1994:108 - ENNISKILLEN CASTLE, Enniskillen, Fermanagh

As part of a continuing programme of conservation and presentation currently being undertaken at Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, a series of small trial trenches were investigated over a period from February to June 1994. The purpose of the excavations was to investigate the proposed line of a service trench for electricity and telephone wires into the keep and to identify a ground surface to facilitate the laying of sets without causing archaeological damage. At no time was full excavation of the trenches contemplated, merely mitigation of the areas involved.

Initially two trenches were opened up, Trench 1 to the south of the keep to investigate the line of a services' trench, and Trench 2 at the north-west corner of the keep (later extended towards the curved range as Trench 3) to ensure no damage would be caused to any surviving archaeological features by grading up from the curved range for the laying down of sets. While evidence for activity during the 18th–20th centuries was uncovered (mainly wall footings and a stone-lined culvert with a brick base), no remains or artefacts pre-dating the 18th century were recovered. All of the remains uncovered can be attributed to the continued development of the site as a military barracks. In each trench excavation was halted at the level of a build-up or levelling off layer, probably of 17th-century date.

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