This document provides an archaeological excavation report for a spade mill and lime kiln excavated at Coololla, Co. Galway. It includes background information on the archaeological and historical context of the site. The excavation uncovered the remains of a post-medieval building interpreted as a water-powered forge or spade mill, as well as a post-medieval lime kiln. While there is no evidence linking the two structures, they could potentially have been operated by the same individuals. The report provides detailed descriptions of the excavated structures and artifacts, and places them in the historical context of land use changes in the local area from the medieval to post-medieval periods.
This archaeological excavation report details the excavation of a post-medieval spade mill and lime kiln located in Coololla, Co. Galway. The spade mill structure was interpreted as a water-powered forge, likely used to produce spades. Stone foundations and a mill race were uncovered. The adjacent lime kiln structure contained evidence of limestone extraction and firing. While these structures were located near one another, there is no evidence they were contemporaneous. The report provides historical background on land use and ownership in the local area from the medieval period through the 17th century, and discusses the excavated structures and artifacts in detail.
This archaeological excavation report describes features found at a site in Mackney, Co. Galway excavated for road works. Prehistoric features included a Bronze Age hearth, three pits and a post-hole dating to the Middle-Late Bronze Age based on radiocarbon dating. Later features consisted of a gully, field boundary ditch and several field drains dating from the 18th century and modern times. While no artifacts were found, the features provide evidence of Bronze Age occupation at this site and in the surrounding area.
This report summarizes the archaeological excavation of a burnt mound site located in Cooltymurraghy townland, Co. Galway. The site consisted of a burnt spread (C.7) that had been cut by a later water channel (C.16). Charcoal from the burnt spread yielded an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date, consistent with other burnt mound sites in the area. The excavation is one of five Bronze Age sites uncovered along the route of a new road between Galway and Ballinasloe.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Eachtra archaeological projects undertook excavation of Stratham’s garage in January and February of 2005 under licence 99E0757, an extension to a pre-existing licence. In total some eighty pits were excavated with a small number of linear features and post-medieval wall foundations, drains and a cobbled surface also present. There was no evidence for a medieval structure in this area of the site and many of the pits were filled with refuse. The excavated area was interpreted as the partial remains of four medieval burgage plots. Recent excavations of the area immediately north and adjacent to this site will hopefully provide material comparable to the results from the Stratham’s Garage site.
The site at Ballyvergin comprised one hearth, two ditches, twenty-five stakeholes and a number of pits, some of which may have acted as troughs. It was located close to a stream and heat-shattered stones and charcoal were found in several of the deposits. The site has therefore been interpreted as a burnt mound, although the identification of troughs is tentative. The area of excavation was truncated by later (modern) field ditches.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
This archaeological excavation report details the excavation of a post-medieval spade mill and lime kiln located in Coololla, Co. Galway. The spade mill structure was interpreted as a water-powered forge, likely used to produce spades. Stone foundations and a mill race were uncovered. The adjacent lime kiln structure contained evidence of limestone extraction and firing. While these structures were located near one another, there is no evidence they were contemporaneous. The report provides historical background on land use and ownership in the local area from the medieval period through the 17th century, and discusses the excavated structures and artifacts in detail.
This archaeological excavation report describes features found at a site in Mackney, Co. Galway excavated for road works. Prehistoric features included a Bronze Age hearth, three pits and a post-hole dating to the Middle-Late Bronze Age based on radiocarbon dating. Later features consisted of a gully, field boundary ditch and several field drains dating from the 18th century and modern times. While no artifacts were found, the features provide evidence of Bronze Age occupation at this site and in the surrounding area.
This report summarizes the archaeological excavation of a burnt mound site located in Cooltymurraghy townland, Co. Galway. The site consisted of a burnt spread (C.7) that had been cut by a later water channel (C.16). Charcoal from the burnt spread yielded an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date, consistent with other burnt mound sites in the area. The excavation is one of five Bronze Age sites uncovered along the route of a new road between Galway and Ballinasloe.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Eachtra archaeological projects undertook excavation of Stratham’s garage in January and February of 2005 under licence 99E0757, an extension to a pre-existing licence. In total some eighty pits were excavated with a small number of linear features and post-medieval wall foundations, drains and a cobbled surface also present. There was no evidence for a medieval structure in this area of the site and many of the pits were filled with refuse. The excavated area was interpreted as the partial remains of four medieval burgage plots. Recent excavations of the area immediately north and adjacent to this site will hopefully provide material comparable to the results from the Stratham’s Garage site.
The site at Ballyvergin comprised one hearth, two ditches, twenty-five stakeholes and a number of pits, some of which may have acted as troughs. It was located close to a stream and heat-shattered stones and charcoal were found in several of the deposits. The site has therefore been interpreted as a burnt mound, although the identification of troughs is tentative. The area of excavation was truncated by later (modern) field ditches.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
The recording of three Early Bronze Age pots within a small pit is a very significant find. There are no parallels for the two small pots, one of which was decorated to represent a human face or body. The pit containing the pottery was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River on the western fringe of the road corridor, it is possible that further archaeological features are located to the west. The pit maybe associated with the burnt mound. The radiocarbon date returned for the pottery would overlap with Early Bronze Age dates returned for Fulachta Fiadh in Stagpark 3 (04E1119), located 2200m to the south, and are almost identical to dates returned for Early Bronze Age activity in Stagpark 1 (04E1120), located 1400m to the south.
There are 16 Bronze Age burials, comprising cist burials, Food Vessel burials, Urn burials and pit burials, recorded within a 13 km radius of the site. The burials are generally located on low-lying ground between 60 m and 100 m OD. Some are located within 500 m of the Funshion River and its tributaries, the Sheep River, the Tooraleagan River and the Gradoge River. Generally, Early Bronze Age burials tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas such as valley floors, while the associated settlement sites are probably located on higher ground along the valleys (Cooney & Grogan 1999, 103). While the majority of graves contain the remains of one individual, multiple burials, either collective or successive, also occurred. The majority of the Cordoned Urns are associated with burials and the simple pit grave is the commonest type (Waddell 2000, 149).
The Mitchelstown pit and pottery group shares some characteristics of Early Bronze Age burial practices in terms of the low-lying location in the river valley, the simple form of the pit itself, and the deposition of the Cordoned Urn. However, many aspects are very different. The creation of a face and human features on Vessels 2 and 3, the positioning of the ears, anatomically incorrect, on both vessels and the inclusion of a spoon are all unusual. In addition, despite the inclusion of a Cordoned Urn - usually a funerary vessel, there was no evidence of burial recorded at the site. The deposition therefore points away from burial and towards other ritual, for instance libation to a deity. It is also possible that this pit does not exist in isolation and other archaeological features, including burials, may be located in the area to the west, beyond the edge of the road corridor.
Archaeological Test Excavation Report E2003 Ballybrowney, N8 RFJohn Tierney
Two main areas of high archaeological significance were identified during the testing of the proposed route option A. These were a sub rectangular enclosure and the upstanding enclosure elements of the ringfort.
The outer bank and ditch of the ringfort are still intact to a large degree and are visible on the surface within the CPO line. The area is heavily overgrown with mature and semi-mature trees and a dense understorey of secondary growth. Despite this, and despite having been truncated by the insertion of a trackway cutting through the outer bank and the construction of a stone revetment and drain on its southern side, the outer enclosing elements of the ringfort are to a large degree extant.
The insertion of a modern trackway in this location would have a severe negative impact on the northern enclosing elements of the ringfort.
This technical report evaluates the surface water and geomorphological impacts of the proposed Pioneer Aggregates Mining Expansion and North Sequalitchew Project. The report describes the existing environment including Sequalitchew Creek, Fort Lewis Diversion Canal, springs, wetlands and Puget Sound. It finds that construction and operation of the expanded mine would impact these water bodies and alter creek and wetland geomorphology. The report recommends mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts to water quality and channel form during mining and ensure restoration after reclamation.
This report details an archaeological excavation of an isolated hearth feature located in Bricketstown, Co. Wexford during construction of the N25 road. The hearth consisted of a charcoal-rich spread overlying three deposits within an irregular oval cut that had been heavily truncated by previous groundworks. Radiocarbon dating placed the hearth in the Iron Age period between 500 BC-500 AD. It was one of few Iron Age sites identified in County Wexford to date.
Most of the archaeological features recorded during this excavation were pits, 26 in total, two walls and a well were also excavated.
Most of the contexts were dated according to the artefacts retrieved from their fills. Therefore, pits with exclusively or almost exclusively medieval pottery were classified as medieval, whereas pits with medieval and post-medieval finds were classified as post-medieval. However, as most of the excavated features were backfilled, it is possible that some of the cut features that contained deposits, with inclusions of post-medieval artefacts, were actually open and in use in the medieval period.
The remains uncovered can be divided into medieval, post-medieval and modern. The pits were in general sub-circular and oval in plan, and, with the exception of pit C.98, were on average 2.06 m in length by 1.36 m in width by 0.61 m in depth. The fills of the pits were a mix of dark grey brown silty clay with occasional inclusions of animal bone and pottery. A total of 26 pits, two walls and a well were recorded.
The two cut features excavated at Dungeer were small pits that were used for metalworking. Both pits demonstrated evidence of oxidisation and had fills which contained slag. The analysis of industrial residues confirmed that these were bowl furnaces used for smelting ore. The only metal type worked at the site was iron, with bog ore almost certainly the main raw material.
This report analyses the individual structures and researches the historical and social
background of a small group of buildings in Roevehagh townland which were subject to
survey and test excavations. The group included a pair of buildings and a single, similar
building, located c. 45 m to the north. This building group appears to represent two prefamine
farming households likely to have been constructed by a group of tenant farmers
at Roevehagh. It is likely to have been abandoned prior to the Great Famine 1845–49.
Structure 1 is depicted on the 1838 OS map and is partly depicted on the 1895 OS map. It
is depicted only as a small outline, indicating that it is roofless on the 1929 OS map. These
buildings probably went out of use after the earlier 19th century village of Roevehagh was
established, as a response to changes in the socio-economic structures in Galway.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 3 revealed prehistoric settlement remains. These were concentrated in the eastern part of the site and they included a hearth and a group of pits and stake-holes dated to the Late Bronze Age. In the western part of the site a small concentration of stake-holes, a pit and two post-holes was found clustered around a hearth. In between the eastern and the western concentrations of archaeological features there was a single isolated hearth dated to the Iron Age. Lithic artefacts dating to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and sherds of Domestic Cordoned Urn were recovered from some of the pits.
Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Farranfore, Co Kerry 04 E0646John Tierney
The fulacht fiadh, AR10, is located in the townland of Garraundarragh and the parish of Currans (National Grid Reference Q093050/107950) in north Kerry, c. 4km north of Farranfore and c. 8km south-east of Tralee town. It is situated at the southern end of a wet and low-lying field used for rough pasture and is bounded to the south and east by a substantial drainage dyke.
The basal remains of the fulacht fiadh mound were recorded in test trench 22, chainage 7470-7495, Field 10, and measured 15m north-south by 17m east-west and up to 0.40m deep. This feature is not a classic fulacht fiadh as described above but the remains of a mound that has been disturbed by land reclamation and the digging of drainage ditches and cultivation furrows.
The site comprised a cluster of ten pits and post-holes and a series of plough furrows. There was also a small charcoal-rich feature located 5m south of the main cluster. The features appear to be the remains of a funerary pyre from the Middle Bronze Age. No buried cremated remains were found. The site suggests a single burning episode, with the posts of the pyre either built on the ground surface or raised above ground.
The excavation revealed the presence of a burnt mound with associated pits and troughs.
The two troughs both had internal stakeholes suggesting in one case some form of lining
and in the other some form of suspension rack. The remains of a H-frame suspension
frame was situated north-west of the largest trough. A number of external pits and stake-
holes hinted at related structures or activities. Two Late Bronze Age dates were returned
for the site cal BC 1010–909. A cow horn and a shed red-deer antler were found in the
abandonment fills of a pair of boiling pits.
The buildings to the rear of 26 Patrick St. were demolished. The area of the extension to the rear to the hotel measured 20m by 13m. The area of excavation was bounded by a stone wall to the south, by a building site to the north and west and by the Georgian building, 26 Patrick St., due for refurbishment to the east.
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity associated with the demolished extension to 26 Patrick St. was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the western side of the site. Post-medieval construction, associated with the red brick foundations of the extension to the rear of the Georgian building which fronts onto Patrick St., had truncated medieval activity at the eastern end. The destroyed earlier medieval activity is evidenced by the occurrence of both medieval and post-medieval pottery in the same strata.
This was a previously known classic kidney shaped burnt mound which was listed as a
Recorded Monument (GA103:083). The site was located within the lands acquired for
the N18 Oranmore to Gort scheme and was fully excavated. The large mound consisted
of a series of deposits consistent with those from other burnt mounds. A single oval
shaped trough was located partially under the mound and to the north-west of the expected
trough location at the centre of the kidney shape. Some slag and a chert scraper
(E3866:23:1) were recovered from stratified deposits within the mound.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation at a burnt mound site located at Urraghry townland in County Galway. The excavation uncovered a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes, gully, and paleochannel. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples indicated Early Bronze Age activity on the site. Mesolithic stone tools were also found, suggesting earlier occupation. The site contributes to understanding prehistoric settlement patterns in the area, with five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of a new road development.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation of a disturbed ringfort (GA087-177) in Loughbown, County Galway. The excavation revealed evidence of Iron Age activity pre-dating the construction of the enclosure. Features excavated included a sub-circular structure, a causeway, entrance, internal bank, and a V-shaped external ditch enclosing the site. Radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples spanned the 4th century BC to the 17th century AD. Few artefacts were recovered, including a bracelet, quernstone, and knife blade. The excavation helped further the understanding of the construction and occupation of the site from the Iron Age period through the medieval period.
This site probably represents evidence of domestic occupation. Based on comparative evidence and the absence of any artefacts it has been assigned a prehistoric date. It may form either a corner from a fence line or may form part of a more complex structure such as a dwelling house. Rectangular houses are
known from the Neolithic through to the Bronze Age, and from the early historic period onwards.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Ballydowny in Killarney, County Kerry. Five cooking pits (fulachta fiadh), a ring ditch containing a cremation burial, two medieval iron working areas, and a prehistoric site with evidence of copper working were uncovered. Radiocarbon dating indicates occupation from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into the early medieval period. The excavation revealed remnants of iron smelting and smithing, as well as five cooking pits that were likely used for boiling or steaming food. A ring ditch and associated cremation burial were also found, dating to the Bronze Age.
This report comprises the Final Report of excavations undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects along the line of the proposed Castledermot Sewerage Scheme in 2004. Kildare County Council proposed to upgrade the sewerage system in Castledermot village running from the Lerr River to the south along Abbey St. and Main St. to Skenagun to the north. The present town contains extensive archaeological remains, both upstanding and subsurface, of the earlier Medieval town (KD040-002). Therefore in 2002, an archaeological assessment of the proposed line of the sewerage trench was carried out (Byrne 2000). This was followed by a programme of test excavations (Lynch 2002). The results of this work led to a decision to archaeologically resolve the line of the proposed pipe trench in advance of commencement of construction works. Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated the line of the proposed trench between June and December 2004 under excavation licence number 04E0750. While the excavated trench was narrow, it offered a lengthy cross-section of the Medieval and Post-Medieval town. The excavation revealed a number of facets of the town during these periods including the Medieval town walls and a cemetery. Following archaeological resolution of the trench, it was backfilled to be opened at a future date for the insertion of the sewerage pipes.
Archaeological excavations in Harristown Big townland revealed a number of anomalous archaeological features within an excavated area of c. 100 m2. A total of 33 excavated contexts were recorded including stake-holes, pits and a post-hole.
The moated site comprised a rectangular moated area with an inside bank, a sub-rectangular building, and extensive evidence for activity outside the moat including numerous field boundaries, drains, furrows, working areas, a pottery kiln and a possible bisque firing kiln.
The site consisted of two concentrations of burnt mound material spread over an area of 20 m2 and an off-centre trough that was possibly originally plank-lined.
The site comprised a total of eight features, located in two areas approximately 15 m. apart but clearly relating to the same activity. One feature represented recent agricultural disturbance. Of the seven remaining features, five contained traces of burnt bone with charcoal, suggesting the presence of cremation deposits. A large spread of burnt material was also observed, lying in a shallow cut.
The recording of three Early Bronze Age pots within a small pit is a very significant find. There are no parallels for the two small pots, one of which was decorated to represent a human face or body. The pit containing the pottery was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River on the western fringe of the road corridor, it is possible that further archaeological features are located to the west. The pit maybe associated with the burnt mound. The radiocarbon date returned for the pottery would overlap with Early Bronze Age dates returned for Fulachta Fiadh in Stagpark 3 (04E1119), located 2200m to the south, and are almost identical to dates returned for Early Bronze Age activity in Stagpark 1 (04E1120), located 1400m to the south.
There are 16 Bronze Age burials, comprising cist burials, Food Vessel burials, Urn burials and pit burials, recorded within a 13 km radius of the site. The burials are generally located on low-lying ground between 60 m and 100 m OD. Some are located within 500 m of the Funshion River and its tributaries, the Sheep River, the Tooraleagan River and the Gradoge River. Generally, Early Bronze Age burials tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas such as valley floors, while the associated settlement sites are probably located on higher ground along the valleys (Cooney & Grogan 1999, 103). While the majority of graves contain the remains of one individual, multiple burials, either collective or successive, also occurred. The majority of the Cordoned Urns are associated with burials and the simple pit grave is the commonest type (Waddell 2000, 149).
The Mitchelstown pit and pottery group shares some characteristics of Early Bronze Age burial practices in terms of the low-lying location in the river valley, the simple form of the pit itself, and the deposition of the Cordoned Urn. However, many aspects are very different. The creation of a face and human features on Vessels 2 and 3, the positioning of the ears, anatomically incorrect, on both vessels and the inclusion of a spoon are all unusual. In addition, despite the inclusion of a Cordoned Urn - usually a funerary vessel, there was no evidence of burial recorded at the site. The deposition therefore points away from burial and towards other ritual, for instance libation to a deity. It is also possible that this pit does not exist in isolation and other archaeological features, including burials, may be located in the area to the west, beyond the edge of the road corridor.
Archaeological Test Excavation Report E2003 Ballybrowney, N8 RFJohn Tierney
Two main areas of high archaeological significance were identified during the testing of the proposed route option A. These were a sub rectangular enclosure and the upstanding enclosure elements of the ringfort.
The outer bank and ditch of the ringfort are still intact to a large degree and are visible on the surface within the CPO line. The area is heavily overgrown with mature and semi-mature trees and a dense understorey of secondary growth. Despite this, and despite having been truncated by the insertion of a trackway cutting through the outer bank and the construction of a stone revetment and drain on its southern side, the outer enclosing elements of the ringfort are to a large degree extant.
The insertion of a modern trackway in this location would have a severe negative impact on the northern enclosing elements of the ringfort.
This technical report evaluates the surface water and geomorphological impacts of the proposed Pioneer Aggregates Mining Expansion and North Sequalitchew Project. The report describes the existing environment including Sequalitchew Creek, Fort Lewis Diversion Canal, springs, wetlands and Puget Sound. It finds that construction and operation of the expanded mine would impact these water bodies and alter creek and wetland geomorphology. The report recommends mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts to water quality and channel form during mining and ensure restoration after reclamation.
This report details an archaeological excavation of an isolated hearth feature located in Bricketstown, Co. Wexford during construction of the N25 road. The hearth consisted of a charcoal-rich spread overlying three deposits within an irregular oval cut that had been heavily truncated by previous groundworks. Radiocarbon dating placed the hearth in the Iron Age period between 500 BC-500 AD. It was one of few Iron Age sites identified in County Wexford to date.
Most of the archaeological features recorded during this excavation were pits, 26 in total, two walls and a well were also excavated.
Most of the contexts were dated according to the artefacts retrieved from their fills. Therefore, pits with exclusively or almost exclusively medieval pottery were classified as medieval, whereas pits with medieval and post-medieval finds were classified as post-medieval. However, as most of the excavated features were backfilled, it is possible that some of the cut features that contained deposits, with inclusions of post-medieval artefacts, were actually open and in use in the medieval period.
The remains uncovered can be divided into medieval, post-medieval and modern. The pits were in general sub-circular and oval in plan, and, with the exception of pit C.98, were on average 2.06 m in length by 1.36 m in width by 0.61 m in depth. The fills of the pits were a mix of dark grey brown silty clay with occasional inclusions of animal bone and pottery. A total of 26 pits, two walls and a well were recorded.
The two cut features excavated at Dungeer were small pits that were used for metalworking. Both pits demonstrated evidence of oxidisation and had fills which contained slag. The analysis of industrial residues confirmed that these were bowl furnaces used for smelting ore. The only metal type worked at the site was iron, with bog ore almost certainly the main raw material.
This report analyses the individual structures and researches the historical and social
background of a small group of buildings in Roevehagh townland which were subject to
survey and test excavations. The group included a pair of buildings and a single, similar
building, located c. 45 m to the north. This building group appears to represent two prefamine
farming households likely to have been constructed by a group of tenant farmers
at Roevehagh. It is likely to have been abandoned prior to the Great Famine 1845–49.
Structure 1 is depicted on the 1838 OS map and is partly depicted on the 1895 OS map. It
is depicted only as a small outline, indicating that it is roofless on the 1929 OS map. These
buildings probably went out of use after the earlier 19th century village of Roevehagh was
established, as a response to changes in the socio-economic structures in Galway.
The excavation of the site at Gortnahown 3 revealed prehistoric settlement remains. These were concentrated in the eastern part of the site and they included a hearth and a group of pits and stake-holes dated to the Late Bronze Age. In the western part of the site a small concentration of stake-holes, a pit and two post-holes was found clustered around a hearth. In between the eastern and the western concentrations of archaeological features there was a single isolated hearth dated to the Iron Age. Lithic artefacts dating to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and sherds of Domestic Cordoned Urn were recovered from some of the pits.
Final Excavation, N22 Gortatlea To Farranfore, Co Kerry 04 E0646John Tierney
The fulacht fiadh, AR10, is located in the townland of Garraundarragh and the parish of Currans (National Grid Reference Q093050/107950) in north Kerry, c. 4km north of Farranfore and c. 8km south-east of Tralee town. It is situated at the southern end of a wet and low-lying field used for rough pasture and is bounded to the south and east by a substantial drainage dyke.
The basal remains of the fulacht fiadh mound were recorded in test trench 22, chainage 7470-7495, Field 10, and measured 15m north-south by 17m east-west and up to 0.40m deep. This feature is not a classic fulacht fiadh as described above but the remains of a mound that has been disturbed by land reclamation and the digging of drainage ditches and cultivation furrows.
The site comprised a cluster of ten pits and post-holes and a series of plough furrows. There was also a small charcoal-rich feature located 5m south of the main cluster. The features appear to be the remains of a funerary pyre from the Middle Bronze Age. No buried cremated remains were found. The site suggests a single burning episode, with the posts of the pyre either built on the ground surface or raised above ground.
The excavation revealed the presence of a burnt mound with associated pits and troughs.
The two troughs both had internal stakeholes suggesting in one case some form of lining
and in the other some form of suspension rack. The remains of a H-frame suspension
frame was situated north-west of the largest trough. A number of external pits and stake-
holes hinted at related structures or activities. Two Late Bronze Age dates were returned
for the site cal BC 1010–909. A cow horn and a shed red-deer antler were found in the
abandonment fills of a pair of boiling pits.
The buildings to the rear of 26 Patrick St. were demolished. The area of the extension to the rear to the hotel measured 20m by 13m. The area of excavation was bounded by a stone wall to the south, by a building site to the north and west and by the Georgian building, 26 Patrick St., due for refurbishment to the east.
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity associated with the demolished extension to 26 Patrick St. was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the western side of the site. Post-medieval construction, associated with the red brick foundations of the extension to the rear of the Georgian building which fronts onto Patrick St., had truncated medieval activity at the eastern end. The destroyed earlier medieval activity is evidenced by the occurrence of both medieval and post-medieval pottery in the same strata.
This was a previously known classic kidney shaped burnt mound which was listed as a
Recorded Monument (GA103:083). The site was located within the lands acquired for
the N18 Oranmore to Gort scheme and was fully excavated. The large mound consisted
of a series of deposits consistent with those from other burnt mounds. A single oval
shaped trough was located partially under the mound and to the north-west of the expected
trough location at the centre of the kidney shape. Some slag and a chert scraper
(E3866:23:1) were recovered from stratified deposits within the mound.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation at a burnt mound site located at Urraghry townland in County Galway. The excavation uncovered a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes, gully, and paleochannel. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples indicated Early Bronze Age activity on the site. Mesolithic stone tools were also found, suggesting earlier occupation. The site contributes to understanding prehistoric settlement patterns in the area, with five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of a new road development.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation of a disturbed ringfort (GA087-177) in Loughbown, County Galway. The excavation revealed evidence of Iron Age activity pre-dating the construction of the enclosure. Features excavated included a sub-circular structure, a causeway, entrance, internal bank, and a V-shaped external ditch enclosing the site. Radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples spanned the 4th century BC to the 17th century AD. Few artefacts were recovered, including a bracelet, quernstone, and knife blade. The excavation helped further the understanding of the construction and occupation of the site from the Iron Age period through the medieval period.
This site probably represents evidence of domestic occupation. Based on comparative evidence and the absence of any artefacts it has been assigned a prehistoric date. It may form either a corner from a fence line or may form part of a more complex structure such as a dwelling house. Rectangular houses are
known from the Neolithic through to the Bronze Age, and from the early historic period onwards.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Ballydowny in Killarney, County Kerry. Five cooking pits (fulachta fiadh), a ring ditch containing a cremation burial, two medieval iron working areas, and a prehistoric site with evidence of copper working were uncovered. Radiocarbon dating indicates occupation from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into the early medieval period. The excavation revealed remnants of iron smelting and smithing, as well as five cooking pits that were likely used for boiling or steaming food. A ring ditch and associated cremation burial were also found, dating to the Bronze Age.
This report comprises the Final Report of excavations undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects along the line of the proposed Castledermot Sewerage Scheme in 2004. Kildare County Council proposed to upgrade the sewerage system in Castledermot village running from the Lerr River to the south along Abbey St. and Main St. to Skenagun to the north. The present town contains extensive archaeological remains, both upstanding and subsurface, of the earlier Medieval town (KD040-002). Therefore in 2002, an archaeological assessment of the proposed line of the sewerage trench was carried out (Byrne 2000). This was followed by a programme of test excavations (Lynch 2002). The results of this work led to a decision to archaeologically resolve the line of the proposed pipe trench in advance of commencement of construction works. Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated the line of the proposed trench between June and December 2004 under excavation licence number 04E0750. While the excavated trench was narrow, it offered a lengthy cross-section of the Medieval and Post-Medieval town. The excavation revealed a number of facets of the town during these periods including the Medieval town walls and a cemetery. Following archaeological resolution of the trench, it was backfilled to be opened at a future date for the insertion of the sewerage pipes.
Archaeological excavations in Harristown Big townland revealed a number of anomalous archaeological features within an excavated area of c. 100 m2. A total of 33 excavated contexts were recorded including stake-holes, pits and a post-hole.
The moated site comprised a rectangular moated area with an inside bank, a sub-rectangular building, and extensive evidence for activity outside the moat including numerous field boundaries, drains, furrows, working areas, a pottery kiln and a possible bisque firing kiln.
The site consisted of two concentrations of burnt mound material spread over an area of 20 m2 and an off-centre trough that was possibly originally plank-lined.
The site comprised a total of eight features, located in two areas approximately 15 m. apart but clearly relating to the same activity. One feature represented recent agricultural disturbance. Of the seven remaining features, five contained traces of burnt bone with charcoal, suggesting the presence of cremation deposits. A large spread of burnt material was also observed, lying in a shallow cut.
Two distinct features were recorded on the western and eastern side of the route of the N8 during topsoil striping prior to the construction of the temporary realignment of the R614. Site A a Bronze Age / Iron Age ring ditch was located to the west of the N8 and Site B an Early Bronze Age enclosure was located to the east in Ballybrowney Lower.
Site A has been identified as a ring-ditch with an internal diameter of 4.25m. Cremated human bone was recorded in the fills of the ring ditch. It is likely to be associated with the large Bronze Age/Iron Age site on the route of the N8 to the north-east which was excavated by E. Cotter in 2003. The site included four enclosures, three circular houses and a medieval corn-drying kiln. The site was truncated by several levelled field boundaries, probably 18th in origin (Cotter 2004, 38).
Site B was a continuation of an Early Bronze Age enclosure partially excavated by E.Cotter in 2003. As it was not going to be disturbed it was not excavated but recorded, planned and covered.
In Bricketstown townland a number of agricultural features were exposed including a limekiln, land divisions, hearth and stakeholes, a platform with medieval waste and evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation. The main features of the sites included early land divisions (ditches), a work surface with residues from various industrial activities, a hearth surrounded by stakeholes/hearth furniture, later land divisions (ditches) that enclosed ridges and furrows and a kiln. The archaeological evidence from the site is generally indicative of activity associated with agriculture, incorporating a kiln, furrows, boundaries and drainage ditches.
The excavations at Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary uncovered three areas of pits. The pits in two areas (Areas 2 and 3) were isolated and did not contain notable artefacts or environmental evidence. However, at Area 1 there were several pit clusters and artefacts and radiocarbon dates indicated occupation (probably intermittent rather than permanent) during the Early Neolithic.
In May 2005, Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated a fulacht fiadh and an isolated pit in Skehacreggaun td., Mungret. The fulacht fiadh dates to the Middle Bronze Age, within the usual date range for these monument types. The isolated pit is likely to date to the Bronze Age and it contained the only artefact recovered through these archaeological works. The scraper suggests craft and subsistence since prehistoric times.
A group of over a hundred pits, postholes and stakeholes were located on the hilltop at Stagpark. The features dated from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age which would suggest that the hilltop was occupied over a long period of time. Four pits containing burnt fills were recorded in Area A and Area C. The pits were similar in terms of morphology, size and date. The two sets of pits were located within 1m of each other and c. 40m apart. Almost identical Early Bronze Age dates were returned for two of the pits. The pits may have functioned as cremation pits, although minute traces of burnt bone was recorded in only one of the fills. They may also have been utilised for a domestic purpose. One of the two large pits (C.1001) in Area B was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It is difficult to interpret the function of these pits as they are exceptionally large. Stakeholes recorded on the upper sides of pit C.1001, these may have formed a frame or covering for the pit.
The recovery of two sherds of Late Bronze Age coarse ware from a pit, in the vicinity of the hearth-pit C.22, in the northwest section of Area A, would indicate that this area was utilised during the Late Bronze Age. A cluster of three pits and eight stakeholes were located to the southeast of the hearth.
Four of the stakeholes in particular could have formed a shelter around the hearth open to the west.
Although no dating evidence was obtained from the features in the vicinity of the large pits C.66 and C.90 it is possible that they are associated with the Late Bronze Age activity surrounding the hearth C.22.
A Middle Iron Age date was returned from the later re-cut of the large pit C.110. An L-shaped alignment, consisting of three pits, 13 stakeholes and three postholes, extended to the north and east of the pit. The alignment measured c. 6m north-south by 13m east-west. It could be associated with the Middle Iron Age pit C.110, the Early Bronze Age cremation pits or the Late Bronze Age features.
A number of fulachta fiadh were recorded downslope to the north and south of the site. Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while four other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 1 (04E1119) was 600m to the south, Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 200m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 1.5km to the north. The fulachta fiadh are located on heavier clay subsoil. Radiocarbon dates obtained from some of the burnt mounds would suggest that these sites were utilized during the Early Bronze Age.
The site, possibly located on the margins of prehistoric settlement, forms an interesting contrast to a Middle Bronze Age settlement site excavated at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072). The remains of at least three circular houses were excavated at Mitchelstown 1. The site was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River. The opposing site on the southern bank of the Gradoge River was subsequently occupied by the Anglo Normans in the thirteenth century. The material evidence recorded on site was scant. No associated pits and stakeholes were associated with the structures. It is possible that these features were located outside the route corridor.
The site comprised a kiln, a small pit, and a field system, evidenced by three ditches. This is one of three kilns discovered during the road development scheme. It was medieval/post-medieval in date and consisted
of a circular main chamber with the flue projecting to the south-southwest. It was probably a limekiln and there was evidence for several periods of use.
Until monitoring of top-soil stripping commenced in 2003 only one archaeological monument was recorded on the site of the current development, Enclosure LI005:037. Following monitoring and subsequent excavation this area now includes records of at least three Late Bronze Age unenclosed flat cremation cemeteries, a ring-ditch in close proximity to one of the smaller cemeteries and the remains of four Fulachta Fiadh.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Kiltotan Collinstown 13, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two main areas of archaeological remains. Area A contained a large pit filled with burnt clay and charcoal dating to the Bronze Age, as well as some post-medieval ditches. Area B contained one irregular disturbed pit also containing burnt material that may be related to remains found further south beyond the road works area. The excavation helps add to the understanding of archaeological remains in the surrounding landscape, which contains evidence of activity dating from the Mesolithic through to the post-medieval period.
The site situated at Harristown Big consisted of five fire pits, one heat affected area, nine pits, three stakeholes and three areas where archaeological material accumulated in natural hollows. There was a proliferation of burnt waste and evidence for burning in situ. Two of the pits and a stakehole produced fragments of pottery identified crucibles and a small bowl or stand. Radiocarbon dating indicated that activity at the site was Middle or Late Bronze Age. Specialist analysis of the ceramics has facilitated the interpretation of the site as an area where metalworking was carried out.
The site at Gortnahown was divided into five separate cuttings. Areas 1 and 2 comprised one cutting. Area 3 was located 80 m to the south-west. Area 4 was located 110 m south-west of Area 3 and Area 5 was located 65 m south of Area 4. Areas of activity centred on hearths were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age period. One of the hearth-side groups was associated with flint knapping. Two substantial roundhouses and two ancillary structures, including a workshop were dated to the early medieval period. Evidence for all phases of metalworking including the manufacture of bronze coated iron bells was recorded at the site. The area was enclosed by a ditch in the medieval or post-medieval period.
Evidence for Early Neolithic and Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age occupation was recorded in the form of a number of pits and post-holes in Area 3. Post-medieval pits and ditches were recorded in Area 4. The truncated remains of two possible medieval houses and a number of pits were recorded in Area 5.
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordJohn Tierney
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity, in the form of a well and boundary wall, associated with the demolished buildings on Peter Street was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the central southern part of the site. The area of excavation measured 11.5m north-south by 12m east-west.
All the pits in the excavation trench were medieval in date and are likely to have served as rubbish dumps. The artefactual material and the faunal remains recovered from the various fills would support this hypothesis. There was no evidence that they were used for industrial practises, though waste material from industrial activity was mixed with domestic refuse. They were located in the area of the medieval house burgage plots. No evidence of medieval structures was recorded. It is likely to exist under the foundations of the existing upstanding structures on South Main Street.
The pottery assemblage from the site was examined by the ceramic specialist Clare McCutcheon. The majority of the pottery consisted of local and Irish wares, comprising of Lenister Cooking ware, Wexford-type coarse ware, ware, fine ware and cooking ware. The English wares consisted of Minety-type, Ham Green and Redcliffe wares. The Wexford-type wares indicate local pottery production, although no medieval pottery kilns have as yet been located in Wexford. The French wares particularly the Saintonge ware, from the southwest of France, jugs, represented the wealthier tastes.
Similar to Archaeological Excavation Report - E2446 Barnacragh, Co. Galway Digital Report (20)
The Historic Graves Project involves community volunteers conducting archaeological surveys of historic graveyards. Volunteers use GPS cameras and audio recorders to photograph, document, and map over 1,200 headstones across 11 graveyards over two years. For each graveyard, the project creates a folder with a register of graves, a sketch map, contact sheets of photographs, and record sheets. The goal is to explore, protect, and promote awareness of Ireland's historic graveyards.
Public talk by John Tierney on recent work on the O'Daly Bardic School, Dromnea, Sheepshead, Cork and outlining a strategy for community-led heritage projects.
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration ProjectJohn Tierney
This document provides an overview of a genealogical tourism project led by Dr. Paul MacCotter and John Tierney to document the history of families that took part in the Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration from Ireland to Canada in the 1820s-1830s. The project involves surveying graveyards and mapping homestead locations to build an online geolocated database of records. The goal is to help descendants research their ancestry and trace the places their families lived before emigrating. Methods for collecting, organizing, and publishing the historical data online are discussed.
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882John Tierney
The document discusses the benefits of meditation for reducing stress and anxiety. Regular meditation practice can help calm the mind and body by lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that meditating for just 10-20 minutes per day can have significant positive impacts on both mental and physical health over time.
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in IrelandJohn Tierney
This document outlines John Tierney's work with Eachtra Archaeological Projects surveying historic graves and homesteads in Ireland. It provides guidance on conducting graveyard surveys through sketch plans, geotagged photos, and record sheets. It also describes a process for identifying historic homesteads through reconnaissance, geotagged photographs, and publishing findings online and in a shared spreadsheet. The goal is to link Irish emigrant communities both within Ireland through shared heritage sites and records, and with communities abroad where emigrants settled.
Human remains of 48 individuals were discovered and excavated during works associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply Scheme in Toberjarlath townland on the eastern edges of Tuam, County Galway. The burials were located within the bounds of the former Tuam Union Workhouse, which opened in 1846. Eighteen grave pits containing between two and four burials each were uncovered. Analysis showed the individuals were paupers buried in the former workhouse grounds in the 19th century. A section of the workhouse boundary wall and internal ditch were also excavated.
Slides from John Tierney's talk on exploring the heritage of Ardmore in the era of digital research and publication. This talk is part of the www.reyndr.com project being developed by Eachtra in association with a number of community groups.
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic GravesJohn Tierney
Community engagement in historic graveyard surveys has a multiplier effect. What started as an archaeological survey of headstones has become community genealogy and local history. This talk was presented to the Irish Genealogical Research Society AGM in May 2013.
The Historic Graves Project is a community collaboration that aims to promote genealogical tourism by pinpointing family names and histories across centuries in graveyards in southeast Cork, Ireland. Volunteers record information from historic graveyards to share online and create puzzles and stories to engage people in learning about the people and families represented in each place through time.
Following the discovery of human remains during archaeological monitoring of engineering trial pits in Sawpit Lane a 1 m wide trench was excavated along Sawpit Lane, Church Lane and The Mall in advance of pipelaying associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply in July 2010. The remains of 15 individuals were recorded and excavated along with a series of ditches and pits. A stone culvert and the remains of a boundary wall were also identified. Two of the skeletons and a bone fragment from the base of one of the ditches returned calibrated radiocarbon dates centring on the seventh century. In addition a smithing hearth cake typical of early iron smithing was recovered from the upper fill of the ditch along with a bone trial motif piece which has sixth/seventh century parallels. The other pits and ditches had fills containing relatively mixed finds and animal bone fragments. The excavated features are located outside the present Temple Jarlath enclosure in the middle of Tuam and close to the site of the early medieval market area and the site of the post-medieval shambles. The pits may have acted as refuse pits for waste and the ditches may have demarcated areas or being used as open drains. The early burial evidence and the early possible enclosing ditch coupled with reports of an early unclassified cross slab suggest that the graveyard and enclosure at Temple Jarlath may be associated with St Jarlath’s original early Christian foundation.
This document provides an archaeological excavation report for Adare Castle in County Limerick, Ireland. It includes:
- A history of Adare Castle from its origins in the medieval period through different periods of occupation.
- A description and maps showing the location of the castle and areas excavated between 2001-2006, including the drawbridge, moat, kitchen, great hall, and two domestic areas.
- Results of the excavations including structures like walls, drains, and pits uncovered, along with artifacts found consisting of pottery, wood, bone, stone, metal, glass and leather objects.
- Environmental evidence from animal bones, plant remains, and shells analyzed to understand life at
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...John Tierney
The site was excavated under licence no. 04E0712. It was divided into ten areas of excavation: Areas 1-6, Area 6W, Area 7, Area 10 and Area 12.The earliest evidence for human activity was an Early Neolithic radiocarbon date obtained from the fill of a ditch in Area 6. However, there is no evidence for associated Early Neolithic activity. Most of the archaeological features excavated at Ballynattin were Bronze Age. Bronze Age pits were found in Area 6W, there was a spread of Bronze Age material in Area 3 and three partial Bronze Age structures were found in Areas 6 and 7. These were truncated and approximately only one third of each structure survived for excavation. A furnace excavated in Area 2 may also be Bronze Age in date; it has no associated radiocarbon dates but a saddle quern and flints were found within the furnace fill. The remaining features excavated at the site were primarily post-medieval, including a hearth excavated in Area 4, drains and ditches (Areas 1, 4 and 5) and a 19th century cobbled surface (Area 5).
The site consisted of a sub-circular enclosure with a diameter of approximately 36 m; it was initially identified as a crop mark on an aerial photograph, with no trace at ground level. Three sides of the enclosure were formed by two ditches (recorded as the ‘east ditch’ and the ‘west ditch’). The fourth side was characterised by large pits/postholes and slot trenches which probably continued the line of the enclosure, despite the absence of a ditch. The enclosure surrounded a Bronze Age settlement site, with a sub-circular post and stake-built structure excavated near the centre of the enclosed area and an ancillary structure to the west. This report details the results of excavation at the site and the descriptions are broken down into context complexes: the enclosure, the internal structure, the ancillary building, other internal features and external features.
The greatest proportion of archaeological features encountered at Shandon relate to Medieval activity. While nothing dateable was recovered from the sub-rectangular enclosure ditch itself, the discovery of 12th/13th century pottery from features inside and immediately outside the enclosure provides a strong case that the ditch is contemporaneous.
It must be considered a possibility that the enclosure at Shandon is a Medieval moated site. The latter have been defined as “all rectangular enclosures bounded by banks and moats of Medieval date, whether they enclosed a major house or simply a garden or cattle pen” (Barry 1987, 84). While there was no definite evidence of a bank at Shandon, there is a suggestion that one may have existed. Moated sites date to the 13th and 14th century (ibid., 85) and the local pottery found at Shandon overlaps with this date range.
It must also be considered that the Shandon enclosure relates to Hiberno-Norse activity. Prior to the present work, the motif piece was the sole indicator of such activity. However, this find is now further substantiated by the discovery of an 11th century Hiberno-Norse coin (Plate 12). Because of preservation by redesign and avoidance, a large proportion of archaeological features at Shandon were not excavated and consequently it is quite possible that further diagnostic Hiberno-Norse material survives on the site. However, one coin and a trial piece do not a Hiberno-Norse settlement make and it is plausible that the coin was deposited in Anglo-Norman times long after its original period of manufacture and use.
Archaeological excavation of the site at Busherstown revealed a complex multi-period site with six phases of activity. In broad outline they confirmed the use of the area from the Early Neolithic period to the present time. The first period of activity was prehistoric in date and comprised a small assemblage of lithics and a circular structure (Structure A) dated on typological grounds to the Bronze Age. The second phase was dated to the early medieval period, when the area was used for cereal processing, as evidenced by the discovery of at least 17 cereal-drying kilns and a further seven possible kilns. The majority of the kilns were located in a line that extended for a distance of 80 m in a NW-SE direction. The firing chambers of the kiln were for the most part located at the NE. A small number of the kilns were partially enclosed (Structures D and E). The third phase of activity was defined by an enclosure (ditches C.68 and 447) which was probably contemporary with the cereal processing. The continuous use of the area of the enclosure in the medieval period was confirmed when certain areas of the site were enclosed through the construction of deep, wide ditches (ditches C.54 and C.63). The ditches (ditches C.227 and C.78) were re-cut in the later medieval period to function as an annexe to a moated site. A substantial ditch, 5.5 m wide by 1.7 m deep, defined the moated site. Only the southern corner of the moated site was located within the road corridor. However, the entire outline can be clearly seen in aerial photographs of the adjoining field to the north-east. Two structures (C and D) were contemporary with the moated site. The post-medieval period was represented by a large number of furrows crossing the site and material which had been dumped into the top fills of the ditches. The site was levelled in the recent past.
Authors: Ewelina Chrobak, Jacinta Kiely and Tori McMorran
Geophysical Survey: Land Adjacent to Archaeological Sites - County Offaly & C...John Tierney
This document provides details of archaeological geophysical surveys conducted at 5 sites - Busherstown 1, Drumbaun 2, Drumroe 1, Killeisk 1, and Park 1 - located along the route of a new road scheme in Counties Offaly and Tipperary, Ireland. Magnetic gradiometer and susceptibility surveys were used to investigate the archaeological remains found during previous excavations. The surveys identified potential archaeological features extending beyond the excavation areas, including ditches, enclosures, and field boundaries, adding to the understanding of activity at these sites. The results provide valuable information to planners but require verification through archaeological excavation.
This document provides an architectural survey of nine sites along the proposed N7 Castletown to Nenagh road scheme in Ireland. It describes the methodology used, which included field inspections and historical research. Each site is then documented with descriptions, photographs, sketches, and historical map extracts. The sites include a former smithy, entrance gates and avenue, several vernacular farm complexes, the remains of a country house and associated buildings, sections of an old road and bridge, and a standing ruin. Recommendations are provided to mitigate impacts to cultural heritage.
The excavation of the site at Moneygall 2 comprised a single pit of unknown date. The site is located in Moneygall townland, Cullenwaine parish, Offaly county. Jacinta Kiely directed the excavation and authored the excavation report. The pit was excavated and no datable artifacts or features were uncovered, so the date of the feature remains unknown.
LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
it describes the bony anatomy including the femoral head , acetabulum, labrum . also discusses the capsule , ligaments . muscle that act on the hip joint and the range of motion are outlined. factors affecting hip joint stability and weight transmission through the joint are summarized.
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
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This document provides an overview of wound healing, its functions, stages, mechanisms, factors affecting it, and complications.
A wound is a break in the integrity of the skin or tissues, which may be associated with disruption of the structure and function.
Healing is the body’s response to injury in an attempt to restore normal structure and functions.
Healing can occur in two ways: Regeneration and Repair
There are 4 phases of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This document also describes the mechanism of wound healing. Factors that affect healing include infection, uncontrolled diabetes, poor nutrition, age, anemia, the presence of foreign bodies, etc.
Complications of wound healing like infection, hyperpigmentation of scar, contractures, and keloid formation.
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
This presentation includes basic of PCOS their pathology and treatment and also Ayurveda correlation of PCOS and Ayurvedic line of treatment mentioned in classics.
2. Draft Archaeological Excavation Report,
Coololla,
Co. Galway
Spade mill and Lime kiln
June 2009
Client: Roads Design Office,
Galway County Council
E No.: E2447
Ministerial Order No.: A024
Licensee: John Tierney
Contact details:
The Forge,
Innishannon, Co. Cork.
Written by: Mick Drumm Tel.: 021 470 16 16
John Tierney Fax: 021 470 16 28
E-mail: info@eachtra.ie
Web Site: www.eachtra.ie
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Table of Contents
i Summary ............................................................................................................ iv
ii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................. iv
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................1
2 Site Location, Topography and Soils ....................................................................1
3 Background to the Development .........................................................................2
4 Archaeological and Historical Background .........................................................2
4.1 Late medieval east Galway .................................................................................2
4.2 Post-medieval east Galway..................................................................................3
5 Results of Excavation ...........................................................................................6
5.1 Area 1: the spade mill .........................................................................................6
5.2 Area 2: the lime kiln ..........................................................................................9
6 Artefacts ..............................................................................................................9
7 Discussion .......................................................................................................... 10
8 Bibliography ....................................................................................................... 13
9 Figures ................................................................................................................ 15
10 Plates ..................................................................................................................22
11 Appendices .........................................................................................................29
11.1 Appendix 1: Stratigraphic Index Coololla Mill .................................................30
11.2 Appendix 2: Stratigraphic Index Coololla Kiln .................................................34
11.3 Appendix 3: Stratigraphic Matrix Collolla Kiln.................................................36
11.4 Appendix 4: Griffith’s Valuation.......................................................................37
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Discovery series OS map showing the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road
(Contract 4) and the location of all excavation sites .............................................................. 15
Figure 2: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the 1st
edition OS map (Sheet 87).................................................................................................... 16
Figure 3: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the
RMP map (Sheet 87) ............................................................................................................ 17
Figure 4: Extract from 1819 map of County Galway by W. Larkin. ...................................... 18
Figure 5: Areas of excavation Coololla, Co. Galway (E2447) ................................................ 19
Figure 6: Stone foundations of the spade mill at Area 1, Coololla, Co. Galway (E2447) ....... 20
Figure 7: Post-excavation plan of the lime kiln at Area 2, Coololla, Co. Galway (E2447) ..... 21
List of Plates
Plate 1: View of the surrounding landscape taken during excavation - facing north-west. .... 22
Plate 2: General pre-excavation view - facing north.............................................................. 22
Plate 3: Post-excavation view of building C.23 - facing south-west. ..................................... 23
Plate 4: Random coursed stone used in construction of main building. ............................... 23
Plate 5: Faced stones in southern wall near the mill race, with sluice supports visible. .......... 24
Plate 6: Post-excavation view of building C.23 - facing south. .............................................. 24
Plate 7: Post-excavation view of building C.23 - facing north-west........................................ 25
Plate 8: View of millrace, with detail of ‘idling channel’ and sluice at south-east - facing south-
east. 25
Plate 9: Millrace, sluice supports and linear stone structure C.26 - facing south-east. ........... 26
Plate 10: Detail of hearth C.28. ............................................................................................ 26
Plate 11: General view of N end of lime kiln - facing north-west........................................... 27
Plate 12: Mid-excavation of lime kiln - facing north. ............................................................ 27
Plate 13: Limestone extraction pits C.19 and C.23 - facing east. ........................................... 28
Plate 14: Post-excavation shot of the kiln and the adjacent limestone extraction pits- facing
north. 28
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i Summary
This site was discovered during archaeological testing prior to construction of the new N6
Galway to Ballinasloe road. A post-medieval building was interpreted as a water-powered
forge, probably used as a spade mill. The lime kiln at was also post-medieval, with evidence
for limestone extraction and firing within the same area. There is no evidence to link the ac-
tivity at both sites and it is not known whether they were in use at the same time, although in
theory both the spade mill and the lime kiln could have been operated by the same people.
Townland Coololla
Parish Aughrim
Barony Kilconnell
County Galway
Ministerial Order no. A024
E no. E2447
OS Map Sheet GA087
National Grid Reference Lime kiln 178502 228526
Forge 178569 228678
Elevation 65 m OD
Site type Post-medieval spade mill and lime kiln
ii Acknowledgements
The excavation director was John Tierney and the senior supervisor was Mick Drumm. Field
crew included Marcella Loughman, Jason Goreham, Lesley Davidson, Rafal Wolanski,
Anita Pinagli and Luke Ryalls. Illustrations are by Ben Blakeman, Lesley Davidson, Enda
O’Mahony and Robin Turk. Report compilation was by Anluan Dunne. The project was
commissioned by Galway County Council and was funded the National Roads Author-
ity under the National Development Plan (2000-2006). The project archaeologist was Jerry
O’Sullivan and the assistant project archaeologist was Martin Jones. Thanks to Dr Colin
Rynne (UCC) for information about the site type.
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1 Introduction
This report comprises the final excavation report for a spade mill and lime kiln excavated
at Coololla, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. The site was excavated as part of the new N6 Galway
to Ballinasloe road scheme (Figure 1) and it was found during archaeological testing within
the lands acquired for the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe dual carriageway road scheme
(O’Donoghue et al. 2006). The site included two areas of excavation: a post-medieval spade
mill was excavated in Area 1 and a post-medieval lime kiln was excavated in Area 2.
2 Site Location, Topography and Soils
The site was found within the townland of Coololla, c. 0.75 km north-west of Aughrim vil-
lage. It was situated in an area of gently undulating pastoral farmland with outcrops of lime-
stone (Plate 1). The site was located on soils classified as grey brown podzolics, with associated
brown earths, gleys and basin peat. These soils have a moderately wide use range and are good
for cereal, fruit and vegetable cultivation (Gardiner & Radford 1980, 97).
The solid bedrock is Middle to Upper Carboniferous Limestones, with Calp Limestones
predominating in the area of this site. The Quaternary deposits in the region are undulating
glacial drift with some post-glacial peat and alluvial deposits. Trial pitting for the Environ-
mental Impact Assessment report indicated that the subsoil in the area this site at Coololla
was sandy till.
The mill or forge building was located alongside the Melehan river which flows through
Aughrim village and originally drained the bog (now reclaimed) that once characterised
much of the surrounding area. The bog is still visible in parts of the 2nd edition Ordnance
Survey map (1887-1913). The river was narrow and winding, with no defined floodplain in
the vicinity of the site.
The building was found at chainage 45970 and NGR 178569 228678. A lime kiln was lo-
cated 160 m to the north-east, at chainage 45860 and NGR 178502 228526. There are no
buildings visible in this area on the 1st or 2nd edition Ordnance Survey maps.
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3 Background to the Development
The excavation was undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects for Galway County
Council and the National Roads Authority. This work forms part of wider archaeological
excavation programme undertaken by Eachtra within approximately 15 km of the proposed
N6 Galway to Ballinasloe dual carriageway scheme (Contract 4, Figures 1-3)).
4 Archaeological and Historical Background
4.1 Late medieval east Galway
The local history of the area around Ballinasloe is well documented thanks in large part to
the work of local historian Patrick Egan, whose detailed history of Ballinasloe parish was
published in 1960. Much of the information presented below is based on his work.
The Normans built a castle in Ballinasloe in 1245, on the eastern bank of the river Suck. It
became the centre of a Norman manor which, along with a manor at Aughrim, was granted
to Sir Richard de Rupella in 1253. The castle standing at Ballinasloe today was built by the
O’Kelly sept in the 14th century and probably replaced the earlier Norman castle. Irish law
and custom prevailed in the area around Aughrim and Ballinasloe from the mid 14th century
until the end of the 16th century, with members of the O’Kelly family the direct occupiers
of the land in the area during this period. However, the reformation signalled tremendous
change in the area. Land and property belonging to the monasteries and the church were
confiscated and re-granted to Protestants and others who recognized the English monarch
as head of the church. The upheavals of the time are evident in the records for occupancy of
Ballinalsoe Castle towards the end of the 16th century. In 1572 the castle was held by the
Earl of Clanricard, one of the Clanricard Burkes, who successfully transformed from Anglo-
Norman lords to English style landlords (Mulloy 1996, 213). Soon after it was taken over by
the crown and in 1579 it was made the residence of the English governor of Connacht Sir
Anthony Brabazon (Egan 1960, 40, 69-70).
Not all land was transferred from the Gaelic lords: in 1578 Sean na Maighe O’Kelly accepted
land granted to him at Clanmacowen under the surrender and regrant scheme (Egan 1960,
39). However, Feardorcha O’Kelly of Aughrim was less successful and in he was forced to
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seek a lease from the Earl of Ormond for land his family had occupied for several hundred
years (Egan 1960, 40). In general, by the middle of the 17th century, the Old Irish lordships
like the O’Kellys, while still retaining some vestiges of their old privileges, were suffering
declining fortunes (Mulloy 1996, 213).
4.2 Post-medieval east Galway
In October 1641 an insurrection broke out and heralded the beginning of a war that was to
last eleven years. It was fought by a loose amalgamation of the old Irish lordships and what
became known as the Old English. In Galway the Earl of Clanrickard, though Catholic
and Royalist, refused to join forces with the confederation and had such an influence that
the rebellion in Connacht in general lacked coherency. By 1653, however, the country was
devastated by Cromwell’s army and the ensuing confiscations and transplantations resulted
in a great change of landownership. The Act of Settlement (1662) and the Act of Explana-
tion (1665), passed under the restoration monarchy, generally reconfirmed the adjustments
made in landownership after the original Cromwellian settlements. The O’Kellys, who were
the main landowners in the area prior to the settlements, were the big losers. They were later
forced to sell much of the land they retained in the parishes of Kilcloony and Creagh (Egan
1960, 90-1).
While the misfortunes of the O’Kelly family were linked to the upheavals of the 17th cen-
tury, there were winners as well as losers. In Ballinasloe and the surrounding countryside,
the Trench family were winners. The post-medieval history of the area is inextricably linked
with this family of French Huguenots who settled at Garbally in 1631 after arriving from
Northumberland in England (Lodge 1838, 98). Frederick Trench purchased Garbally castle
and lands, on the western outskirts of Ballinalsoe, from a Colonel Carey Dillon. Perhaps the
same Carey Dillon was appointed vice-admiral of Leinster in 1668 (Marsden 1908, 754). The
office was not necessarily a naval one, some holders merely acted as rate collectors (Marsden
1908, 737) and therefore it is possible that the Colonel and the Vice-Admiral were the same
person.
Trench ownership of Garbally castle was confirmed by patent from Charles II (Egan 1960,
107). The estate was added to by his son, also Frederick Trench, in 1678 and the acquired
land amounted to the whole parish of Kilcloony and a large area in the parish of Clontuskert
(Egan 1960, 133). The acquisition of this land would have been at the expense of the descend-
ants of Sean na Maighe O’Kelly.
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In 1691 Ballinasloe and Aughrim took centre stage during a battle for the crown of England.
The battle of Aughrim was fought between Jacobite and Williamite forces on 30th June 1691
and it was the bloodiest battle ever fought on Irish soil with up to 7000 soldiers killed. It was
bloody and it was decisive: after the battle the city of Galway surrendered without a fight and
the Jacobite’s main army in Limerick surrendered shortly afterwards.
As Protestants and Hugenots the Trenches supported the Williamites during the Battle of
Aughrim. Family memoirs record that a map of the Jacobite position at Aughrim was given
to the Williamite General Ginkel and that the house at Garbally was thrown open to King
William’s army and was used as a field hospital (Clancarty 1874). The Rev John Trench, a
brother of Frederick, was active on the Williamite side and it is said that he contributed the
heel of his boot in the effort to raise the gun which was to kill the Jacobite General St Ruth
(Egan 1960, 108).
The third Fredrick Trench succeeded his father in 1704 (Egan 1960, 133) and he became one
of the most powerful men in Co. Galway. He acted as High Sheriff of the county from 1703
and became one of the knights of the shire, and therefore the acting member of Parliament for
the area. He also added to his estate: in theory the Act of Settlement after the Cromwellian
confiscations set aside the barony of Clonmacowen for transplanters from Carlow, Waterford
and Limerick. In reality one major grant was made to William Spenser whose son Nathaniel
sold his interest to the third Frederick Trench in 1716 (Egan 1960, 94).
The third Fredrick Trench was succeeded by his son, Richard Trench, in 1752. Richard had
already sat in Parliament for the borough of Banagher. Through Richard’s marriage to Francis
Power the Trench family acquired all the Power estates in the baronies of Leitrim, Dunkellin
and Loughrea as well as the Keating estates in Kilkenny, Carlow and Dublin. This brought
them ancient titles to Norman and Irish nobility (Egan 1960, 133-4). Richard Trench was
succeeded by his son William Le Poer Trench in 1770 who, after his son (another Richard
Trench) voted for the Union in 1800, became a Viscount in 1801 and the Earl of Clancarty
in 1803 (Egan 1953). His numerous offspring included Richard, the 2nd Earl of Clancarthy,
who pursued a diplomatic career (Kelly 1996, 258), Power, who became the last Church of
Ireland Archbishop of Tuam, William, Rear Admiral of the Royal Navy and the Venerable
Charles le Poer Trench, who was Archdeacon of Ardagh.
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In the early part of the 19th century the Trench Family commissioned the English architect,
Thomas Cundy I, to rebuild Garbally House, the family seat, after an older house on the site
was burned down in 1798. Cundy first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1795 and became a
successful country house architect from c. 1807 (Placzek 1982, 482). In conjunction with the
rebuilding of Garbally the cartographic evidence suggests that the Trench family also built
Mackney House at the end of the 18th century (Kelly 2004). Mackney House and grounds
also underwent a period of extensive development during the early 17th century. Lewis in
his Topographical Dictionary of 1837 references the estate of Mackney as one of the princi-
pal houses in Ballinasloe and it is listed as the residence of Charles le Poer Trench who was
brother to Richard, Earl of Clancarty, and acted as his agent.
The responsibilities of estate ownership involved fostering agricultural and industrial mod-
ernisation, hoping to improve conditions for the people who lived and worked on the estate as
well as increase revenues from the estate. Ballinasloe was developed largely under the auspices
of the Trench family. For example, sometime around 1750 Frederick Trench was advertising
and giving active encouragement for the development of a linen or woollen industry. Plots
were offered along with accommodation and additional farming land (Egan 1960, 134-5).
The Trench family also encouraged the Ballinasloe fair as a profitable business. This annual
October livestock fair, which is reputedly the largest such fair in Europe and had a national
reputation even in the 19th century, created a large amount of prosperity in the town (Egan
1960, 136).
The story of the Trench family in Ballinasloe is typical of how Ascendancy estate manage-
ment fostered a general element of agricultural and rural industrial improvements. This can
be seen more locally in the smaller estates in the hinterland of the town. The edge of Coololla
townland, including the area that the spade mill was built on, appear to have formed part of
the Demesne of Fairfield House, based on Larkin’s ‘A Map of the County of Galway’ dated
1819 (Figure 4). At the end of the 18th century the estate at Fairfield belonged to Samuel
Handy. Handy resided at another estate, Brackagh and Coolalough, in Co. Westmeath and it
is likely that the Fairfield estate was leased out. Marriage settlements dated 10 June, 1772 for
the marriage of Samuel Wesley Handy (the eldest son of Samuel Handy Senior) and Cather-
ine Fleming specify that half of the lands of Coololla (or Coololah) were settled on Samuel
Wesley Handy. The documents list the total Handy interest in the area as follows:
….town and lands of Aghrim, Co. Galway, and the Mill and Mill-
er’s gardens of said town containing 1,400 acres, and also the tolls
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and customs of the markets and fairs of said towns and lands of
Aughrim by virtue of a lease of lives renewable for ever….
(Quoted in Fitzgerald Reynolds 1942, 161)
The other main landholder in Coololla (according to Griffith’s The Primary Valuation of
Ireland) was George Crowe. A post-medieval house demolished as part of the N6 Galway to
Ballinasloe road scheme was reputedly the property of the Crowe family prior to emigration
to America (Jones 2004). The Fleming, Handy and Crowe families all appear to be related by
bonds of marriage. For example, Samuel Handy, whose son married a Fleming, was designat-
ed a guardian of the children of Elizabeth Crowe and William Fleming (Fitzgerald Reynolds
1941, 2002). This suggests that land and property in the entire townland of Coololla was in
the hands of one large, extended family.
In 1837, the estate at Fairfield was listed by Lewis as one of the gentlemen’s seats in the vicin-
ity of Aughrim, with a T. Wade, Esq. named as the resident. A Thomas Wade is listed in Grif-
fith’s The Primary Valuation of Ireland as the occupier of ‘House, offices, herd’s, steward’s hos.
and land’ which he leased from the Trustees of the estate of Samuel W. Handy. The annual
valuation of rateable property for this holding was £425. Wade also occupied other property
within the parish of Aughrim (at Doocreggaun, Ballhoolahan and Ballynahown townlands).
These were all land that was leased from Lord Clonbrock. The combined annual valuation
of these holdings came to £42 and 2 s. The fact that Wade rented land beyond his demesne
is perhaps indicative of someone keen to expand revenues from his estate. It seems possible,
therefore, that the speculative venture of setting up a spade mill at Coololla could have been
carried out with Wade’s encouragement.
5 Results of Excavation
The site was divided into two areas of excavation, with Area 1 being the area of the spade
mill and Area 2 the area of the lime kiln (Figure 5). Full descriptive details are provided in
the stratigraphic index for the forge (Appendix 1) and the lime kiln (Appendix 2) and in the
stratigraphic matrix for the lime kiln (Appendix 3).
5.1 Area 1: the spade mill
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The archaeology in this area comprised the reduced wall footings of a rectangular stone
structure with an associated millrace and tailrace, found within an area of excavation that
measured c. 400 sq m (Figure 6).
5.1.1 The building
The main building (C.23) was rectangular in plan with external measurements of 7.8 m in
length by 7 m in width (Plates 2 and 3). The stone walls were 0.7 m wide, and the internal
dimensions of the structure were 6.4 m by 5.6 m, producing a total floor area of 35.84 sq m.
It was constructed on a series of foundation layers (C.14, C.15 and C.16), mostly made of
sub-angular limestone rubble. These probably aided drainage in the building.
Roughly hewn stones were used in the construction of the building. These ranged from 0.1
m to 0.25 m in length. The northern, eastern and western walls were random coursed (Plate
4) but there were square, faced stones at the southern wall where an internal millrace (C.31)
ran adjacent and parallel to the wall of the spade mill (Plate 5). The bonding material used in
the building was a lime mortar heavily tempered with gravel, which made up c. 30% of the
mortar. The building survived at its highest in the eastern wall, near the millrace, where four
courses of stone were visible to a height of 0.5 m (Plate 6).
5.1.2 The millrace
Water from the Melehan river fed the millrace (C.25) at the southern part of the site, divert-
ing water from the stream to the spade mill. It was 0.42 m wide and 0.2 m deep. For c. 25 m
the millrace ran from south-west to north-east and entered the forge building near the south-
ern end of the eastern wall (Plate 7). It was lined on each side with irregularly cut limestone
blocks averaging 0.2-0.3 m in length and only one course high. The millrace continued with-
in the building. The internal millrace (C.31) measured 6.7 m in length and was 0.9 m wide at
the top and 0.7 m at the base. It was 0.9 m deep. At the eastern end of the millrace there were
two opposing limestone supports for sluice gates, with regular grooves cut into the stone to
allow the gate to be raised and lowered (Plate 8). These measured 0.9 m high and were made
from dressed limestone. A possible idling channel (C.22) was found running along the centre
of the millrace. This was 3.5 m long, 0.36 m wide and 0.2 m deep. It comprised a single line
of stones, irregularly shaped limestone blocks and red bricks (averaging 0.25 m long). The
stones appear to block the channel so that water could not flow back out from the mill when
the water level was low and this feature may have been used to slow or hold the flow of water
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in the millrace. The tailrace (C.13) exited the building in the eastern wall, it was 2.6 m long
and aligned north to south. The width ranged from 0.1 m to 0.6 m and it was 0.7 m deep.
The entrance to the tailrace was stone-lined and also had a capstone (0.6 m wide).
5.1.3 Other internal features
The interior of the building was covered by a grey, sandy floor surface (C.12), apart from a
rectangular area between the wall at the eastern corner and a possible foundation for a work
surface (C.27, see below). This floor surface was found 0.2 m below the top of the wall foun-
dations and it was covered by the rubble deposits C.4 and C.6 which probably derived from
backfill once the building was no longer in use.
A linear stone structure (C.26) ran at a 45º angle to the internal millrace (C.31). It measured
3.2 m in length, 0.3 m in width, 0.17 m in height and it was aligned east to west (Plate 9). It
was composed of limestone and red brick, set in two courses at the eastern end and sloping
gradually to the west where there was only one course. The upper course throughout con-
sisted of large, flat, limestone blocks or slabs. These averaged 0.3 in length by 0.2 m in width
and 0.07 m in depth. Gaps between the stones were filled by red bricks. The lower course at
the eastern end consisted of smaller rectangular limestone cut blocks (0.1-0.15 m long) and
complete red bricks. The bonding material was a lime mortar, similar to that used throughout
the main structure (C.23). The purpose of this feature is unknown.
A possible foundation for a work surface (C.27) was found at the north-eastern corner of the
building. This comprised a single course of stones set in a right angle to form a rectangle when
combined with the wall in the corner to the building. All of the stones were limestone apart
from a single red brick at the western end. One of the stones was cut but most were rough
cobbles that measured between 0.12 m to 0.28 m in length. The floor deposit (C.12) was not
found between the wall and the stone foundations (C.27), and the area may have been the
base of a raised platform or surface where work in the spade mill was carried out.
A hearth (C.28) was found 0.7 m from the eastern wall (Plate 10). It was 1.05 m long and
2.2 m wide and composed of irregular limestone angular stones, averaging 0.14 m in length.
There were red bricks at the back of the hearth. The large chunks flaking off these bricks were
possibly the result of repeated episodes of firing and cooling at the hearth. The building mate-
rial in the hearth was bonded by mortar, which again was heavily tempered with gravel. The
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walls were between 0.58 m and 0.69 m thick, with an internal niche that was 0.33 m wide.
The floor in this area (C.29) was baked, oxidised clay that was compacted hard, with frequent
charcoal chunks. The opening to the hearth was filled by limestone cobbles (C.30).
5.2 Area 2: the lime kiln
A lime kiln was found c. 80 m to the north-east of the spade mill. The lime kiln was a shallow
bowl-shaped kiln with a short flue. The area around the lime kiln also included two limestone
extraction pits. These features were found within an area of excavation that measured 400 sq
m (Figure 7).
5.2.1 The lime kiln
This ‘keyhole’-shaped kiln consisted of a bowl and a flue (C.5) cut into the subsoil (C.2) and
directly below the topsoil (C.1). The entire kiln measured 7.5 m long, 5.5 m wide and 1.0 m
deep. The bowl was 0.8 m in diameter and the flue, which extended from the bowl towards
the east, was 0.7 m long and 0.8 m long. The kiln was stone-lined (Plate 11), with just one
course of stones evident during excavation. There were seven deposits within the kiln (C.10,
C.12, C.13, C.14, C.15, C.16 and C.17). These were predominantly oxidised clay fills with
mortar-like inclusions (Plate 12). One fill (C.15) was lime-rich and similar to mortar. This
may represent the product of firings in the kiln, i.e. reduced lime.
5.2.2 Limestone extraction pits
Consignments of stone (such as limestone, marble or chalk) were the main charge used in
lime kilns and at the Coollola kiln it is likely that the raw material used was limestone, the
local bedrock. Some of this may have been sourced at two limestone extraction pits (C.19 and
C.23) that were found in close proximity to the kiln (Plates 13 and 14). These were oval and
measured 2.5 m and 1.5 m wide by 0.6 m deep. The pits were sectioned but were not fully
excavated. Pit C.19 was found 0.2 m to the north-east of the kiln and pit C.23 was located
1 m to the east of the kiln. The fills of both pits contained topsoil-like material and small
limestone pieces.
6 Artefacts
There were no artefacts from this site.
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7 Discussion
During excavation the building at Area 1 in Coololla was interpreted as a mill. However, dis-
cussion with Dr Colin Rynne, of the Archaeology Department at University College Cork,
raised the possibility that the structure is the remains of a water-powered forge rather than a
mill. The presence of a hearth reinforces this interpretation, as other mill types did not usu-
ally require fire during their operation. These forges were often called ‘spade mills’ because
they were used for making spades, the main implements of cultivation in areas with very
small landholdings, particularly in the West and the North. The spade and the associated
technique of creating cultivation ridges were vital in permitting the spread of settlement into
marginal areas during the post-medieval period in Ireland (Gailey 1982, v).
Most spade mills were small, with usual dimensions ranging from 6.1 m to 9.15 m in length
and from 4.57 m to 7.62 m in width. The smallest known spade mill came from Lackagh,
Co. Tyrone and measured just 5.18 m by 4.57 m (Gailey 1982, 28). The Coololla building,
measuring 7.8 m in length and 7 m in width, fits into the general size range of known spade
mills.
Spade mills often simply consisted of a water-powered tilt hammer and a forge and some were
still in operation in the early 20th century (Rynne 2006, 268 – 70). The operation of the
spade mill is described by Gailey (1982, 10) as follows:
The hydraulic tilt hammer consisted of a pivoted beam, carrying on one end an iron
hammer head...Activation of the hammer was by the cams of a cam-wheel hitting
against a metal plate fixed in the end of a hammer beam opposite the head. Each cam
in turn came into contact with the plate which...was depressed downwards and...its
own weight brought the head down to strike on an anvil fixed in the ground below.
The smaller spade mills consisted of the mill building alone, with the tools being finished
off in separate forges at sites removed from the mill (Gailey 1982, 31). As only one building
was found at Coololla this is probably what happened at this site. The river near the site is
very small today, running alongside a field boundary (see Plate 1). It is unlikely that there is
enough water there now to run a mill. This suggests that drainage patterns in the vicinity of
Aughrim have been significantly modified in modern times. Drainage channels cut through
the marshy ground to the east and north of the village are a likely cause of the reduced water
volume at the site today.
Most spade mills were 19th century establishments, although there is evidence that their
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construction began in some parts in the 1750s (Gailey 1982, 11). The majority of small spade
mills originated in the period around 1815 and the economic depression in the wake of the
Napoleonic wars meant that several small mills were apparently already out of business by
the 1830s (Gailey 1982, 14). This could explain why the building at Coololla is not marked
on the 1st or 2nd edition Ordnance Survey maps, and it is not listed in Lewis’ Topographical
Dictionary of Ireland (1837), it was a failed venture that was not in operation very long.
On the other hand, a forge at Coololla is mentioned in The Primary Valuation of Ireland
(a survey by Samule Griffith carried out between 1848 and 1864), perhaps referring to the
spade mill, which was a water-powered forge. A John Curley lived in Coololla and leased a
house, offices, a forge and four acres of land (Appendix 4). John Curley settled in Aughrim
in the 1850s and set up a blacksmith’s forge in the village. A John Curley was also listed in
Slater’s Directory (1894) as the blacksmith in Aughrim village (Scannell and Cooke 2005, 4).
The forge was in operation until the 1960s, run by three successive generations of the family
(MacLochlainn 1980, 29-30).
There is also a possibility that a corn mill occupied by Robert Stanford and listed in Grif-
fith’s Valuation is the building that was excavated at Coololla. Spade mills were occasionally
set up in buildings that had previously been used as ‘corn, flax, textile, log wood and paper
mills’ (Gailey 1982, 30). However, this is unlikely as it suggests that the building was not yet
converted into a forge/spade mill by the time Griffith’s surveys were carried out.
There are no artefacts from the excavation to indicate most closely its period of use. There is
evidence to suggest that several spade mills were set up as speculative business ventures and
that there was not enough business in the locality to support them in the long term. As a con-
sequence the life-span of many small spade mills was short, with some perhaps surviving no
more than a decade (Gailey 1982, 14; McCutcheon 1980, 260). This may explain why records
for the Coololla spade mill are difficult to trace. As the building survived only as sub-surface
remains it is likely that the stone from the spade mill was reused in other buildings and field
walls once operations at the mill ceased.
The lime kiln at Coololla Area 2 was a small, earth-cut, bowl kiln. Lime kilns were fired at
high temperatures to produce calcined lime or quicklime (CaCO3 + heat → CaO + CO2). The
process was only permanent if temperatures exceeded 900ºC, and once the fire in the kiln
was lit it required several days of burning before the limestone was calcined. Quicklime is an
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alkaline crystalline solid. It is caustic but it has several uses: in building work as a bonding
agent (an ingredient in mortar), in render, in whitewash, and as fertiliser. Rynne (1999, 29)
notes that most small lime kilns were probably used only intermittently for the production of
small quantities of lime for agricultural purposes. As the Coololla kiln was small (the bowl
was just 0.8 m in diameter), it is likely that it was used for the production of agricultural lime.
This suggestion is reinforced by the absence of slaking pits in the vicinity of the kiln (lime for
building works was generally mixed with water to form hydrated or slaked lime).
Agricultural lime was used in Ireland from the mid 17th century (Ó Drisceoil 2005, 204)
and by the late eighteenth century Arthur Young commented on the frequency with which
lime was used as manure or fertiliser for improving land (e.g. Young 1780, 124-5). Lime kilns
continued in use into the 20th century.
The two areas of excavation at Coololla are therefore linked by the theme of small-scale ag-
ricultural activity in post-medieval times. The spade mill was used to manufacture tools for
cultivation and the lime kiln was used to enhance the products of cultivation. It is even pos-
sible that the same people worked at both the spade mill and the lime kiln, as both could be
operated on an ad hoc basis. For example, many mills were only run seasonally, when water
levels were high (Gailey 1982, 31), leaving labourers available to work the forge in the winter
and the fields in the summer.
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8 Bibliography
Clancarty, R. 1874 Memoir of the le Poer Trench Family. Dublin.
Egan, P.K. 1960 The Parish of Ballinasloe. Its history from the earliest times to the present day.
Dublin, Clonmore and Reynolds.
Egan, P.K. 1953 Ballinasloe: a historical sketch. Ballinasloe, Ballinasloe Tóstal
Council. (Transcribed on the website www.ballinasloe.org)
Fitzgerald Reynolds, H. 1942 ‘Irish Family History: Handy of Coolylough and Bracca
Castle, Co. Westmeath’, Notes and Queries 182, 160-162.
Fitzgerald Reynolds, H. 1941 ‘Irish Family History: Fleming of Co. Kildare: Crowe’, Notes
and Queries 181, 201-203.
Gailey, A. 1982 Spade Making in Ireland. Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
Gardiner, M.J. and Radford, T. 1980 Soil Associations of Ireland and their Land Use
Potential. Dublin, An Foras Talúntais.
Griffith, R. The Primary Valuation of Ireland. (Survey carried out between 1848 and 1864.)
Jones, M. 2004 ‘Archaeological test excavations at a house site at Coololla, Aughrim, Co.
Galway, on the route of the proposed N6 Galway to East Ballinasloe road scheme’,
Unpublished archaeological report.
Kelly, J. 1996 ‘The Politics of Protestant Ascendancy: County Galway 1650-1832’, pp. 229-
70 in Moran, G. & Gillespie, R. (eds.) Galway History and Society. Interdisciplinary
essays on the history of an Irish county. Dublin, Geography Publications.
Kelly, S. 2004 Architectural Report N6 Galway-Ballinasloe Road Scheme AO24, Vol. 1.
Unpublished report by Moore Group for Galway County Council.
Larkin, W. 1819 ‘A map of the County of Galway’. London: B.L. - MAPS.148.d.13
(Available on www.buildingsofireland.ie).
Lewis, S. 1837 A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. London, Lewis and Co.
Lodge, E. 1838 The Genealogy of the Existing British Peerage. London.
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19. E2447 | A024/34 Coololla, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
O’Donoghue, J., Tierney, J. and Doolan, A. 2006 ‘N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Archaeological
Test Excavation Report’, Unpublished excavation report for Eachtra Archaeological
Projects.
Ó Drisceoil, C. 2005 ‘Excavation of a Limekiln at Danceastle, Carrick-on-Bannow’, Journal
of the Wexford Historical Society 20 (2004 – 2005), 203-208.
Placzek, A.K. (ed.) 1982 Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects Vol. 1. New York, Macmillan.
MacLochlainn, T. 1980 The Parish of Aughrim and Kilconnell. South Harrow.
Marsden, R. G. 1908 ‘The vice-admirals of the coast’, English Historical Review 23, 736-757.
McCutcheon, W.A. 1980 The Industrial Archaeology of Northern Ireland. New Jersey,
Fairleigh Dickinson University Press.
Mulloy, S. 1997 ‘The transfer of power: Galway 1642-1703’, pp. 213-228 in Moran, G. &
Gillespie, R. (eds.) Galway History and Society. Interdisciplinary essays on the history of
an Irish county. Dublin, Geography Publications.
Rynne, G. 2006 Industrial Ireland 1750 – 1930 An archaeology. Cork, The Collins Press.
Rynne, C. 1999 The Industrial Archaeology of Cork City and its Environs. Dublin,
Government of Ireland.
Scannell, J. and Cooke, C. 2005 A Social History of Aughrim since 1961. Aughrim, Aughrim
Development Company.
Young, A. 1780. A Tour in Ireland. Dublin.
Websites
www.ballinasloe.org
www.buildingsofireland.ie
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20. N
9
E2447 | A024/34
Figures
Coololla, Co. Galway
E2443 A024/31
Mackney
Pits & ditches
E2449 A024/36
Urraghy E2442 A024/09
Burnt mound
Loughbown I
E2447 A024/34 Ringfort & forge
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Coololla
Lime kiln & forge E2444 A024/10
Mackney
Ringfort with skeletal remains
E2448 A024/35
Cooltymurraghy E2445 A024/32
Burnt mound Mackney
Pits
E2054 A024/21
E2446 A024/33 Loughbown II
Barnacragh Ringfort
Burnt mound
0 2km
Figure 1: Discovery series OS map showing the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) and the location of all excavation sites
ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
15
21. E2447 | A024/34
Coololla, Co. Galway
E2449 A024/36
Urraghy
Burnt mound
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E2442 A024/09
Loughbown I
Ringfort & forge
E2447 A024/34
Coololla
Lime kiln & forge
E2448 A024/35
Cooltymurraghy
Burnt mound
Figure 2: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the 1st edition OS map (Sheet 87) E2054 A024/21
Loughbown II
E2446 A024/33 Ringfort
Barnacragh
Burnt mound
ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
16
22. E2442 A024/09
E2447 | A024/34
Loughbown I
Ringfort & forge
E2443 A024/31
Mackney
E2447 A024/34
Pits & ditches
Coololla
Lime kiln & forge
E2449 A024/36
Urraghy
Burnt mound
E2444 A024/10
E2448 A024/35 Mackney
Coololla, Co. Galway
Cooltymurraghy Ringfort with skeletal remains
Burnt mound
E2445 A024/32
E2054 A024/21 Mackney
Loughbown II Pits
Ringfort
E2446 A024/33
Barnacragh
Burnt mound
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Legend
Canal
Folly
Togher
Earthwork
Field system
Burial Ground/Graveyard
Ecclesiastical Site/Holy well
Castle/Tower
Stone Group/Inscibed Stone
Ringfort
Enclosure
Motte
Monument 0 Km 2 Km
Figure 3: The route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4) overlaid on the RMP map (Sheet 87)
ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
17
23. E2447 | A024/34 Coololla, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Figure 4: Extract from 1819 map of County Galway by W. Larkin.
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24. E2447 | A024/34 Coololla, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
N
Limekiln
>>
Forge
>>
Extent of CPO for road
0 100 m
Figure 5: Areas of excavation Coololla, Co. Galway (E2447)
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26. E2447 | A024/34 Coololla, Co. Galway ISSUE 2: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
178572, 178574,
228680 228680
N
C.5
Bowl
Flue
178574,
228676
0.5 m 0 0.5 m
Figure 7: Post-excavation plan of the lime kiln at Area 2, Coololla, Co. Galway (E2447)
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10 Plates
Plate 1: View of the surrounding landscape taken during excavation - facing north-west.
Plate 2: General pre-excavation view - facing north
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Plate 3: Post-excavation view of building C.23 - facing south-west.
Plate 4: Random coursed stone used in construction of main building.
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Plate 5: Faced stones in southern wall near the mill race, with sluice supports visible.
Plate 6: Post-excavation view of building C.23 - facing south.
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Plate 7: Post-excavation view of building C.23 - facing north-west.
Plate 8: View of millrace, with detail of
‘idling channel’ and sluice at south-east -
facing south-east.
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Plate 9: Millrace, sluice supports and linear stone structure C.26 - facing south-east.
Plate 10: Detail of hearth C.28.
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Plate 11: General view of N end of lime kiln - facing north-west.
Plate 12: Mid-excavation of lime kiln - facing north.
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Plate 13: Limestone extraction pits C.19 and C.23 - facing east.
Plate 14: Post-excavation shot of the kiln and the adjacent limestone extraction pits-
facing north.
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11.1 Appendix 1: Stratigraphic Index Coololla Mill
Con- Area/ Draw- Type Dimen- Description Finds Envi-
text GS ing sions ron-
No. No. (metres) mental
material
1 Site - Topsoil Site Dark brown, soft silty loam. Fre- No
Occasional subangular and quent samples
rounded limestone pebble post
inclusions. Overlies (003A). med
ce-
ramic,
slate,
glass
and
occa-
sional
bone
2 Site - Glacial till Site ******** No No
finds samples
3A Site - Alluvium Site Mid brown, firm, clayey No No
3B silt, Occasional sub-rounded finds samples
limestone small – medium
pebbles. (003A) overlies all
features. (003B) underlies all
features.
4 All 7, 11 Backfill 1.60 x Light brown with grey mot- No BS3
quads deposit 5.50 x tling, stiff, sandy silt. Oc- finds
0.60 casional angular medium
pebbles and moderate large
angular, sub-angular, sub-
rounded stone inclusions.
Overlies (012), underlies
(005).
5 N 7,11 Backfill 1.20 x Mid brown, soft, sandy silt. No No
quads deposit 5.50 x Moderate red brick inclusions. finds samples
0.40 Overlies (004), underlies
(006).
6 N 7,11 Backfill 5.0 x Dark brown silt. 80% No BS 1
7 quads 7 deposit 1.70 x angular, sub-angular and sub- finds BS5
NE Oxidised 0.40 rounded stones of which 70% No BS7
quad clay/silt 0.86 x limestone, 8% redbrick, 2% finds BS8
0.58 x slate. Overlies (005), under- No
0.11 lies (003A). samples
Mid orangish brown, very soft
sandy, clayey, silt. Frequent
angular and sub-angular
coarse gravel inclsuions.
Overlies (012), underlies
(003A).
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Con- Area/ Draw- Type Dimen- Description Finds Envi-
text GS ing sions ron-
No. No. (metres) mental
material
10 SE Rubble/col- 1.20 x Large limestone blocks (0.17 No No
quad lapse deposit 0.28 x average size) concentrated ad- finds samples
0.20 jacent to sluice gates, internal
to mill race 031. Overlies
(022), underlies (004).
12 All 11 Original/1st 5.50 x Light grey, firm, silty, medi- No No
quads phase floor 5.90 x um-coarse sand. Frequent finds samples
surface 0.12 angular, sub-angular and
sub-rounded coarse pebbles,
various lithoologies. Overlies
(014), underlies (003A), (005).
13 SE of 15, 18 Tailrace 2.60 x Linear shape in plan. Nar- No No
site 0.60 x row channel lined with large finds samples
0.10 angular, subangular and sub-
rounded limestone cobbles.
Capped with larger angular
limestones, average 0.60m.
Overlies (003B), underlies
(003A)
14 SW Hardcore/ 0.70 Mid brown, firm sandy No No
quad foundation x 0.58 silt. 80% large subangular finds samples
deposit (visible limestone blocks/hardcore
in slot) x laid in roughly 2 courses. No
0.27 mortar. Overlies (015), under-
lies (012).
15 SW Hardcore/ 0.70 Large subangular limestone No No
quad foundation x 0.58 blocks. Irregularly set. Over- finds samples
deposit (visible lies (002), underlies (014)
16 NE Foundation in slot)
0.32 Mid brown, firm silty clay. No No
quad deposit depth Moderate angular, sub-angu- finds samples
lar and sub-rounded medium
pebble inclusions. Overlies
(002), underlies (027)
17 S 11, 12 Fill of 3.30 x Very light brown, firm, sandy No No
quads “idling” 0.18 x silty, clay. Frequent angular finds samples
channel, 0.12 and sub-angular coarse pebble
[022] inclusions. Overlies (022),
underlies (018).
18 S 11, 12 Fill of 4.60 x Mid brown, silty sandy, clay. No No
quads “idling” 0.34 x 20% coarse angular gravels. finds samples
channel, 0.30 Overlies (017), underlies 004).
[022]
20 SE Collapsed/ Cancelled- this deposit the No No
quad dumped same as (006) finds samples
rubble
deposit
21 SE Oxidised fill 0.45 x Mid yellow sandy silt. 20% No SS2
quad of hearth, 0.30 x small charcoal flecks. Over- finds
[028] 0.05 lies (029), underlies (006).
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Con- Area/ Draw- Type Dimen- Description Finds Envi-
text GS ing sions ron-
No. No. (metres) mental
material
22 S “Idling” 3.50 x Linear narrow, shallow chan- No No
quads channel 0.36 x nel with line of roughly set finds samples
0.20 large limestones and redbrick
at SW ; internal wall of (023)
at NE. U-shaped profile.
Overlies (002), underlies (018)
23 All Mill 7.80 x Square shape in plan. Walls No No
quads structure 6.70 are 0.70 wide. 80% random finds samples
coursed limestone blocks,
20% lime mortar. Overlies
(002), underays (003A)
24 SE 10 Layer of 1.20 x Single course of angular and No No
quad stones 0.64 x sub-angular limestone cob- finds samples
0.15 bles; 0.12-0.15 average. Over-
lies (004), underlies (003A).
25 SW Mill race 25 x Linear shape in plan. A nar- No No
quad entrance 0.42 x row channel lined on either finds samples
0.25 side by irregular limestone
blocks, 0.30 average. 1 course
only. Overlies (003B), under-
lies (003A)
26 S Diagonal 3.20 x Linear shape in plan. 1-2 No No
quads wall 0.30 x courses limestone flat slabs finds samples
0.17 and redbrick (85/5). Bonded
with lime mortar. Overlies
(012), underlies (004).
27 NE Possible 2.0 x Right angle of limestone and No No
quad work surface 0.72 x redbrick abutting wall of 023 finds samples
footing 0.35 at N, and E. Bonded with a
lime mortar. Overlies (016).
28 SE Hearth 2.20 x Funnel shaped, random No BS10
quad 1.65 x coursed limestone and red- finds
0.40 brick structure. Bonded with
lime mortar. Interior of struc-
ture lined with lime mortar.
Filled by (006), (021), (029).
29 SE Oxidised 0.97 x Reddish, yellow, hard clayey No No
quad clay “floor” 0.30 x silt. Frequent small flecks of finds samples
of hearth, 0.05 charcoal inclsuions. Overlies
028 (012), underlies (021)
30 SE Cobbled 0.77 x Mid greyish brown, compact, No No
quad surface in 0.90 x fine-medium sand. 60% sub- finds samples
hearth area depth rounded and flat limestone
unkown cobbles, 0.10-0.14 average
size. Overlies (012), undelays
(029).
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Con- Area/ Draw- Type Dimen- Description Finds Envi-
text GS ing sions ron-
No. No. (metres) mental
material
31 S. Millrace in- 6.70 x Linear mill race. 5 courses No No
quads ternal to the 0.90 x of square faced limestone, finds samples
building 0.90 random courses. 30% lime
mortar. 2 cut limestone
sluice gates at E end. Overlies
(003B), underlies (003A).
SS = Soil sample
BS = Brick sample
[ ] = Cut
( ) = Fill
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