2023:741 - Clarecastle Community Recreation Park, Ballaghafadda East, Clarecastle, Clare

A program of archaeological works was undertaken at the site of a proposed all-weather playing pitch, walking track and associated services, immediately west of Clarecastle GAA, in the townland of Ballaghfadda East, Clarecastle, Co. Clare. An initial desk-based impact assessment and geophysical survey of the site were undertaken. Two recorded monuments were noted to lie within the proposed development site CL014-085---- and CL041-086- (both earthworks), whilst the Zone of Notification for a third monument CL041-082---- (ringfort – rath) also partially lay within the site boundary. It was noted that the proposed pitch could impact on potential sub-surface remains of monument CL041-086----, identified from aerial photographs and geophysical survey; the pitch location was subsequently revised to avoid direct impact on this monument.

Subsequent test excavation of 25 trenches across the footprint of the pitch revealed no features of archaeological significance. Several of the trenches targeted potential geophysical anomalies identified in the earlier survey; no features were identified corresponding with any of the potential anomalies, most of which were seen to result from ridges of bedrock.

Archaeological monitoring was later undertaken, under the same license, during topsoil stripping for the pitch and footpaths. Three small hearths, charcoal-rich features with obvious signs of in-situ burning, were identified towards the southern end of the pitch area. These features were subsequently excavated under a further extension to the license. The hearths were all sub-circular and under 1m in diameter, with a maximum depth of 0.2m. No artefacts were recovered beyond some small fragments of burnt animal bone, suggesting a domestic function. Radiocarbon dating will be undertaken to further the understanding and interpretation of these features.

TVAS (Ireland) Ltd Ahish, Ballinruan, Crusheen, Co. Clare