2023:807 - Ballyvaughan and Fanore Walking Club Centre, Ballyvaghan, Ballyvaughan, Clare

Test trenching of the site of a proposed recreational development in the townland of Ballyvaghan, Co. Clare revealed an outer ditch and potential bank relating to an adjacent large enclosure (CL002-053) ringfort-cashel.

The site lies immediately north-east of the monument and initially a geophysical survey (Leigh 23R0021) was carried out, which suggested that the outer edge of the enclosure extends into the site. Five trenches were excavated across the site, three of which revealed that an outer ditch and bank are present at the edge of the enclosure, corresponding with the geophysical survey. This is probably a feature illustrated as a linear hachured area on the late 19th-century 25” OS map.

The south-east to north-west orientated ditch was seen over a length of approximately 20m and is presumed to extend in both directions, A small investigative slot demonstrated a steep-edged ditch with multiple fills. Along the eastern edge of the ditch, at least in part of the site, a raised area of natural subsoil marks the line of a former outer bank. The ditch and bank are doubtless part of enclosure CL002-053. An area of in-situ burning was revealed towards the northern end of the site but no other isolated features were identified.

As for finds, occasional pieces of relatively modern refuse were noted in the topsoil but not retained, and shell from oyster and other coastal molluscs were seen in the ploughsoil. No finds were recovered.