2021:436 - Lissduff and Clare Tds, Mayo

Archaeological test trenching was carried out on the N17-R312 Lisduff Junction from February 1-9, 2021. Test trenching of all greenfield areas of the project was carried out. Some additional areas were investigated where possible archaeological features were noted, however nothing of archaeological interest was uncovered. Thirty trenches were excavated as proposed and an additional 4m trench was opened across a hollow feature identified on the ground which proved to be non-archaeological.

The trenches were excavated using a mechanical digger with a toothless grading bucket. As no archaeological deposits were present, the mechanical excavation of the trenches and the systematic removal of topsoil continued to the top of naturally occurring subsoil. The stratigraphy was fairly uniform throughout the subject area. It comprised improved pasture with a shallow subsoil, generally 0.3m thick, overlying a light grey compact glacial clay. Agricultural disturbance was in evidence throughout, with frequent land drains and ditches cut into the subsoil. Occasional small fragments of modern glazed domestic pottery and glass were identified in the topsoil, associated with the agricultural features and are of late 19th-20th century, reflecting the modern nature of this disturbance. Some plastic and nylon rope and one area of very recently buried rubbish was also noted.

Mayo Co Co, Castlebar, Co Mayo