Inevitable pieces of modern infrastructure for the future, motorways have also opened a window to the past as archaeological digs have revealed a wide ranging number of pre-historic, early medieval and early modern historical sites. Along the Athlone to Ballinasloe route, in Ireland, there were a number of discoveries worthy of note. Several prehistoric 'burnt mounds' or outdoor cooking sites were discovered during the works at Ardnagawna, where heated stones and boiled water were used for cooking and light industrial activities. A simple prehistoric ring-ditch burial enclosure was also found at Ardagawna.

Source: The Westmeath Independent (5 August 2009)