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On Aughinish Island overlooking the River Shannon; site now part of industrial complex (Aughinish Alumina) but excavated in 1974 prior to this industrial development (Lynch 1974). Excavations at Aughinish Castle (LI010-020----) revealed the base of a bawn wall (Wth 2.2m) enclosing a 'roughly circular' area (c. 80m N-S; c. 60m E-W), with well cobbled entrance on S side (Wth 3.5m). Whilst 'legal reasons prevented the investigation of the keep' (ibid.) considerable area-excavation was carried out within the bawn, revealing the base of 'a domed oven' (ibid.). Finds included sherds of late and post-medieval pottery, a wide range of iron objects, and an Irish halfpenny dating to the late 17th century. Also uncovered were the skeletons of 31 individuals, 'of which 'the majority were young children and babies' (ibid.). This latter suggests the presence of a burial ground for unbaptised children (killeen).
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 13 May 2020
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