County: Roscommon Site name: Ardsallagh Beg
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 24E0828
Author: Martin Fitzpatrick
Site type: Workhouse; human remains
Period/Dating: Modern (AD 1750-AD 2000)
ITM: E 587835m, N 763637m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.622409, -8.183884
During archaeological monitoring in the north of the site in June 2024 the original boundary wall of the workhouse complex was uncovered . The wall, which would have surrounded the original workhouse complex, was orientated roughly east-west and was recorded for a length of 17m. It would originally have extended west to join the existing property boundary wall and is likely to extend further east below the surface level. It survived to a maximum height of 0.6m, was 0.6m wide and constructed of well-coursed limestone with a lime mortar throughout.
Archaeological monitoring to the north of the wall, within the original workhouse complex, was confined to an area measuring 17 north-south by 26.5m. The general stratigraphy consisted of topsoil overlying an orange/brown silty clay, except in the west of the site where a black silt was uncovered below topsoil. Large concrete slabs embedded in the clay confirm it was disturbed context. The Ordnance Survey 25 inch map recorded a wall and two structures in this area, however it would appear that these features were levelled/removed to facilitate the existing entrance.
In the course of monitoring three skeleton remains were uncovered in the north-east of the site. The archaeological excavation of the skeleton remains was completed over a period of four days from 30 August 2024 with osteoarchaeologist Caoimhe Tobin in attendance. Following the recording and lifting of SK 2 and SK 3 it was noted that further human remains (SK 4 & 5) were deposited directly below them. These remains were left in situ and it was recommended that the design of the development should, if possible, be altered in this area to preserve the remains in situ. The remains excavated and recorded comprised of two articulated adult skeletons and one juvenile. The skeletal elements were in poor to moderate condition both in situ and upon lifting. Once the excavations were completed the reduction in ground level to the north and west was archaeologically monitored and a length of the former boundary wall of the workhouse complex was removed. The stones from this wall were retained on site for re-use as part of the new development.
Old Church Street, Athenry, County Galway
