2004:1216 - RIVER DANGAN, DANGAN, Meath

Visual inspection and magnetometer survey by handheld metal detection was employed to assess the archaeological potential of the riverbed and associated bank structures 60m upstream and 60m downstream of Dangan Bridge. This work was undertaken prior to the R158 roadway realignment scheme. The bridge is situated in a low-lying marshy landscape and the fields to the east appear to be extensively reclaimed. No archaeologically significant features were identified from the in-water survey. Dangan Bridge itself (Site AH12) is an imposing, five-arched bridge structure of late 18th- or early 19th-century date. The addition of three triangular support abutments was undertaken in the early 20th century. Valerie J. Keeley Ltd carried out an architectural survey of this structure and additional archaeological information was recorded by ADCO Ltd. In addition to photographic and written recording, Dangan Bridge was surveyed in plan, in elevation and in photo-mosaic elevation. The assessment was undertaken on 22 June 2004. Subsequent land excavations (04E0986 ext.) were undertaken in the townland of Ginnet's Little, adjacent to the River Dangan.