of 350 linear metres (700 m sq, c.9% of subject area) were excavated. Trenches were aligned north-west/south-east, spaced at regular intervals and located in order to assess the archaeological potential of the overall site. The work took place in conjunction with metal detection licence 21R0321. No artefacts of archaeological significance was uncovered in the course of metal detection.
The topsoil measured between 0.25-0.5m in depth with the deepest sections in the middle of the field where there was a slight hollow. It comprised dark brown, friable, clayey silt with moderate small stones. It overlay subsoil comprising compact light greyish-brown sandy silt with frequent large, medium and small stones. This was occasionally mottled with bright orange/yellow sterile clay.
The south-west side of the field was used as a builder’s compound during the construction of the nearby road (c.2017-2020). The remains of this compound can be seen in a large spoil heap located in the north-west corner of the field which resulted in Trenches 3 & 4 having to be shortened by 15m. Trench 4 produced the most evidence of the compound with patches of blue gravel visible along its length and evidence of a gravel path in the section face of the trench. There was also a narrow drainage trench filled with the blue gravel and a plastic pipe.
No archaeological features or objects were recorded in any of the excavated trenches.

Archer Heritage Planning, 8 Beat Centre, Stephenstown, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.