2022:958 - Castlefarm, Galway

Archaeological testing and metal detection survey was carried out along the route of a proposed flood relief pipe trench at Castlefarm, Co. Galway on 26 and 29 August 2022. The pipe trench (Length c.100m) is routed through the rear gardens of several properties and within the roadside verge.  The works are partly located within the zone of archaeological potential for Recorded Monuments GA017-069 (Castle – hall-house), GA017-069002 (Bawn) and GA017-069005 (Earthwork).  Dunmore Castle is a National Monument (No. 248).

Testing revealed much evidence of disturbance across the site, with modern garden soil and rubble deposits generally overlying the natural ground. The level of disturbance is not unusual considering this area has served as rear gardens/vegetable plots since the early 19^th century. The only features uncovered were a small culvert built of irregular slabs and an ash pit. All finds recovered during the course of testing and metal detecting are post-medieval, dating from the 19^th and 20^th centuries. No archaeology was found.