2007:384 - Ballysallagh–Ballymenagh (Helen’s Bay to Holywood, North Down Trunk Mains), Down

It is proposed by the Water Service to update and augment the existing north Down trunk mains. An archaeological programme of works was established prior to groundworks commencing. This recommended that monitoring take place in advance of the construction work.
An archaeological evaluation was conducted of the proposed route. This consisted of monitoring of topsoil-stripping across the area of the proposed development. The monitoring revealed archaeological activity within the development area. It was agreed that the archaeological remains be resolved prior to construction. Six isolated findspots and the area designated as Site A were identified and excavated.
The excavation of Site A (located in the townland of Ballysallagh) identified these features as six spreads, two linear ditches and a modern ceramic field drain. Neolithic flints as well as Middle to Late Bronze Age pottery found on site suggests utilisation of the area at various points in time.
The most significant feature in Site A was the curvilinear ditch [12], which had been recut multiple times. However, with no 14C dates nor artefactual evidence, no conclusive characterisation can be established for feature [12] other than a possible earlier enclosure.
One of the recuts has been identified as a possible rath. These raths/ringforts were used primarily within the Early Christian period (ad 400–1100) and the returned radiocarbon date of ad 432–540 falls within this time range. Although no definitive artefactual evidence was recovered from the ditch fills, the sheer size and reuse of the ditch is characteristic of a rath/ringfort.