2022:111 - ATHENRY: Clarin River, Prospect, Galway

A programme of archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping relating to the new footbridge, footpath, and cycle track at Prospect and Gortnahown townlands, in the south of Athenry, County Galway was carried out in May 2022. The project involves building a footbridge crossing the river Clarin and a footpath and cycle track that will connect Prospect townland with a footpath alongside the R348 road. The bridge will comprise a single span of approximately 15m with the bridge truss clad in timber supported by steel beams set into the bedrock on either side of the river. No in-water works were carried out.

The works exposed a moderately compact orange, brown clay overlaying a brown gravelly sandy clay. Both layers were entirely sterile with no finds or features of archaeological significance.