N4 dig revealed

Excavations on the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin road scheme will be the subject of a Sligo Field Club lecture by Shane Delaney, archaeologist on Friday, November 30 th at Sligo Education Centre, IT Sligo.

Shane managed the N4 archaeological works for Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd on behalf of Sligo County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The excavations were carried out over a one year period between 2016 and 2017 and were undertaken within the footprint of the proposed realignment of the N4 between Doorly and Castlebaldwin which is progressing with a likely start in 2019.

The route, although traversing generally poor and marginal ground, produced evidence for a wealth of archaeological activity dating from the Neolithic period to modern times.

This took the form of stone tool deposits, burnt mounds, hilltop enclosures, burials and an augmented relic stream bank.

The excavations were directed by Bruce Sutton, Dave McIlreavy, Brian O’Hara and Lydia Cagney.

Post-excavation works are at an early stage but considering the wealth of archaeological remains in Sligo the results should make a considerable contribution to the rich archaeological knowledge of the area.

Proceedings will get underway at 8pm.