2024:583 - Clonmoney West, Shannon, Clare

An archaeological assessment (desk-based research, geophysical survey (Leigh 24R0278) and test trenching) of a proposed agricultural improvement project at Clonmoney West, Shannon, Co. Clare concluded that much of the site is archaeologically sterile. However, low stone and earthen banks were recorded in some places.

The site is within a landscape containing nearby ringforts and possibly associated field systems defined by low linear earthen banks that exploited the natural topography of parallel limestone and terraces. Four linear banks were examined within the mechanically excavated test trenches. The banks were found to be constructed of soil and loose, uncoursed stone.

A single earthen bank was investigated in the south-eastern part of the site, approximately 4.5m wide and 0.25m higher than the adjacent ground surface. At the west, three parallel banks were formed by rounded, unworked stones in a soil matrix. These banks were 2.5m and 4m wide and stood proud of the adjacent ground surface by 0.35-0.4m. The northernmost bank (A) was 21m from the parallel bank (B) to the south. The third bank (C) at the south was 6m south of the central bank. The banks appeared to subdivide the terraces formed by the natural limestone reefs.

The absence of artefactual material, combined with the fact that no field divisions are shown on the mid-19^th-century Ordnance Survey maps, suggests that these banks pre-date the mid-19^th century. These features may represent subdivision of the space between parallel limestone reefs to form small ‘fields’ or could be for stock control.

Given the presence of a ringfort (CL051-151) and enclosure (CL051-152) nearby, it might be that these features represent part of a medieval field system. It was therefore recommended that part of the site should be excluded from development.