2024:386 - Rinville West, Galway
County: Galway
Site name: Rinville West
Sites and Monuments Record No.: None
Licence number: 24E0518
Author: Richard Crumlish
Author/Organisation Address: 4 Lecka Grove, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: N/A
ITM: E 535953m, N 722383m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.247947, -8.959663
The test excavation of a site in advance of its development in Rinville West townland, near the eastern shores of Galway Bay, c. 2km south-west of Oranmore in County Galway, was carried out between 20 and 22 May 2024. The development consisted of an extension to the existing Rinville Burial Ground. The testing was necessary due to the size of the proposed development site and its proximity to a ringfort (RMP No. GA095-129).
The proposed development site was a large field of pasture enclosed by earthen banks. No features of archaeological significance were visible within the site. Ringfort GA095-129 was located on higher ground to the south-east, beyond which was the current Rinville Burial Ground. The outline of the ringfort was visible on the ground, albeit from a distance, rather than on or within the perimeter of the monument.
The testing consisted of the excavation of seven test trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development. The trenches measured 98.2m, 90.4m, 110m, 107.5m, 106.1m, 103.7m and 101.4m respectively; 1.9-2.1m wide and 0.2-1.05m deep. The spoil from the trenches was inspected for artefacts.
The pre-development testing revealed topsoil above natural subsoils and a silted-up drain. Two modern pottery sherds were found in the spoil. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.