2026:271 - Gorteenacra, Athenry, Galway

A programme of archaeological test trenching was undertaken in the townland of Gorteenacra, Athenry, Co. Galway. Twelve trenches were mechanically investigated across the test area, totalling 751 linear metres. A possible lime kiln (C4) was identified in test trench 4. One fragment of a melted lead object was recovered from within the kiln.
The metal detection survey uncovered 34 items. The assemblage comprises 20 copper-alloy, 7 silver, 6 lead and 1 copper artefacts. Twelve coins were identified, including medieval silver pennies and fractional pennies, a copper penny, a 17th-century halfpenny, and later post-medieval copper-alloy coins.
The non-numismatic assemblage includes a copper-alloy vessel and other fittings, a possible sword scabbard mount, a horse harness fitting, sheets and repaired fragments, a ring hoop, a decorative latch and four buttons. Other finds include a silver spoon fragment, a lead stylus, two musket balls, a decorated lead fragment, and lead sheeting. The assemblage represents a range of monetary, domestic, personal, equestrian and potentially military-related activity, with dated finds spanning from the 13th to the 19th centuries.