Council to receive report on archaeological find

A full report into one of the most significant archaeological finds in the history of the city is due to be presented to Galway City Council today.

The report follows months of research into the discovery of ten human skeletons, 17th century pottery, window glass, clay pipe stems, and related materials from a site next to Terryland Castle where British troops fought with their Irish and French counterparts in 1691.

Workmen made the discovery while building a pedestrian and cycling access ramp between the Dyke Road and the Quincentary Bridge in February.

The area around the mound was sealed off and an archaeological company was engaged by the City Council to investigate the finds.

At first four, then six, and then ten skeletons – both male and female – were discovered at the site and all of the materials found next to the body confirmed early beliefs that they were from the 17th century.

Work began on the construction of the pedestrian and cycle way on February 1 and within days it became clear to an archaeologist working for the Council that there was huge historical significance attached to the site.

There is no evidence to discount his initial belief that the skeletons found in the Terryland mound were those of British troops who were killed when the French and Irish forces defended the historic castle in 1691.

“I hope to have a report done on the whole thing tomorrow,” said Mr Higgins yesterday. “There were some females and males among the skeletons and they seem to have been buried in something of a hurry.

“In the 17th century, it was quite normal for British soldiers to bring women with them, for cooking and so on, so there is nothing to discount our belief that they were killed at the skirmish at Terryland Castle during the Williamite War in 1691.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.