2024:102 - Eglinton Canal and Wolfe Tone Bridge, Townparks, Galway, Galway

Archaeological monitoring of excavations to improve connectivity for pedestrians between the east and west banks of the River Corrib in the vicinity of Wolfe Tone Bridge through the provision of a pedestrian cantilever walkway on the southern (downstream) side of the bridge was carried out between May 2023 and May 2024. These works were located within the overall zone of notification (ZoN) for the historic town of Galway (GA094-100--). Archaeological monitoring of excavation works relating to the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme in Galway City was also carried out during this period. The southern section of the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme work is located partially within the overall ZoN for the historic town of Galway (GA094-100--).

Works at Claddagh Quay began in May 2023. Excavations of the footpath and roadway to facilitate services and a pedestrian and cycle ramp were carried out to the south of Fr. Griffin Road in and around the Fr. Griffin Memorial and at the quay where a new pedestrian crossing was introduced linking north to Raven Terrace. The stratigraphy here was consistent with pavement or tarmac overlying a mixed rubble and silty sand fill material. Excavations did not exceed 500mm in depth. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted in this area.

At Raven Terrace at the location of the hand-operated swing bridge mechanism at the western end of Wolfe Tone Bridge a steel framework which was likely part of a 19th-century swing bridge mechanism was observed at a depth of 200mm below the modern ground level. It was observed for a length of roughly 200mm and continued into the unexcavated material to the south. This feature was retained in situ and was not impacted by the works.

Further north along Raven Terrace and in the vicinity of Baals Bridge the stratigraphy remained consistent with modern road and pavement surface overlying mixed modern fill. Numerous services were observed through this section. Excavations here did not exceed 500mm and nothing of archaeological significance was noted.

Further north along the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme from Dominick Street to the University of Galway the author carried out intermittent inspections. For the most part these works involved limited excavations. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted.

At Wolfe Tone Bridge it was initially proposed that a wrought iron railing on the east quay would be recorded photographically and by written record and then be carefully removed in one section from the limestone steps. After consultation with the client's representative and the contractor it was deemed unnecessary to remove this railing and preservation in situ was possible and the preferred option. The railing has been retained and was not impacted by the works.

A new ope was introduced in the existing west quay wall to facilitate the new bridge. The existing stones were removed and reused in construction of a small retaining wall just to the south of their original location.

Excavations of the footpath along the northern section of the bridge at its western end were carried out to facilitate redirection of an electricity cable. The fill here comprised large rocks and medium-sized stone in a matrix of sandy silty clay. Nothing of significance was noted. Likewise at the eastern end excavations to facilitate the electrical cable redirection revealed nothing of archaeological significance. Excavations for the new bridge here were limited and potential impacts were avoided.

3 Gort na Rí, Athenry, Co. Galway