2008:1196 - DUNGANNON: Castle Hill, Drumcoo, Tyrone

An archaeological evaluation was carried out over three days in an area of waste ground adjacent to the Orange Hall carpark on Castle Hill in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. The evaluation was undertaken in the area designated for the relocation of the telecommunications mast, and associated structures, currently located on the hill’s summit. The proposed development site is roughly L-shaped in plan, of maximum dimensions 37.5m by 15m. The site is located in close proximity to Castle Hill (TYR054–017) and within the historic town core of Dungannon. Three adjacent trenches were opened (176m2 in total) using a mechanical excavator. They were excavated to the natural subsoil, encountered at a depth of between 1.1m and 1.7m below the modern surface. Two pipes and several land drains were uncovered, which were considered to be of relatively modern date. There were no finds of archaeological interest from any of the three trenches.