2025:470 - Woodland, Donegal

The test excavation of a site in advance of its development in Woodland townland, on the outskirts of Letterkenny in County Donegal, was carried out on 18 June 2025. The proposed development consisted of the construction of a dwelling house, garage and sewage treatment system. The testing was carried out as part of the planning process and was necessary due to the proximity of the proposed development to a souterrain (RMP No. DG053-011).

The proposed development site was located on a steep south-east facing slope in a field of pasture. There was a spoil heap, which appeared to be the result of the reduction in levels at the proposed house location. The adjacent area had seen levels raised. This was later found to be associated with a polytunnel which was located here.  No features of archaeological significance were visible within or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development site, which was located approximately 40m from the souterrain.

The testing consisted of the excavation of six trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development that was accessible. The trenches measured 26.4m, 29.3m, 15.6m, 19.4m, 38m and 15m long respectively; 1.8-2m wide and 0.1-1m deep. The area where levels had been raised and lowered was cleaned back with the toothless bucket of the machine and examined for features and/or deposits. This area measured 18.5m long and 7.2m wide.

The stratigraphy encountered in five of the six test trenches consisted of topsoil above natural subsoils. Modern fill was found on the surface of the final trench and across the previously disturbed area. Below the fill was topsoil, natural subsoils and bedrock. The entire site area was the subject of drainage with modern land drains visible in four of the six trenches. A 100mm diameter plastic duct was visible in the area previously disturbed. Three modern pottery sherds and plastic were recovered from the testing. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.