2024:384 - Kildaree, Galway

The test excavation of a site in advance of its development in Kildaree townland, c. 5km west of Williamstown in County Galway, was carried out on 7 May 2024. The development consisted of the construction of a new dwelling house with domestic garage and proprietary wastewater treatment unit and percolation area. The testing was necessary due to the proximity of the proposed development to a church (RMP GA006-078) and graveyard (RMP GA006-078001). No features of archaeological significance were visible within the proposed development site.

The testing consisted of the excavation of five test trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development. A 20m wide area at the southern end of the site was excluded from the testing to avoid a stream/drain which crossed the site there.  The trenches measured 26.3m, 30m, 30.6m, 23m and 23.6m long respectively; 1.8-2m wide and 0.2-1.1m deep.

The pre-development testing revealed topsoil above two areas of fill, peat, original topsoil and natural subsoils. One of the areas of fill consisted of a section of a gravel access road/track which extended into the site from the entrance along the public road. The second area of fill was the result of historic quarrying at the site. The original topsoil was found below this area of fill.

Plastic was visible in the spoil from one trench. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.