UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

CABLE ROUTE SELECTION SURVEY

SPIDDAL CO. GALWAY

ON BEHALF OF

SEAI & THE MARINE INSTITUTE

Moore Marine Services

Job Number: M11G05

Author: Eoghan Kieran

Date: November 2011

Moore Marine Services, Corporate House, Ballybrit Business Park, Galway. Tel: +353 (0) 91 765640, Fax:+353 (0)01 765641, Web: www.mooremarine.ie,

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SCOPE OF WORKS ...... 5 1.1 Introduction ...... 5 1.2 Purpose of the Project ...... 5 1.3 Archaeological Impact Assessment ...... 6 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 7 2.1 Proposed Development ...... 7 3. DESKTOP RESEARCH ...... 8 3.1 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 8 Mesolithic Period ...... 8 Neolithic Period ...... 8 The Bronze Age ...... 9 The Iron Age/Early Historic Period ...... 10 Later Historic Period ...... 11 Site specific background ...... 11 4. BASELINE DATA ...... 12 4.1 Cartographic Overview ...... 12 4.1.1 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, scale 1:10560, 1838 ...... 12 4.1.2 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map, scale 1:10560, 1893 ...... 15 4.2 Record of Monuments and Places ...... 17 4.3 National Museum Topographical Files ...... 26 4.4 Shipwreck Inventory ...... 26 4.5 Ports and Harbour Archive ...... 28 4.6 Aerial Photograph ...... 31 4.7 Previous Archaeological Excavations ...... 33 5 UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY ...... 34 5.1 Geophysical Survey ...... 34 5.2. Survey Vessel, Geodesy and Equipment ...... 34 5.3 Data Collection ...... 35 5.4 Data Processing ...... 36 6. ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF GEOPHYSICAL DATA ...... 36 6.1 Bathymetry ...... 36 6.2 Side Scan Sonar...... 36 6.3 Sub Bottom Profiler ...... 40 7 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 43 7.1 Discussion ...... 43 7.1.1 The Development Area ...... 43 7.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ...... 43 7.2.1 Furbogh Route Option ...... 43 7.2.2 Central Route ...... 44 7.2.3 Spiddal Route ...... 44 7.3 Summary ...... 45 8. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 46 APPENDIX 1. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 47

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Cable Route Map ...... 6

Figure 2. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey, of Spiddal area, surveyed Jan 1838 ...... 12

Figure 3. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey of central area, surveyed Jan 1838 ...... 13

Figure 4. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey of Furbogh area, surveyed Jan 1838 ...... 14

Figure 5. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey showing Spiddal, surveyed June 1893 ...... 15

Figure 6. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey, showing central area, surveyed June 1893 ...... 16

Figure 7. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey, showing central area, surveyed June 1893 ...... 17

Figure 8. Extract from County Galway RMP Sheet no 92 showing Spiddal site ...... 18

Figure 9. Extract from County Galway RMP Sheet no 92 showing central site ...... 24

Figure 10. Extract from County Galway RMP Sheet no 93 showing Furbogh site ...... 25

Figure 11. Vessel offset diagram...... 34

TABLE OF PLATES

Plate 1. OSI Aerial image of Spiddal landing sites ...... 31

Plate 2. OSI Aerial image of central landing sites ...... 32

Plate 3. OSI Aerial image of Furbogh landing site ...... 33

Plate 4. Mosaic of Spiddal features 1 & 2 ...... 40

Plate 5. Sub Bottom Profile from Furbogh route ...... 41

Plate 6. Sub Bottom Profile from Central route ...... 41

Plate 7. Sub Bottom Profile from Spiddal route...... 42

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1. Table of Geodesy ...... 35

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Moore Marine was commissioned by the Sustainable Spiddal route, adjacent to an area of bedrock outcrop c. 90 Energy Authority of Ireland and the Marine Institute to m apart. They both had long linear amorphous shapes carry out an underwater archaeological and cultural which may have been of archaeological significance. heritage impact assessment of three route options for a Definition of the exact nature of these features was not proposed cable to travel from the north shore of Galway possible. The third and fourth features were Bay between Spiddal and Furbogh to the Wave Energy Test palaeochannels; one which was noted along the Furbogh Site, c. 1.3km south from the shore. The assessment route option and the second which was noted along the comprised a review of the archaeological and historical Spiddal option. background to the area as well as analysis of route specific The report subsequently recommends the following geophysical data acquired by the Marine Institute. mitigation measures to minimise the impact of the The aim of the impact assessment is to identify and address development on the identified potential cultural heritage: the location, nature, character, condition and extent of any 1. Preference should be given to development of cultural heritage, which may be affected by the the Central route option development. It details the project, the existing environment at the site, the survey methodology, the 2. Avoidance should be considered of the Furbogh results of archaeological interpretation of the geophysical and Spiddal route options. If this is not possible data and the identification of possible impacts of the then investigations should be undertaken to proposed works. determine the archaeological nature of the

The wave energy test site (the offshore extent of the unconsolidated palaeochannel fill material on proposed cable) lies approximately 1.3 km south of the these route options. north shore of Galway Bay. Its east west extent is 3. Avoidance of the Spiddal East route option. If approximately 670 m and its north south extent this is not possible then investigations should be approximately 560 m. The three proposed routes extend undertaken to determine the nature of the from the wave energy site to three potential landing sites; possible archaeological anomaly. Spiddal, Furbogh and a location situated between these sites known as the central site. 4. Avoidance of the Spiddal central option. If this is The desktop assessment of the archaeological and historical not possible then investigations should be background to the proposed development area indicates undertaken to determine the nature of the that there are only two route options which have RMP sites possible archaeological anomaly. in their vicinity. These are: the Furbogh site, which has one RMP and a disused quay in its vicinity and the Spiddal (central of the 3) landing site which has three RMP sites in its vicinity.

A geophysical survey was carried out between 16th and 19th June 2011 to identify the most favourable cable route connecting the wave energy test site to a shore station. The techniques used were side scan sonar and sub bottom profiler.

Archaeological review of the geophysical data plus review of historic bathymetric data identified four features of possible archaeological significance. The first two features were identified from side scan sonar data on the central

M11G05 Galway Bay Cable November 2011

1 SCOPE OF WORKS

1.1 Introduction

Moore Marine was commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Marine Institute to carry out an underwater archaeological and cultural heritage impact assessment of three route options for a proposed cable to travel from the north shore of Galway Bay between Spiddal and Furbogh to the Wave Energy Test Site, c. 1.3km south from the shore (Figure 1). The assessment comprised a review of the archaeological and historical background to the area as well as analysis of route specific geophysical data acquired by the Marine Institute.

The aim of the assessment is to identify and address the location, nature, character, condition and extent of any cultural heritage, which may be affected by the development. It details the project, the existing environment at the site, the survey methodology, the results of archaeological interpretation of the geophysical data and the identification of the possible impacts of the proposed works. The aim of the report is to identify whether further enabling works will have the potential to impact on either known or unknown cultural heritage which may be contained within the proposed development zone.

1.2 Purpose of the Project

The wave energy test site (the offshore extent of the proposed cable) lies approximately 1.3 km south of the north shore of Galway Bay (Figure 1). Its east west extent is approximately 670 m and its north south extent approximately 560 m. The three proposed routes extend from the wave energy site to three potential landing sites; Spiddal, Furbogh and a location situated between these sites; (designated as Centre for this report).

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Figure 1. Cable Route Map

1.3 Archaeological Impact Assessment

The principle aim of assessment is to anticipate and avoid impacts on the archaeological resource. Archaeological assessment may be required as part of the planning process “in response to developments which may be located in the vicinity of archaeological monuments” (The Heritage Council, 2000).

Assessment has been described as “the overall process of assessing the impact of a development” (DAHGI, 1999). It can comprise of mitigatory measures including documentary research, examination of aerial photographs etc. and more intrusive measures including testing and/or full excavation.

The purpose of the impact assessment was: (i) to ascertain the character, condition and extent of any archaeological areas, features or objects likely to be affected by the proposed works, including any associated temporary works and to ascertain the potential impact of the works on archaeological remains outside the immediate area of the proposed works as these may be vulnerable to impacts arising from consequent changes in hydrology and sediment formation, (ii) to accurately locate these archaeological areas, features and objects and present the findings in map form, (iii) to describe same and discuss their likely provenance, (iv) to ascertain the likely impact of the proposed works on these remains, (v) to recommend appropriate measures for the avoidance of these remains or, where this

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cannot be achieved, to recommend measures to mitigate the impact of the works and (vi) to incorporate all the above in a report.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Proposed Development

The proposed Galway Bay Cable Project is a joint undertaking by the Marine Institute (MI) and Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI). It comprises two separate, but complementary, projects in Galway Bay, under one umbrella proposal. Both projects involve the installation of a subsea cable:

1. ¼-scale Wave Energy Test Site: Provide wave energy developers with a facility to assess the performance of wave energy converters.

2. SmartBay: Provision of SmartBay test-bed facility, to test and demonstrate Marine ICT.

Background

The Marine Institute and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland operate the wave energy test site in Galway Bay. The test site provides developers of wave energy devices with a facility to test ¼ scale prototypes. The test site is situated on the north side of Galway Bay, 1.3 km south of the north shore of the bay and 2.4 km east south east of Spiddal Pier. The area of the site is 37 hectares and water depth is 21-24 metres. Current test site infrastructure consists of navigation markers on the four corners of the and real time wave monitoring instrumentation. At present wave energy devices deployed on the site cannot be connected to shore (for electricity transmission or data exchange) and this limits testing them in their operational configuration

In parallel, the Marine Institute has successfully implemented the SmartBay Pilot project in Galway Bay. This includes the deployment of a range of instrumentation, including environmental monitoring buoys, wave monitoring instrumentation etc. SmartBay is a National R&D & Test Facility that provides a real world test environment for the demonstration of innovative marine ICT products and services. The next step of SmartBay project is the development of a cabled platform co-located with the quarter scale test site. This will provide ocean energy and technology developers with a unique platform to investigate next generation monitoring, communication and data management technologies of relevance to the Ocean Energy Sector.

Methodology

The proposed Galway Bay Cable Project involves the installation of a power and fibre optic cable from the wave energy test site to a shore station along the North coast of Galway Bay between Spiddal and Furbogh. The cable will service the requirements of both projects. Since much of the offshore cable route consists of soft sediment (mainly sand or gravely sand), it is likely that the cable will be buried in a trench by ploughing or water jetting equipment operated from a cable-laying barge. Geophysical data

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and sub-bottom profiling along much of the cable route indicated that the depth layer of overburden ranges from 3 to 7 m which provides sufficient depth for trenching or ploughing. Depending on the nature and strength of the sediments, the recommended target depth for burial of the cable is estimated to be between 0.9 m and 1.5 m. This burial depth would be sufficient to protect against any local trawling, anchors and most common fishing gear.

3. DESKTOP RESEARCH

This research comprised of a paper study of all available archaeological, historical and cartographic sources relating to the subject site and its surroundings. It indicates that the area does not appear to be well represented in the archaeological record possibly indicating that it was not a significant area of human habitation and exploitation in earlier times.

3.1 Archaeological and Historical Background

Mesolithic Period

The Mesolithic (middle stone age) people were the first inhabitants of Ireland, arriving about 9000 years ago. They were a mobile society relying on wild resources for food, which was hunted and gathered using stone tools as well as boats, nets and traps. Settlement was in temporary and semi permanent groups of huts constructed of wood slung with hide, which may have operated as seasonal or hunting camps.

Mesolithic activity to date shows a marked concentration in the northeast of Ireland. Evidence for Mesolithic activity in Galway is scarce. The concentration of find-spots and sites in the north east can, in part be attributed to both the availability of flint and the large number of antiquarians and collectors in the region and suggests that activity in this period was widespread in the country, with settlers probably utilising the extensive coastline for fish and shellfish. Finds from Galway include a distally trimmed chert flake from the western shores of Lough Corrib at Oughterard, which is later Mesolithic in provenance. There are no known Mesolithic sites in the vicinity of the proposed development.

Neolithic Period

Farming was first adopted in the Middle East but spread gradually across Europe in succeeding centuries, arriving in Ireland about 4000 BC. Tending of crops and animals required a more sedentary lifestyle and larger permanent settlements were built. The megalithic (from the Greek mega – large and lithos – stone) monuments of the Neolithic people built as communal tombs or for ceremonial purposes, are relatively common in the landscape. New methods were adopted for shaping stone tools and the first long distance trade networks were established.

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Neolithic activity is more apparent in the archaeological record of Galway due to the presence of a number of known megalithic monuments. Megalithic monuments can be divided into funerary monuments, communal tombs for the burial of the dead and those with a more esoteric function such as stone circles, stone rows or single standing stones whose function was probably ceremonial. Single standing stones may have acted as foci or markers of territorial boundaries.

There is no evidence of the presence of a Neolithic culture in this area. The nearest evidence of such a culture can be indicated from a number of archaeological finds discovered at Barna. In 2002/03 a hollowed out log boat was found in Barna strand at low tide. The boat was dated to 5,500 years ago and is clear evidence of trees and canoes being used around that time. A hollowed out canoe would not have been useful in the choppy seas of the offshore environment, as a result it is assumed that this canoe operated as an inshore coastal craft.

The remains of a prehistoric field system (RMP GA093:02301) were recorded by the Archaeological Inventory of Co. Galway, to the north of Barna village. Although they were situated adjacent to Troscaigh Thiar Ringfort/Cashel (RMP GA093:023), it is possible that they pre-date the monument and indicate earlier exploitation of resources in this area.

When the field system and log boat evidence are combined, it would appear that the area surrounding Barna may have had an advanced Neolithic society capable of exploiting both the marine and terrestrial resources. There is no evidence for such a culture in the Spiddal or Furbo areas.

The Bronze Age

As stone tools were replaced by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze, the structure of society also changed over centuries. While some communal megalithic monuments, particularly wedge tombs continued to be used, the Bronze Age is characterised by a movement towards single burial and the production of prestige items and weapons, suggesting that society was increasingly stratified and warlike.

There is little evidence of a Bronze Age community in the proposed development areas of Spiddal and Furbo. A small coastal hearth was noted on the shoreline of An Trá Mór close to the outflow of Furbogh Stream. A short stretch of habitation material exposed in a scarp face (L 0.83m, T 0.9m) and consisting of charcoal and burnt stone: probably the remains of a hearth. Overlain by sod layer (T 0.33m). The contents of this hearth were generic and no dating has yet been carried out on the charcoal remains. The presence of this feature is indicative of the human activity however its form, function and date are as yet indeterminable.

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In the Wider Galway area, a notable concentration of Bronze Age burials known in an area roughly bounded by Athenry, Tuam and Headford, indicating that activity in this period was widespread in the region and suggesting a significant population density. Barrows, generally dating from the Late Neolithic to the Early Iron Age, along with standing stones are quite common in the Tuam -Headford area. No such burial monuments are noted on the Northern coast of Galway Bay.

Although there is some debate about the provenance of the standing stones, it is generally accepted that they date from the later part of the Bronze Age. Stone rows or single standing stones were probably ceremonial in function, although single standing stones may have acted as foci or markers at the edges of territories. No such burial monuments are noted on the northern coast of Galway Bay in the vicinity of the proposed development.

Fulachta Fiadh, which consist of small, horseshoe shaped grass covered mounds, are composed of burnt and fire cracked stones surrounding a central pit or trough. They are common throughout the country and many are identified each year. Interpretation of the function of these monuments are varied. Traditionally, it was believed that they served as cooking pits, however more recently, it has been suggested that certain Fulachta fiadh may have served as sweat houses or brewing sites. It is most likely that the monuments had a variety of uses, combining each of the above functions. Enigmatically, there are no Fulachta fiadh recorded on the northern coast of Galway Bay in the vicinity of the proposed development.

The Iron Age/Early Historic Period

In late Bronze Age Ireland the use of the metal reached a high point with the production of high quality decorated weapons, ornament and instruments, often discovered from hoards or ritual deposits. The Iron Age however is known as a ‘dark age’ in Irish prehistory. Iron objects are found rarely, but there is no evidence for the warrior culture of the rest of Europe, although the distinctive La Tène style of art with animal motifs and spirals was adopted. Life in Iron Age in Ireland seems to have been much as it was in the early historic period – mixed farmers living in or around small defended settlements known as ringforts or stone cashels.

Ringforts, hilltop enclosures and other large enclosures are common across County Galway, both as raths (defended settlements defined by an earthen bank) and cashels (defined by a bank of stone). The smaller ringfort settlements are the most common monuments in Galway and are thought to be small farmsteads, enclosing houses, farm buildings and animal pens, enclosed as protection against raiders or wild animals. Excavations of the interiors suggest that the houses were small circular huts, built of stakes with a double skin of wattle and a thatched roof. Their distribution in the region is dispersed and widespread. The Archaeological Inventory of North Galway lists 1104 examples while the Archaeological

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Inventory of Galway (west) lists 135. The nearest Ringfort/Cashel to the proposed development is at Troscaigh Thiar, Barna. The presence of this monument at Barna indicates the presence of an organised settlement at the site. No such evidence has yet been uncovered for the subject sites.

Later Historic Period

The villages of Spiddal and Furbo were both contained within the barony of Moycullen. The barony consists of three parishes, two of which, Kilcummin and Killannin formed the ancient territory of Gnomor. In 1684, Roderick O Flaherty wrote an account of the territory. He describes how the area was frequented by fishermen and how a secure harbour was located at Minny. The account does not give direct reference to either of the three proposed landfall areas.

In general, there is little scant representation of the proposed landfall locations in the historic record. The absence of fortified settlement or castles appear to indicate that the areas were not considered to be of strategic importance. The nearest castle to Spiddal was Castle Na Mine at Inverin. It is located on the Eastern side of a small sea inlet. It was in existence in 1549 when 'Walter Fada Bourke was murthered [there] by Donnel Fitz-Rory Og Flaherty' (Hardiman 1846, 62-3). All that remains are the foundations of parts of its W and S walls (<9m by <7.30m), now lapped by the sea at high tide. The remains of a cabin within these foundations, a causeway crossing the inlet, and a substantial fosse on W side of the latter are probably later features. This may be the castle called 'Ballemicro' in the list of Galway castles compiled in 1574: it was then in the possession of a 'Thomas Blake' (Nolan 1901, 115). (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 3, 148-9, 151; Killanin 1947, 131).

Documentary evidence would suggest that much of the development of the Spiddal and Furbo areas was carried out in the 18th and 19th century. Certainly, Spiddal church has a plaque over the doorway which reads ‘This chapel was built in July 1776 at the expense of Stephen Martin, Gentleman’. Other such documentary evidence indicate that Spiddal house was originally a Georgian house but that it was later rebuilt in 1910. Similarly, there is reference to an Abbey at Spiddal which had most of its building fabric removed by locals.

Site specific background

Spellissy in his book, The History of Galway, notes that the name Spiddle or Spiddal derives its name from the Irish An Spidéal meaning the hospital. He notes that an ancient hospitium or leper house once existed in the area. He also notes that the name Furbo may derive from the Irish Na Furbacha meaning the glebe lands or that it may also be an abbreviation of Furboghgarve thus meaning rough land.

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Lewis Topographic dictionary describes Spiddal as a village, in the parish and barony of MOYCULLEN, county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, 9 miles (W.) from Galway, on the bay of Galway: the population is returned with the parish. Here is a pier, built by the Fishery Board, which is the only place of shelter for boats on this side of the bay.

In the R. C. divisions it is considered a parish, united with that of Minna, in which union are two small thatched chapels, one at Spiddal and the other at Minna.

4. BASELINE DATA

4.1 Cartographic Overview

Cartographic sources from the nineteenth and early twentieth century show the area surrounding the proposed development site much as it is today.

4.1.1 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, scale 1:10560, 1838

This map depicts the subject as not having any discernible landscape features which may be indicative of the presence of cultural heritage.

Figure 2. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey, of Spiddal area, surveyed Jan 1838

This map of Spiddal shows the town as a small hamlet mainly based on the eastern side of a small river. The town has a small pier on the south-eastern end of the village. A number of bedrock outcrops are

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noted in the shallow area immediately to the south of the village. This map does not indicate the presence of any archaeological features on any of the routes.

Figure 3. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey of central area, surveyed Jan 1838

This map of the central route shows the route corridor as being contained in an area of rocky foreshore which is bounded by agricultural lands. The marine aspect of the map does not indicate the presence of any archaeological features.

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Figure 4. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey of Furbogh area, surveyed Jan 1838

This map depicts the Furbogh route corridor as travelling through a rocky foreshore. The remains of a quay recorded as ‘Furbogh Quay’ is noted on the eastern beach. This feature was most probably a small quay designed for sheltering local coastal vessels. Although the aerial photography analysis did not record the presence of any of this structure, If the cable travels along the eastern side of Furbogh beach, there is potential that remains of this structure may be impacted.

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4.1.2 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map, scale 1:10560, 1893

Figure 5. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey showing Spiddal, surveyed June 1893

This map shows that the subject site as not having changed considerably from the former edition. The town has grown considerably since the previous edition and there is a new pier on the western end of the town. This edition of the Ordnance Survey map does not indicate the presence of any un-recorded archaeological features.

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Figure 6. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey, showing central area, surveyed June 1893

This edition of the Ordnance Survey Map shows very little change from the previous edition. It does not record the presence of any previously unrecorded archaeology.

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Figure 7. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey, showing Furbogh area, surveyed June 1893

This map does not depict any significant change at the proposed landfall option from the previous edition of the map. On the eastern side of the bay, the previously recorded Furbogh Quay is no longer present. This map does not record the presence of any un-recorded archaeology.

4.2 Record of Monuments and Places

The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is a database recording all archaeological sites in Ireland known to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. It is a revision of the former Sites and Monuments Record (SMR. It forms the basis for the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act (1994). Similar in format to the SMR, these were issued for each county in the State between 1995 and 1998. The record is constantly updated and focuses on monuments that pre-date 1700.

Consultation with the RMP for County Galway indicates that there are a number of Recorded Monuments and Places in the vicinity of the project. ______

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Figure 8. Extract from County Galway RMP Sheet no 92 showing Spiddal site

This extract from the RMP map of Galway shows the presence of a number of Recorded Monuments in the vicinity of the proposed cable routes at Spiddal. The most western route is the preferred option and if this were to proceed the development would not pass adjacent to any RMP Sites. If the central option was chosen, the route would pass adjacent to a number of RMP sites. On the most easterly site, there are no RMP sites in the vicinity.

SMR No: 092:2

Description: Masion

Comments: N/A

Printed Sources: N/A

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Extract: Kilannin, Lord of Dangan, M.V. Sheel Guide to Ireland, Dublin 1st Edition 1962, 426

Adjoining the village is the demesne of Spiddal House. The house is a partial reconstruction of one by Prof. Scott (1910) which was burned down in 1922; the carvings are by Michael Shorthall of Loughrea.

Barnce-jones, Mark; Burkes Guide to County Houses, Volume I, Ireland, London 1978.

Spiddal House, Spiddal, Co. Galway (Morris Killanin, B/PB). Originally a small Georgian House, which was replaced by a large house of 2 and 3 storeys with irregular elevations built in 1910 by the 2nd Lord of Kilannin, to the design of William A. Scott. Plain rectangular plate-glass windows and features in a Romanesque style; a one end a square tower surmounted by an open belvedere with Romanesque columns and a dome; alongside the tower, a 2 storey veranda with Romanesque columns and arches. At the other end, a Romanesque loggia joined to the house by a short colonnade surmounted by an iron balcony; sculptors by Michael Shorthall of Loughrea, above the capital of the columns. In the centre of the principal front, a single storey projection with an iron balcony and a Regency style veranda above it. The house was rebuilt in 1931, following a fire in 1923; the architect of the building being M. Byrne. The principal front of the House, as rebuilt, is basically similar to what it was previously, and the Romanesque loggia and the 2 storey Romanesque veranda remain as they were; but the tower is no longer surmounted by belvedere, the single story projection in the middle of the front has been removed and the windows now have astragals. Sold ca. 1960 by 3rd and present Killannin.

RMP No: GA093-001

Class: Hearth

Townland: AILL AN PHRÉACHÁIN

Description: On the shoreline of An Trá Mór close to the outflow of Furbogh Stream. A short stretch of habitation material exposed in a scarp face (L 0.83m, T 0.9m) and consisting of charcoal and burnt stone: probably the remains of a hearth. Overlain by sod layer (T 0.33m).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993).

Date of update: 05 August 2010

SMR No: 092:14

Description: House

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Comments: N/A

Printed Sources: N/A

Extract: Killanin 1947, 131, Killanin & Duignan 1962, 426, O’ Donovan 1839, Vol 3, 94

The site consists of a rectangular walled structure with no traces of mortar visible. Local information states that it is the site of the School of Roderick O’ Flaherty who was born in the immediate vicinity. The building is aligned W.S.W-E.N.E and measures 15.90 metres long and its breadth is 5.30m. The dry stone wall construction survives to approximately 1.50m high in all areas. At the eastern end of the wall abuts onto a field wall.

The western wall is 5.30m long. The northern wall, measuring 15.90m long externally, contains a probable doorway. It is situated 5m to the east of the external angle with the western wall. The doorway measures 0.80m wide and the wall of the cottage is 0.75m thick at this point.

The site is of historical rather than archaeological interest.

Killannin, Lord, Notes on some of the antiquities of the barony of Moycullen, Co. Galway; J.E.A.H.S, Vol 22 (1947), 120-131. A little way east of Spiddal lies the village of Park [33] where lived Roderick O’ Flaherty the historian, but there is no trace of the legend about his house

Killannin, Lord of Duignan, M.V. Shell guide to Ireland, Dublin 1st Edition, 1962, 426

2m.E., in Park, was the home of Ruaidhri alias Roderick O’ Flaherty (1629-1718), a pupil of An Dubhaltach Og Mac Fhirbhisigh (see also Castle Forbes, under Inishcrone) and himself an antiquary of note (Ogygia and A chorographical description of West or Iar Connacht) and a great collector of MMS. He ended his days in extreme poverty, bereft of all his literary reassures. His traditional grave and the traces of his house are still pointed out.

O’ Donavan, Ordnance Survey Letters, Co. Galway 1839, transcript in 3 Vols. Library UCG.

A Most melancholy description is given by antiquarian Molyeaux of Roderic’s circumstances in the year 1709. The following are his words, which show how little he sympathised with his brother antiquary.

Wednesday the 21st of April 1709 – “I Went to visit O’ Flaherty, who lives very old in a miserable condition at Parke some three miles west in Hiar of west Connaught. I expected to have seen here some old Irish Manuscript, but his ill fortune has stripped him of these as well as his other goods, so that he has nothing now left but some pieces of his own writing and a few old Romish books of history printed in my own life (time). I never saw so strangely stoney and wild country! I did not see all this way three living creatures, not one house or ditch, not one bit of corn, nor I may say – one bit of land! For stones; in short, nothing appeared but stones and sea; nor could I conceive and inhabited country so destitute of all signs of people and art as this is yet”.

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SMR No: 092

Description: Church

Comments: N/A

Printed Sources: O’ Donovan 1839, Vol 3, 97

Killannin & Duignan 1962, 426

Killannin 1947, 131

Extract: Sheet 92:11:5

Introduction and Description – The Abbey is now destroyed. Its area is enclosed by a modern graveyard and wall. The interior is rather overgrown and no traces of the abbey foundations can be noted. On present visible evidence the graveyard appears to be modern and does not warrant separate treatment. The abbey would have stood on a level ground c. 200m north of the sea shore in an area that is now sparsely treed.

The abbey was apparently destroyed in an attempt to get fabric for other building ventures i.e field walls, bars, houses etc…

Church – Site 2

Siting – The church is to be found within the graveyard Spiddal west 5:92 which lies directly south of spiddal village and overlooks the south-east the old quay, a small harbour still in use. The church stands in the north east corner of the graveyard very close to the sea shore

Description – The site consists of the ruinous remains of a rectangular structure aligned west south west/east north east with an annexe built onto the west gable. Access to this annexe is gained via a doorway in the gable wall of the church. No architectural features survive apart from slight traces of an east window. The main structure measures internally 11.50m by 5.10m. The side walls stand to a uniform height of c. 1.50m and are c. 0.65m thick. They are partially ivy covered while the south wall external face is completely ivy covered. An opening in the north side wall is 1.90m wide

The east gable wall is in very poor condition, partially crumbled away with a modern concrete wall built up against its outer face. There are slight traces of a window opening in this gable. The west bale wall is in a better state of preservation. It appears to be intact but is ivy covered. The rectangular shaped doorway in the middle of this gable wall is XXm wide by 1.60m high. It is flat topped spanned by a single lintel badly cracked. The stone work of the build is randomly un-coursed roughly cut undressed and un- mortared granite blocks. There appears to have been much rebuilding, particularly of the side walls. The

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interior is clear of overgrowth. The ground slopes gently to the east and there are many large recumbent 19th century grace slabs within the site.

The annexe- The western addition to the church measures 5.50m in length by 5m in width internally. Its walls are of uniform height of 1.50m and appear to have rebuilt on a number of occasions. Internally the side walls do not appear to be bonded into the west gable of the main building though there is no clear division externally on the north side. The annexe interior is divided in two by a narrow wall only a short section of which survives projecting from the south side wall. Along the north side wall running from the north-east corner for a length of 2.30m is a low projection out from the wall about 0.75m wide.

SMR No: 092:21 (02)

Description: Graveyard

Comments: See Spiddal West 2, SH. 92 for text J Killannin. Ref. which records the presence of the mortuary chapel in the graveyard.

Printed Sources: Killannin, 1947, 131

Site 5

Siting – The graveyard is situated just south of Spiddal village and overlooks directly south-east the quay, a small harbour still in use. A roadway bounds the site to the west running south to the waterfront.

Introduction – The graveyard is trapezoidal shaped enclosure defined by a modern stone wall which encloses a grass covered hillock. The ruins of the church and annex Spiddal west 2:92 stand at the NW corner of the graveyard at the foot of the hillock. A well preserved 18th Century mortuary chapel is situated at the narrowing southern end of the enclosure in a prominent position overlooking the harbour. There are numerous recumbent grave slabs, mainly 19th Century.

Description – The graveyard is trapezoidal shaped narrowing toward the south. The enclosing wall is modern. It has recently been rebuilt and strengthened to the south and south-east along the sea shore. The northern boundary wall is been rebuilt at the moment. It divides the graveyard from the grounds of the modern Catholic Church.

The graveyard interior is well kept being grass covered and free of overgrowth. A line of mature trees grow inside the western boundary wall. The grave slabs are almost recumbent and appear to be 19th Century.

The Mortuary Chapel – The chapel is situated on top of a natural rise at the southern end of the graveyard with a good view over the small harbour to the south-east.

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It is a rectangular structure aligned west south-west/ east north east measuring 5.50m by 8.50m. The roof is intact slated with stone. There is no access to the interior as a doorway in the south side wall and east gable window are blocked up. The chapel is built of roughly coursed, mortared cut but undressed blocks of granite with a cut and dressed limestone quoins. The doorway in the north wall has a two stone pointed arch of limestone resting on capitals supported by single jambs. It is 0.95m wide by 1.80m high. A plaque over the doorway reads ‘This chapel was built in July 1776 at the expense of Stephen Martin, Gentleman’

There are no openings in either west gable or southern side wall. The plain blocked east window measures 0.74m wide by 1.22m high. A string course runs along the top of both the north and south side walls.

SMR No: 092:22

Description: Church

Comments: N/A

Printed Sources: Killannin & Duignan 1962, 426

Killannin, Lord & Duignan, M.V. Shell Guide to Ireland. Dublin 1st edition 1962, 426

Extract: In the village is St Eanna’s Catholic Parish Church (1904), an excellent little building by William A. Scott. It has 4 windows and good opus sectile Stations of the Cross by Sarah Purser. In the adjacent graveyard are fragmentary remains of the ‘abbey’, a medieval parish church.

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Figure 9. Extract from County Galway RMP Sheet no 92 showing central site

This extract from the Galway Record of Monuments and Places indicates that there are no RMP sites in the vicinity of the proposed central route option.

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Figure 10. Extract from County Galway RMP Sheet no 93 showing Furbogh site

RMP No: GA093-001

Class: Hearth

Townland: AILL AN PHRÉACHÁIN

Description: On the shoreline of An Trá Mór close to the outflow of Furbogh Stream. A short stretch of habitation material exposed in a scarp face (L 0.83m, T 0.9m) and consisting of charcoal and burnt stone: probably the remains of a hearth. Overlain by sod layer (T 0.33m).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993).

Strangely the most recent edition of the Record of Monuments and Places map indicates that this feature has been de-listed. This is obviously an error as the site is listed on the Archaeology.ie website.

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4.3 National Museum Topographical Files

Examination of the National Museum Topographical Files indicates that the following artefacts were discovered in the vicinity of Furbogh and Spiddal. The stone axehead was not recovered from the vicinity of the proposed development.

Townland: Bohoona East Parish: Kilannin Monument: Stone,axehead Description: State property, flat faces, blade butt shows signs of damage, may have been imported. Date of Acquisition: 26/09/’09

4.4 Shipwreck Inventory

The Shipwreck Inventory is principally a desktop survey with information gathered from a broad range of cartographic, archaeological and historical sources, both documentary and pictorial. It is currently updated by the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service. Consultation with the Shipwreck Inventory revealed that the following vessels were lost in the vicinity of the proposed development. There was no evidence of any of these vessels or their remains on the proposed routes.

Site Name: Friendship

Date of loss: 22/23 January 1850

Place of loss: Western Shore of Achill Island

Location: Near Spiddal

Wreck No: N/A

Description: This 30 year old oak schooner or brig of Cardiff weighed 83 tons. She was built in Newquay and was classed as ‘A1*’. Her Llyod’s Registration number was 349 and the owner and master was Davies. Some sundry repairs were carried out on the vessel in 1847. She was en-route from Galway to Bristol in ballast, with 6 men aboard. She experienced a WSW force 2 wind with cloudy conditions. As she went down Galway bay she went ashore off Spiddal and bilged. She was expected to become a wreck. The estimated loss on the vessel was £500 and she was not insured

Reference: Bourke, 1994, 185: CSP, 1852, Vol. XLIX, 10-11: CSP, 1852-3, Vol XCVIII, 4

Site Name: Reaper

Date of loss: 20 Dec, 1875

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Place of loss: St Michael’s Rock, 4 miles west of Spiddal, Galway Bay

Location: N/A

Wreck No: N/A

Description: This square-rigged wooden brigantine of St. Johns, New Brunswick, weighed 349 tons. She was built at Quaco, St. John’s in November 1874 and measured 130.5 x 30.7 feet. Her official number was 72,196. Her owner was F. Tufts of St. John’s and her master was J. de Long. She was en- route from St. John’s to Galway with 9 crew and a cargo of deals etc. When Inisheer was abeam about ¼ mile distant, the vessel had all plain sail set and was going about 4 ½ knots. The master gave orders to the mate to steer NE for 1 ½ hours, and keep the lead and log constantly going. About two hours later surf was seen. The bower anchor was let go and the sails were taken up. The vessel drag and a second anchor was let go, but failed to bring her up. The vessel was stranded and eventually became a wreck – the crew landed in safety. At the inquiry it was found that the master was in default for not been constantly on deck on approaching land. His cert. was suspended for 6 months. The mate was found to have been grossly in default for presuming to place the ship on the port tack in direct opposition to the master’s orders. His cert, was suspended for 12 months

Reference: CSP, 1876, Vol. LXVII, ‘Inquiries into Wrecks etc.’ 208, 372

Site Name: Saint Patrick

Date of loss: 2 Feb, 1877

Place of loss: Spiddal

Location: N/A

Wreck No: N/A

Description: This new 15 ton wooden hooker was en-route from Costello Bay to Galway. She had a cargo of oats and 4 crew on board. She was stranded in a W by N force 9 gale and was totally wrecked. There was no loss of life.

Reference: CSP, 1877, Vol. LXXV, 108.

Site Name: Unknown

Date of loss: Dec, 1833

Place of loss: Spiddle

Location: N/A ______

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Wreck No: N/A

Description: Two fishing boats were driven ashore on the coast of Spiddle. The crews were lost.

Reference: Freemans Journal, 3rd December 1833, Galway Free Press

4.5 Ports and Harbour Archive

The Ports & Harbours Archive is an index of all recorded works carried out throughout the country. It records the following entries for Furbogh and Spiddal.

Site Name: Spiddal Harbour

1823-1847 – ‘Correspondence relating to wage due, transfer of machinery to another project, specification to finish the harbour, engineers reports, reports and letters outlining bad state of the pier, estimate for repairs, plan, memorial to enlarge and improve pier’

No. of items – 17

Reference No. – OPW8/

Item No. – 341

OPW Archives Piers and Harbours

Site Name: Spiddal Pier

1836 – ‘The pier of Spiddle and Barna are dry at low water; they are in bad repair. Some repairs were executed in 1831, in return for food sent to relieve the starving and the poor.’

First Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the State of the Irish fisheries; with The Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix, MDCCCXXXVI. His Majesty’s Stationary Office, Dublin 223

1836 – ‘This place is situated have way between Costello Bay and Galway, and a rude pier was once attempted here, which, when I saw it, was in ruin. It is a sandy cove among the low granite rocks, near the mouth of a small river, on which there is a good salmon fishery.

The deputation of the Commissioners of the Fisheries in 1822, having appropriate £150 towards the building a pier here, and having the promise of a contribution from some neighbouring proprietors, I had the work begun by day labour, under the management of Mr. Morris of that place, and the workmen from Dunmore Harbour. When the fishery grant was expended, a further aid was obtained

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from the Government funds, of £262, and a subscription of £100 from Sir Robert Staples; the other subscriptions were not made good. Mr Morris, however, contributed his time and attention.

The Harbour is dry at low water, and , and has about 10 feet at high water; the entrance is about one hundred and fifty feet wide, between rocks, dry at low water; then rounding the pier we have a clean sandy cove of about one acre and a half. The quay of rough granite, and is well protected to seaward, by some rocks only covered at springtide. The harbour is much frequented by the coasting and fishing craft, but on account of the minority of the proprietors, Messrs, Comyn, there has not yet been an increase in the neighbouring village. The new road has been made by the Government from this harbour across the great moor of Jar Connaught to the ferry on the middle if Loch Corrib’

Appendix No. XVII, Mr Nimmo’s Coast Survey of Ireland, made for the late Commissioners of Irish Fisheries, First Report of the Commissioners of inquiry into the state of Irish Fisheries; with the minutes of Evidence, and Appendix. MDCCCXXXVI. His Majesty’s Stationary Office, Dublin 101

1836- Spiddle pier is on the north coast of Galway Bay, about ten miles west of Galway, adjacent to the fishery village of Spiddle, on the property of Mr. Comyn, a minor. The pier is two hundred and sixteen feet from the root. There is a walling surrounding the basin in different directions, to the extent of seven hundred and seventy feet, but there been little depth along these walls, and being a very inferior kind of work, that cannot be expected to stand along without repair and improvement, which their utility does not merit, they need not be taken into further consideration in this Report. The Harbour is occasionally useful; but being considerably within low waterline of spring tides, it is in general only accessible to small craft.

In 1822, £138 9s. 3d, was allocated to this work, which included £41 7s.1d. from the funds of the London Committee, and £34 12s. 4d. from the government. It appears that Sir Robert Staples subscribed £100 (Irish) which was paid to Mr. Nimmo; and Mr Fitzpatrick £25 (Irish) which was paid to the resident overseer; and also that £176 3s. 6d. (Irish) was charged to Government, making the total sum of £416 9s. 4d. from the public and private sources.

In October, 1824, I represent some improvements as necessary to secure the pier, the estimate for which amounted to£36 12s. 4d. which sum was granted; and in November 1826, I made a conditional contract for executing the work for £27 13s. 10d., which left a balance of £9 applicable to other improvements. In January last the contractor applied for payment, alleging that the work was duly finished; and appeared not to have been done equal to the specification, I declined to certify; but having inspected it in July last, I found the defects remedied, and reported accordingly. With the sanction of the Board, I agreed to pay £2 10s. in aid of the expense of cutting down some rocks. Which the natural deepening of part of the basin had caused to project above the surface of the bottom; but this latter

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work had not been executed, and £9 still stands to the credit of the pier. I place this harbour in the third class for its degree of utility.’

Mr. Donnell’s Report on the Fishery Harbours, Appendix No. XVIII, P. 111, First Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the State of the Irish Fisheries; with The Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix MDCCCXXXVI. His Majesty’s Stationary Office, Dublin

1836 –“Grant from Government” £128 15 0

Dublin Committee 41 16 0

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£170 11 0

This Pier is but of little use, and is much out of repair.”

Appendix No. XIX, P. 124, First Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the State of the Irish Fisheries; with The Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix MDCCCXXXVI. His Majesty’s Stationary Office, Dublin.

1867 – “Spiddle – Pier – fragile tracing”

Ref: 1276.1,2 Board of Trade; Black Series; Harbour Improvements

1879 – “The pier/harbour is ‘in good repair”

Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries on the Sea and Inland fisheries of Ireland for 1879. Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, Dublin, 1880, 10

1881 – “The pier at Spiddle was damaged during the storms of winter 1881”

Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries on the Sea and Inland fisheries of Ireland for 1881. 1882. The Queen’s Printing Office, Dublin, 1882, 9

1881- “The piers at this place (Barna) and at Spiddal were injured by the severe winter gales; the latter considerably so, and a very large number of canoes were broken to pieces and swept away off the shore.” ______

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Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries on the Sea and Inland fisheries of Ireland for 1879. Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, Dublin, 1882, 16

1901 – The amount spent of this pier during the year ended 31st March 1902 was £2,288 2s. 11 d.

Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1901. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1902, Dublin XX

1902 During the year ended 31st March the expenditure on the pier was £524 5s. 5d

Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries on the Sea and Inland fisheries of Ireland for 1902. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1903, Dublin XXI

4.6 Aerial Photograph

Aerial photography has the potential to identify archaeological features which otherwise would not be visible. A number of photographic sources are consulted in this process. These include the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI), the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the National Coastline Survey of the OSI. Review of aerial imagery on the three proposed landing site indicated that there was no visible cultural heritage in the area.

Plate 1. OSI Aerial image of Spiddal landing sites

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This aerial image of the proposed cable routes at Spiddal does not show the presence of any previously un-recorded archaeological features on any of the routes, Spiddal graveyard (RMP GA:093:21 is situated close to the old pier along the central Spiddal option. Traditionally, cemetery delimiting walls do not always define the boundary of the grounds and additional burials are often discovered outlying the graveyard walls. If the cable is to pass close to this RMP there is a very strong likelihood that these works will impact archaeological material. This is not a preferred option route and so it is not known if there will be an impact.

Plate 2. OSI Aerial image of central landing sites

This aerial image depicts the central beach landing point as being located at an area of rocky shore to the west of Spiddal. This landing spot has no RMP’s in the immediate environment. The aerial image does not indicate the presence of the previously identified un-recorded archaeological features in the landing area.

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Plate 3. OSI Aerial image of Furbogh landing site

This aerial image depicts the Furbogh beach landing point as being located at an area of rocky shore to the west of the main beach. This landing spot is situated a considerable distance from RMP GA:093:01 and will not be impacted by the landing. The aerial image does not indicate the presence of the previously identified Furbogh Quay or any previously un-recorded archaeological features in the landing area. RMP GA:093:01 is also situated close to the site, however it is sufficiently far removed from the route to ensure that there will be no negative impact.

4.7 Previous Archaeological Excavations

The excavations.ie website is an on-line database which contains summary accounts of all the excavations carried out in Ireland – North and South – from 1970 to 2004. It has been compiled from the published Excavations Bulletins from those years. It provides access to over 12,000 reports and can be browsed or searched using multiple fields, including Year, County, Site Type, Grid Reference, Licence No., Sites and Monuments Record No. and Author. This resource is the primary tool for research on previous fieldwork which may have taken place on the subject site.

A search of the excavations database revealed that there has been no previous archaeological excavation carried out in the area of the proposed cable route. ______

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5 UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY

5.1 Geophysical Survey

Between 16th and 19th June 2011 Advanced Mapping Services, OSS, The Marine Institute Galway conducted a geophysical survey on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Marine Institute, Galway. The survey was undertaken aboard the M.V. Tarrea Queen to identify the most favourable cable route connecting the wave energy test site to a shore station.

5.2. Survey Vessel, Geodesy and Equipment

5.2.1 Survey Vessel

The MV Tarrea Queen is a 15m motorised survey vessel and was supplied by SEAI to conduct the data collection. It was mobilised at Galway docks with the survey equipment described below between 14th and 16th June 2011. The offset diagram, Fig 2 shows the position of tow points used for each of the survey sensors. The offsets were entered into the navigation software.

Chirp CRP- (-2.76, 0) (0,0) C NAV

(-2.33, -0.48)

SSS

(2.2, -4.04)

Figure 11. Vessel offset diagram.

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5.2.2 Geodesy

DATUM WGS 84 UTM (North orientated) UTM Zone 29 (9W) Latitude of grid origin 0o N Longitude of grid origin 9 00 00.0000o W Grid Easting 500000.00 Grid Northing 0 Scale Factor 0.99960000000 Table 1. Table of Geodesy

5.2.3 Equipment

DGPS and Quinsy Navigation

A C NAV 3050 DGPS was used to position the vessel and the Quinsy survey software package used to resolve and record the position of the sensors during the survey. The same package was used to set up run lines and display these for the helmsman.

GeoAccoustics Chirp

A GeoAccoustic Chirp was used to collect shallow seismic data. The system was set at 2-7kHz chirp with 32ms pulse length.

Edgetech 4200-FS duel frequency side scan sonar system

An Edgetech 4200 side scan fish was towed behind the survey vessel and its height above the seabed adjusted by letting out or paying in the tow cable. The range was set at 75m and the dual frequency option 120khz and 410khz utilised throughout the survey. The fish was flown at the optimum height of 7.5m to 9m (10-15% of the range), except close to shallow water areas where the fish was kept close to the sea surface to avoid collision with the seabed.

5.3 Data Collection

A series of run lines were set up in the QUINSY navigation software. These were along the centre line and parallel line offset 50m either side of the centre line. The side scan sonar range was set at 75m thus providing sufficient data overlap and ensure a 200 metre corridor. Extra lines were run in the shallow sections, at the end of each route to ensure coverage. The Chirp data was collected simultaneously with side scan sonar data.

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5.4 Data Processing

The side scan sonar data was initially processed using the DP2000 Coda processing suite. Each run line was replayed in turn and any contacts positioned and measured using the tools within the software. Targets are logged and details of position, size and description output in Excel csv format.

The CHIRP data was processed using the seismic option with the Coda DA2000 software. The thickness of the unconsolidated sediment (identified as the first reflector on the Chirp image was picked out at short intervals along each run line.

6. ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF GEOPHYSICAL DATA

The first stage of the archaeological review of the geophysical data is analysis of the previously acquired geophysical data, namely; bathymetric, side scan sonar and sub bottom profiler data. Moore Marine Services has developed a methodology for post acquisition analysis of geophysical data which involves review of individual raw geophysical data through a number of processes. The data is reviewed in its own individual context and also in reference to the results of other techniques. The resulting information relating to the individual techniques can be cross referenced and displayed both in text and in graphic form.

• For Bathymetric data, all data was reviewed using Hypack 2011 (Hysweep).

• For side scan sonar data, all data was reviewed using both SonarWiz Map 5 and Coda software.

• For sub bottom profiler data, all data was also reviewed using both SonarWiz Map 5 and Coda software.

6.1 Bathymetry

Review of bathymetric data was carried out using Hypack 2011 (Hysweep). The Bathymetric data analysed was collected in 2007 by the Celtic Voyager and IMAR Survey, and in 2008 using LiIDAR. The route options were plotted and all topographical variations along the proposed routes were investigated to determine their form. The analysis of the data indicated that the route corridor extended through shallows and onto land. Within the route corridor surveyed during this geophysical survey, water depths vary from just under 10m to approximately 21m in the Wave Energy Test Site.

Review of this survey data indicated that there were no discernible archaeological features along the survey route.

6.2 Side Scan Sonar

Review of the side scan sonar was carried out using Sonarwiz software indicated that there were three textures noted across the survey area. These comprised; a flat and featureless seafloor which was

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situated in the deeper water section of the survey area and surrounding the wave test site. The second seafloor type was a coarser rocky seafloor. It was noted throughout the shallow areas and in the transition zone. The final substrate type was the sandy seafloor noted in the very shallow intertidal zones.

Furbogh Route

There were three textures noted across this route option. These consisted of a flat and featureless seafloor which was situated in the deeper water section of the route and surrounding the wave test site. The second seafloor type was a coarser rocky seafloor. It was noted throughout the shallow areas and in the transition zone. The final substrate type was the sandy seafloor noted in the very shallow intertidal zones.

Central Route

Similar to the previous route option, there were three textures noted. These consisted of a flat and featureless seafloor which was situated in the deeper water section of the route and surrounding the wave test site. The second seafloor type was a coarser rocky seafloor. It was noted throughout the shallow areas and in the transition zone. The final substrate type was the sandy seafloor noted in the very shallow intertidal zones.

Spiddal Route

The texture types noted along these route options were similar to the previous routes. There were two anomalies of possible archaeological significance noted along the proposed Spiddal Route. Both were situated adjacent to a boulder field along the eastern and central Spiddal routes. They took the form of linear anomalous features. The anomalous form of these possible features and their location meant that it was not possible to determine if they were naturally occurring bedrock outcrops or possible archaeological features. Consequently it must be assumed that they are potentially archaeological.

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Spiddal 1

Contact Info: Spiddal 1 User Entered Info

Sonar Time at Target: 06/19/2011 10:06:55 Click Position (Lat/Lon Coordinates) Target Height: = 0 Meters 53.2348022461 -9.3067007065 (WGS84) Target Length: 7 Meters 53.2348022461 8.3598924602 (Local) Target Shadow: 3 Meters Click Position (Projected Coordinates) Target Width: 1 Meters (X) 479529.06 (Y) 5898435.00 Mag Anomaly: Map Proj: UTM84-29N Avoidance Area: Yes Acoustic Source File: E:\Side_Scan\sss data galway Classification 1: Unknown bay\20110619100639L.xtf Classification 2: CONF 3 Ping Number: 61620 Area: Spiddal Range to Target: 51.68 Meters Block: Fish Height: 0.00 Meters Description: Long anomalous oval shaped feature Heading: 44.000 degrees measuring 7.1m in length and 0.7m in width. The feature is located adjacent to an area of rock outcrop Event Number: 0 and could be an extension of the nearby rock outcrop. Line Name: 20110619100639L It has a similar smaller linear feature 10m to the south

west. Based on the rocky nature of the surrounding area, it is not possible to determine if this feature is of archaeological Significance.

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Spiddal 2

Contact Info: Spiddal 2 User Entered Info Sonar Time at Target: 06/19/2011 10:17:28 Click Position (Lat/Lon Coordinates) Target Height: = 0 Meters 53.2351875305 -9.3053331375 (WGS84) Target Length: 8 Meters 53.2351875305 8.3612600292 (Local) Target Shadow: 5 Meters Click Position (Projected Coordinates) Target Width: 0 Meters (X) 479620.53 (Y) 5898477.00 Mag Anomaly: Map Proj: UTM84-29N Avoidance Area: Yes Acoustic Source File: E:\Side_Scan\sss data galway Classification 1: Unknown bay\20110619101313H.xtf Classification 2: CONF 3 Ping Number: 67495 Area: Spiddal Range to Target: 59.02 Meters Block: Fish Height: 0.00 Meters Description: Anomalous long thin feature. Apparent Heading: 185.400 degrees undulating surface most likely caused by sonar movement and not indicative of features varying form. This possible Event Number: 0 feature is located in an area of bedrock outcrop and Line Name: 20110619101313H associated debris field. Possible that this feature is a

narrow natural rock.

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Plate 4. Mosaic of Spiddal features 1 & 2

6.3 Sub Bottom Profiler

Analysis and interpretation of the bedrock (based on the Chirp data and historical knowledge) is that the area has a covering of boulder clay. This type of strata is not entirely consolidated and can vary in consistency from very soft to very stiff. In addition boulders of varying size can be randomly distributed within the clay matrix and numerous boulders are present within the outcropping areas.

Overlying the bed rock is a layer of unconsolidated sediment that varies in thickness from a thin veneer towards the shore to over 5m at the Wave Energy Test Site.

Furbogh Route:

The sub bottom profiler data from the Furbogh Route indicated that there was shallow bedrock along the entire route with a thin veneer of overlying sediment in deeper areas. A palaeochannel associated with the river outflow into Galway Bay at Furbogh beach was noted in the sub bottom profiler imagery (see plate 5). Initial cursory investigations indicated that the channel was filled with unconsolidated sediments, however this may require more investigations. Palaeochannels have the potential to store important archaeological and environmental data. Consequently investigation of the sediment nature and the construction of a cable route through this feature may have the potential to negatively impact any archaeology which may be contained therein.

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Plate 5. Sub Bottom Profile from Furbogh route

Central Route

The sub bottom profiler data from the central Route indicated that there was shallow bedrock along the entire route with a thin veneer of overlying sediment in deeper areas (see plate 6). There were no potential archaeological features noted in this area.

Plate 6. Sub Bottom Profile from Central route

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Spiddal Route

Review of the sub bottom profiler data from the Spiddal route indicated that there were a number of bedrock outcrops in the area. These were readily identified on the chirp record as differentiated mounds visibly protruding from the surrounding rock floor (see plate 7). The sub bottom profiler data from the Spiddal section also recorded the presence of a palaeochannel (See plate 8). This strip is the probable course of the palaeovalley section that joins the mouth to the incised river valley located offshore. This channel appears to have formed as a result of the Owenboliska River emptying into Galway Bay. Initial cursory investigations indicated that the channel was filled with unconsolidated sediments, however this may require more investigations. Palaeochannels have the potential to store important archaeological and environmental data. Consequently investigation of the sediment nature and the construction of a cable route through this feature may have the potential to negatively impact any archaeology which may be contained therein.

Plate 7. Sub Bottom Profile from Spiddal route

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Plate 8. Spiddal Palaeochannel

7 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Discussion

7.1.1 The Development Area

The wave energy test site (the offshore extent of the proposed cable) lies approximately 1.3 km south of the north shore of Galway Bay. Its east west extent is approximately 670 m and its north south extent approximately 560 m. The three proposed routes extend from the waver energy site to three potential landing sites; Spiddal, Furbogh and a location situated between these sites.

7.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts

7.2.1 Furbogh Route Option

‘Direct’ Impacts

The desktop assessment of the proposed route options has indicated that there are no known shipwrecks or Recorded Monument and Places on this proposed route. Sub Bottom Profiler data has indicated the presence of a palaeochannel along this route. This feature has the potential to contain archaeological material. The investigation of the sediment budget and the excavation of a cable trench through it have the potential to have a direct, negative and long term effect on these deposits.

‘Do nothing’ impact

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If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource.

‘Worst case’ impact

Under a worst-case scenario, by way of their form and function, invasive sampling and the excavation of a cable trench along this route will have the potential to have a permanent and negative impact on any previously undiscovered archaeological material which may be contained within the cable route.

7.2.2 Central Route

‘Direct’ Impacts

The desktop assessment of the proposed route options has indicated that there are no known shipwrecks or Recorded Monument and Places on this proposed route. Geophysical data has also indicated that there are no visible or detectable archaeological deposits or features along this route. Consequently, it must be assumed that the development of a cable through this area will not have no cultural heritage impact.

‘Do nothing’ impact

If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource.

‘Worst case’ impact

Under a worst-case scenario, by way of way of their form and function, invasive sampling and the excavation of a cable trench along this route will have a permanent and negative impact on any previously undiscovered archaeological material which may be contained within the cable route.

7.2.3 Spiddal Route

‘Direct’ Impacts

The desktop assessment of the proposed route options has indicated that there are no known shipwrecks or Recorded Monument and Places on this proposed route. Side scan sonar data has indicated that there are two potential archaeological anomalies on the eastern and central Spiddal route options. It has not been confirmed if these features are archaeological in nature, however in the absence of ground truthing, these must be considered to be of archaeological significance. The two anomalies were located 182m to the east of the most westerly of the Spiddal options and so will not have any impact on this route.

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The sub bottom profiler data indicated the presence of an unconsolidated sediment filled palaeochannel along the Spiddal route option. Invasive investigations in this area, either through sampling or trenching have the potential to negatively impact any archaeological material which may be present. Consequently, if the development were to proceed the route options would have the potential to have a direct, negative and long term effect on any archaeology which may be present.

‘Do nothing’ impact

If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource.

‘Worst case’ impact

Under a worst-case scenario, by way of their form and function, invasive sampling and the excavation of a cable trench along these routes will have the potential to have a permanent and negative impact on any previously undiscovered archaeological material which may be contained within the routes.

7.3 Summary

Based on the results of this assessment, it would appear that there are four areas of archaeological potential along the cable route. These are: 1. The palaeochannel along the Furbogh Route option 2. The palaeochannel along the Spiddal Route option 3. The possible archaeological feature along the central Spiddal route option 4. The possible archaeological feature along the eastern Spiddal route option.

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8. RECOMMENDATIONS

The following mitigation measures should be considered to minimise the potential impact of the development on the identified potential archaeological heritage.

1. Preference should be given to development of the Central route option

2. Avoidance should be considered of the Spiddal and Furbogh route option. If this is not possible then investigations should be undertaken to determine the nature of the unconsolidated material contained within the palaeochannel of the chosen route.

3. Avoidance of the Spiddal East route option. If this is not possible then investigations should be undertaken to determine the nature of the possible archaeological anomaly.

4. Avoidance of the Spiddal central option. If this is not possible then investigations should be undertaken to determine the nature of the possible archaeological anomaly.

Please note that all recommendations above are subject to approval by the Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht.

Please note that this report and accompanying recommendations are based on maps provided at the time of writing. Should changes be made, further assessment may be necessary.

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APPENDIX 1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Govt. Publications, Dublin.

Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 2001. New Initiatives for Procedures and Practise in Archaeological Licensing. Govn. Publications, Dublin.

Blackwell, M. (1992) Ships in Early Irish History, Ballinakella Press, Whitegate

Blondell, P. (2009). The Handbook of Side Scan Sonar, Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK.

Byrnes, M.R., Crowell, M. and Fowler C. (2003). Shoreline Mapping and Change Analysis: Technical Considerations and Management Implications. Journal of Coastal Research. Special Issue 38.

Carter, RWG Coastal Environments, Academic Press 1988

Ellis, M.Y. (1978). Coastal Mapping Handbook. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of Commerce, National Ocean Service and Office of Coastal Zone Management, U.S. GPO, Washington, D.C.

Fish, J.P. & Carr, H.A. (1990). Sound Underwater Images, a guide to generation and interpretation of side scan sonar data. Orleans M.A.

Fish, J.P. & Carr, H.A. (2001). Sound Reflection; advanced applications of side scan sonar. Orleans M.A.

Friel I. 2003. Maritime History of Britain and Ireland. London: The British Museum Press

Harbison, P. 1992 Guide to the National and Historic Monuments of Ireland Dublin

International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) (2005). Manual on Hydrography, 1st Edition. International Hydrographic Bureau, Monaco.

The Heritage Council of Ireland, 2000. Archaeology and Development: Guidelines for Good Practise for Developers. The Heritage Council. Dublin.

Lambrick, G. & Doyle, 1.W., 2000. Review of Archaeological Assessment & Monitoring Procedures in Ireland The Heritage Council of Ireland, Kilkenny.

Mitchell F. and Ryan M., 2001 Reading the Irish Landscape Townhouse, Dublin

Moore, L.J. (2000). Shoreline Mapping Techniques. Journal of Coastal Research. Volume 16. Pages 111 to 124.

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National Monuments Acts 1930-1994

O’Dwyer P. E. F., 1991 The Irish Landscape in Photographs and Maps Gill and Macmillan. Dublin

Sites and Monuments Record, County Galway. National Monuments Section of DoAHG.

Topographical files, CountyGalway, National Museum of Ireland

The National Ocean Service's (NOS) (1976). Hydrographic Manual, Fourth Edition. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Maryland, U.S.

Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland, National Monuments Section of DoAHG

Ports and Harbours Archive, National Monuments Section of DoAHG

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