2024:893 - Letter, Galway

Archaeological test excavation, metal detection survey and monitoring was undertaken on the site of a proposed synchronous condenser at Letter, Co. Galway, in August and September 2024. The site is situated on steeply rising, uneven ground, that was overgrown and strewn with large boulders. Three test trenches were excavated on the footprint of the proposed development, revealing 0.2-1m of peat over sandy clays and boulders. The only find recovered during metal detection survey was an iron turnbuckle, which would have been used for tightening cables.  No archaeology was found during the course of the works but three cultural heritage features were identified immediately outside the north boundary of the development site. The features consisted of a vernacular building, a kiln, and an enclosure, all built of dry stone construction and dating from possibly the late 18^th century to the early 20^th century. The development layout was amended to provide a 10m buffer around the cultural heritage features.