2026:144 - Merlin Park, Galway, Galway

The archaeological test trenching at Merlin Park was carried out over a period of 6 days, with a total of 11 trenches excavated. The following features were recorded in the course of the test trenching;

• a north-south-running linear stone feature (F.1) in Trench A,
• the south half of a circular shaped feature (F.2) in Trench B,
• a north-south-running linear stone feature (F.1) in Trench B,
• a granite boulder with markings along the edge in Trench B,
• a shell midden in Trench F (F.4).
• an east-west-running wall (F.5)

Cremated human remains were recovered from the topsoil in Trenches K and J, and may be related to a potential displaced megalithic tomb, located in a cluster of trees in the centre of the field.

Numerous north-south-running cultivation ridges were recorded in Trenches F, I and J and may date from the post-medieval period and/or 19^th century.  Trial trenches associated with the geotechnical site investigations undertaken in 2020 were revealed in Trenches B and I.

Significant artefacts have been recorded from the test excavations varying in date and occupation. The chert lithics and cremated human bone fragments indicate a prehistoric date potentially Chalcolithic/Bronze Age. There are recorded monuments of a similar date and function in the townland of Roscam – standing stone and cist, (GA0924:074-74001) and fulacht fiadh in the townland of Doughiske and Rinmore, all located within 2km of the site,

Numerous fragments of metal have been identified as tinned bronze by the conservationist in the National Museum of Ireland with further analysis ongoing.

The pottery sherds indicate a post-medieval to modern date, and metal artefacts include merchants’ tokens dating to the 17^th century and a 19^th-century tally token from Galway Harbour indicating occupation in the area of the development site.

Post-excavation work continues and a final report will be submitted on receipt of all specialists reports and radiocarbon dating.