For the sake of clarity, I did not trip any over important archaeological remains (though my sister twisted her ankle while walking around town today). For the most part, I just wondered:
A.) what on earth are they building?
B.) why did they stop construction?
A.) The city of Galway is building a pedestrian/bike ramp connecting Quincentenary Bridge and Dyke Road. Which is what I guessed originally, since the concrete pile of stone was too small to be a road (and would be a nightmare, given the traffic along Quincentenary Bridge already). I considered a skateboard park too, but it didn't make any sense given the location and demographics. But, once I determined what they were actually building, they stopped.
Figures.
B.) I was rather annoyed when they halted construction. I'd been having issues with rock-dust flying under my contact lenses and any reason for them not finishing the project sooner was not okay with me. Then people started digging in the dirt. And it started looking like an archaeological site. The scientists looked like construction workers with their hard hats and neon jackets, instead of stuffy professors in tweed (or Indians Jones), which added to my initial confusion. Then rumors started flying that they found bones. first one, then four, then six. Then it was pottery and coffin nails.
There are a few theories on who was buried at this site. Terryland Castle sits between the site and the river, and may be connected to the exhumed burials.
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| Terryland Castle, 17th century |
Above is a photo (courtesy my sister) of Terryland Castle. In the distance is the north side of NUIG's campus, then the river, the "castle" ruins and the dirt path students currently use to get to the bridge. About where this photo was taken is where the ramp and subsequent dig will take place in about a month . . .
Again, the same castle, just from a different direction. To the far right of this photo is where the site bones will eventually be uncovered.
Here are some fun facts surrounding the castle, and possible interpretation for the bones, courtesy of Galway Independent, from the article, "Skeletons discovered during city works" by Marie Madden:
- Terryland Castle was garrisoned during the rebellion of 1641
- Terryland Castle was garrisoned during the Cromwellian Wars in 1652
- A joint force of Irish and French troops defended the outworks of the Castle against the approaching Williamite Army in 1691
Madden finishes her article by summing up, "There is speculation that the burials might relate to one of the 17th century wars mentioned above or that they form part of a private burial ground for the owners of the Castle and estate. More details will emerge as the excavation proceeds and finds will be published as soon as possible."
My next publication may not be as exciting as Madden's, but it will surely be eventful. This upcoming week I have a trip to the Aran Islands, and Sunday the 10th my boyfriend is coming out to visit.
Yeah, you read that correctly. It's a long story (6 years in the making, to be exact) and by chance, his plane arrives in Dublin on our 2 month anniversary. My roommate has a friend coming to visit the Thursday before St.Patrick's Day too, and her sister and possibly her cousin are coming out the week after.
I think it's safe to say, March will be a busy month between showing the country to our friends, and our upcoming finals beginning mid-April. Looking forward to it!
♥C
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