2021:322 - Breaghwy, Mayo

The test excavation of a site in advance of its development at Breaghwy townland, 5km south-east of Ballina, County Mayo, was carried out on 11 June 2021. The proposed development consisted of the construction of a new dwelling house, domestic garage, on-site wastewater treatment system, new site entrance together with ancillary site works. The testing, which was requested by the local authority as part of the planning process, was necessary due to the location of a megalithic tomb (RMP No. MA039-083) in the field immediately to the south.
The proposed development site was located across two fields of pasture which sloped down from east to west. A modern bungalow was located just north of the west end of the site with an older cottage and associated outhouse further to the north. There were good views from the higher ground at the east end of the site across a bog which extended to the west. The megalithic tomb, a heavily overgrown court tomb, was marked on the 1930 edition of the Ordnance Survey six-inch sheet as 'Dermot and Grania's Bed' and on the 1838 edition as 'Cromlech'.
The testing consisted of the excavation of five trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development, especially that closest to the monument. The trenches measured 19.9m, 19.6m, 40.7m, 35.5m and 39.8m long respectively; 1.8-2m wide and 0.35-0.8m deep.
Testing revealed topsoil above natural subsoils. A small area of charcoal uncovered in one of the trenches appeared to be the result of field clearance, which would have included the burning of scrub/vegetation, and which clearly took place in the larger of the two fields of pasture.
None of the modern artefacts recovered were retained. Nothing of known archaeological significance was found.

4 Lecka Grove, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe, County Mayo