2022:184 - Prospecthill, Galway

Archaeological monitoring was carried out on the site of a proposed extension to an existing dwelling at Prospecthill, Co. Galway on 19 and 20 July 2022. The development site lies within the area of archaeological constraint for GA094-034, an impressive rath located within the field immediately adjoining the development site on the west. A narrow strip of lawn, 15m long and 2m wide, along the west edge of the site, was topsoil stripped using a tracked excavator fitted with a wide grading bucket. There was 0.2m of topsoil over light orange/brown sandy clay subsoil and grey sand, gravel and stone. A linear feature (Wth 0.5-0.6m) extended north-west/south-east across the stripped area. Investigations revealed it was just 0.05-0.1m deep with irregular sides and base. It contained a fill of compact light orange/brown clay with very occasional shell fragments and charcoal flecks, and is considered likely to be an old land drain. Upon completion of investigations the area was excavated down to the required formation level. No archaeology was found.

Dominic Delany & Associates, Creganna, Oranmore, Co. Galway