Building

The National Monuments Service's description

Excavation licence number 00E0751. A test excavation was undertaken in October and November 2000 at Rough Point, Killybegs, in order to ascertain the nature of several upstanding structures, in advance of development. Nine test-trenches were excavated across the area under investigation. Two of these were excavated inside two upstanding structures, which proved to be the remains of post-medieval vernacular cottages with drystone walls, clay floors and areas of cobbling at both gable ends. Structure 1 (DG097-039) contains an internal division and fine chimney embrasure, while Structure 2 (DG097-039001-) appears to consist of a single room. Both structures measure c. 15m by c. 5m. A further test-trench revealed the existence of one of the gable ends of Structure 4 (DG097-039003-), complete with fireplace. Unlike the other two, this structure has no visible remains. A larger structure (DG097-039002-) was uncovered at the northern end of Rough Point. Four trenches were excavated across the area between two upstanding walls, and these revealed the existence of a drystone building, which measures c. 18m north-south by c. 12m, with several internal walls. One of the walls appears to have been built upon a dump of material that contained a good sample of 17th-century pottery. The results of the test excavation indicate a 17th-century date for the construction and occupation of the structures on Rough Point, and this ties in well with the cartographic evidence. (Excavations Bulletin 2000)
Catherine McLoughlin, ADS Ltd, Windsor House, 11 Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3.

Excavation licence number 01E0807
Five stone structures, in various states of disrepair, as well as an area of 'lazy-beds' and a boundary wall on an island known as Rough Point, Killybegs, were excavated in advance of a major pier development. Structure 3b was on the lower part of the island, immediately to the east of Structure 3a. Aligned north-south on its long axis, it measured 10m by 5m. It survived to an average of two courses in height. No internal division was noted, although a doorway with a porch-like feature was located in the eastern wall. A network of drains was recorded in the northern half of the structure, which exited through a hole in the northern gable, directly into the sea. The floor was formed of compacted gravel and clay. No fireplace was noted in either Structure 3a or Structure 3b. The finds recovered from these structures consisted almost entirely of pottery. Although less than 200 sherds were retrieved, they suggest a 17th-century date for this settlement. From supporting cartographic and documentary evidence, it would appear that the site represents part of the original Plantation settlement of Killybegs. (Excavations Bulletin 2001)
Frank Coyne, Æegis Archaeology Ltd, 16 Avondale Court, Corbally Limerick.