2023:529 - Ballynahinch, Galway

Excavations associated with a proposed solar array development at Ballynahinch, Co. Galway were monitored between 10 August and 25 September 2023. The development comprises the construction of 170kW photovoltaic ground-mounted solar array, and a 140m long underground cable trench to connect the solar array to a new substation (dims 2.5m²) located directly across the road from the entrance gate to the courtyard adjacent to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. Excavations within the field containing the proposed solar array revealed a modern topsoil layer over 0.4-0.6m of peat over natural sand. Three old box shores, walled and capped with angular green granite stones and boulders, were uncovered within the peat in the vicinity of the solar array. Trenching along the route of the cable ducting outside the field generally revealed disturbed topsoil over boulders and rising bedrock. No archaeology was found.