Killybegs Glebe Enclosure

Excavation licence number 01D083. Test-trenching was carried out in advance of a pier extension scheme that will involve the partial removal and burial of a gravel bar in Killybegs Harbour. The north end of Smooth Point (SMR 97:16) had been investigated by a programme of test-trenching carried out by Archaeological Development Services. It was also agreed to investigate two upright timbers, identified by Karl Brady (Dúchas), in the intertidal zone to the south of Rough Point. Rough Point and Smooth Point are two intertidal islands at the west end of Killybegs town. No archaeological features or finds were recorded in any of the eleven trenches excavated in the intertidal zone on Smooth Point and to the south of Rough Point. The trenches extended from the cut line for dredging down to the low-water line. Based on the evidence recorded during this phase of investigation, it appears that Smooth Point is composed of a number of natural layers of cobbles, sands and gravels. No evidence for archaeological features and no finds were noted at this site, and it is concluded that Smooth Point is a natural feature, such as a spit or shingle bar, formed by marine activity. The timbers investigated to the south of Rough Point were interpreted as the remains of tree stumps. From the trenching it could be seen that these stumps, while naturally occurring, were not in situ and were probably deposited at this location through water action. Several other similar stumps and branches were noted across the intertidal zone. The timbers uncovered are not of archaeological significance. (Excavations Bulletin 2001) Tony Cummins, ÆGIS Archaeology Limited, 16 Avondale Court, Corbally, Limerick.