2008:341 - A1 Bypass Scheme 2, junctions at Hillsborough, Down

DBFO Scheme 2 comprises the construction of four new junctions on the existing A1 between Hillsborough and Newry. These junctions are at Hillsborough, Dromore (see No. 336 above), Banbridge (see No. 320 above) and Loughbrickland (see No. 352 below). The areas of investigation were investigated under one licence, AE/07/191, and allocated letters A–D to facilitate ease of discussion. Each area will be described separately, outlining the archaeology uncovered.
A previous extensive desk-based assessment was prepared by Faber Maunsell for the original environmental impact assessment for the proposed junctions and this revealed that no known Monuments and Buildings Record site will be impacted upon directly by the proposed developments. With sites of archaeological and historical interest in the nearby environs, however, it was decided to conduct monitored pre-construction topsoil-stripping for significant previously undiscovered archaeological remains which may delay the construction programme.
The junction is located 1 mile to the south-west of Hillsborough town where the Dromore and Ballygowan roads intersect the A1 carriageway. The development was undertaken on both the western and eastern sides of the carriageway encompassing an area of 225m north to south by 350m. The junction is situated in an area of low ground at the base of two east–west-aligned ridges situated to the north and south of the junction, and is bisected east to west by the A1 carriageway. Prior to development it consisted of green fields, those to the east under pasture and those to the west under tillage.
The archaeology uncovered at Hillsborough junction would appear to indicate two clearly defined periods of use: (i) Bronze Age and (ii) Early Christian to possibly post-medieval. The earlier period is defined by two large pits/troughs situated in close proximity to the stream and both containing a high concentration of fire-cracked stone. Troughs are enigmatic features attributed mainly to the Bronze Age and have a wide distribution across Ireland. They are commonly found in low-lying areas adjacent to a supply of fresh water.
The presence of a great number of kilns would indicate a predominately agri-industrial usage of this land from the early medieval period onwards. This is supported by an absence of artefacts of domestic type.