2021:108 - Straide, Mayo

Archaeological test trenching at Straide, Co. Mayo was carried out by Donald Murphy. This was carried out under Ministerial Consent No. C001055, Registration No. E005337; Metal Detection No. R000556 issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. The fieldwork took place in June 2021 using a 14-tonne tracked excavator.
A total of three test trenches were excavated within the site. Each trench measured 1.8 m in width, and in total, 56 linear meters were excavated. The test trenches were excavated down to the natural subsoil and measured between 0.82m to 0.96m in depth. In general, the trenches revealed dark brown compact clay topsoil and sod, overlying orange gravel clay natural. In Trench 1, demolition rubble and an east-west aligned mortared stone wall were recorded; and likely represent remains associated with a building depicted on all of the Ordnance Survey maps (1837, 1895, 1923-25) that was demolished sometime in the mid to late 20th century. In Trench 3, a demolition layer and a slightly curving, roughly north-south aligned stone drain were exposed. No features were noted in Trench 2.
No significant archaeological features or deposits were exposed or identified, and no finds were recovered. However, given the location of the site within an area associated with the Zone of Archaeological Potential for Straide Dominican Friary MA070-067001- (National Monument No. 172), it is recommended that monitoring of topsoil stripping of the areas to be impacted by groundworks should take place.

Donald Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth