Archaeologists are exploring the remains of a petrified forest under a Youghal beach
Works begin on Monday, March 11th.
A minor archaeological investigation will see experts explore the extent of remains of a petrified forest under Claycastle Beach in Youghal.
The inspection, planned by electricity grid operator EirGrid, will take place over four days until March 14th, and will be carried out to inform a further archaeological excavation currently planned for autumn.
The works are associated with the development of the Celtic Interconnector Project, the subsea interconnector linking Ireland and France which will allow the exchange of electricity between the two countries.
This natural phenomenon is the result of a forest that was buried under sediment thousands of years ago, likely during the last Ice Age. Over time, the wood becomes fossilised, turning into stone.
In these images shared by YoughalOnline back in 2020, you can see the remains of the ancient forest after it was revealed after Storm Ciara.
“Tides disclosed evidence of a forest floor beneath the sand dating back thousands of years,” they explained.
“The remains of the forest’s trees, preserved in the local peat, have been exposed by low tides and high winds.”
Image: youghalonline.com
This week’s examination will consist of a test pit on the beach and will be overseen by archaeologists from the Underwater Archaeology Unit and the National Monuments Service.
“At EirGrid we are committed to ensuring construction works are carried out with the utmost sensitivity to the surrounding landscape and that is why we, working with our contractors, have enlisted the expertise of an archaeological team to investigate the area of beach through which the cable may pass.” explained Michael Mahon, EirGrid’s chief infrastructure officer.
“With remains of a petrified forest known to be under the sands at Claycastle Beach it’s important that we progress with care.”
“By understanding any archaeological make-up of the site, we can ensure that the development of the electricity cable proceeds in a way that respects and preserves local heritage,” added Mahon.
The archaeological team will be using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to carefully excavate and analyse the site ahead of further investigations required in the autumn.
