2000:0179 - KILBARRON, Donegal

A site assessment involving the excavation of three test-trenches was carried out at the site of a proposed development involving the construction of two domestic dwellings (Sites A and B), associated septic tanks and access routes. The proposed development site lies to the north and south of a narrow laneway running west from the main Ballyshannon– Rossnowlagh road. Two archaeological sites lie in close proximity to the proposed development. A wedge tomb (SMR 107:02) known as the Giant’s Grave is situated just 125m to the west of Site B. Further to the west lie the remains of an earthen ringfort surrounded by a stone wall construction, which may be the remnants of a cashel (SMR 107:01). This site is labelled as Carrickacullen on the OS map of 1900.

The assessment was a planning condition required of the developer by Donegal County Council. One of the sites, Site A, had previously been assessed by Malachy Conway (Excavations 1999, 43, 99E0544), and nothing of archaeological significance had been identified. At Site B the trenches were sited to test lines of proposed access, drainage/services and the foundation area of the proposed dwelling. In addition, the excavation of two percolation trial-pits was monitored, one at Site A and one at Site B. The trenches were 15m by 2m and up to 0.45m deep. Topsoil containing the occasional sherd of crockery and modern terracotta was found to lie directly on natural. There were no features or finds of archaeological significance identified in the trenches or the trial-pits excavated. It was recommended that the development be allowed proceed without any further archaeological conditions.