2008:038 - Kilwaughter Quarry, Demesne, Larne, Antrim

Topsoil monitoring and excavation was carried out at the proposed quarry extension from 16 June to 25 July 2008. Monitoring of the topsoil-stripping of the proposed extension corridor uncovered two areas of archaeological activity, Areas 1 and 2, which were both located within two naturally occurring wide hollows along the strip. Both areas underwent excavation and were found, based upon preliminary inspection of pottery remains, to be the peripheral remains of a Neolithic occupation site, the larger part of which lies to the north of this excavated area.
Area 1 was located within a naturally occurring hollow at the northern end of the extension. Situated within it were several isolated subsoil-cut pits and spreads, which have been interpreted as peripheral human activity. This appeared to be isolated pockets of activity.
Area 2 was located within a naturally occurring hollow at the southern end of the extension. A further two distinct areas were found within Area 2, with the main archaeological activity being concentrated within the northern portion, Area 2A. A smaller or peripheral area of activity was located south of Area 2A and was called Area 2B.
The first phase of activity within Area 2A consisted of a rectangular timber structure comprising eight post-holes measuring c. 6m in length by c. 3m wide, aligned north-east/south-west. Associated clusters of activity areas, such as refuse pits, an activity area and an industrial area, were located along the eastern side of the timber structure. The second phase of activity was an occupation spread that partially sealed Phase 1 activity to the north-east of the rectangular structure. The third phase consisted of a series of intercutting pits which truncated part of the rectangular structure and occupation spread material from Phase 2. The final phase consisted of two hearths located within the industrial area. A number of artefacts were recovered from within these features and consisted primarily of a substantial number of pottery sherds and struck flint. Residue analysis of some of the soil samples from these features identified burnt hazelnut shells and grains.
The first phase of activity in Area 2B was a hearth which had an associated possible drying rack, a few shallow post-holes and two pits, both of which contained a significant amount of pottery sherds and flint. Phase 2 consisted of a layer of hill-wash mixed with occupation material, which sealed the features uncovered in Phase 1. The third phase consisted of the excavation of several medium-sized pits having been cut into the hill-wash material. The fourth phase of activity was represented by a small cluster of a pit and associated stake-holes which had been cut into the northern portion of the hill-wash material. The final phase was a layer of occupation material which sealed the southern portion of Area 2B. A number of artefacts were recovered from within these features, consisting primarily of a substantial number of pottery sherds and struck flint.