2008:1212 - Mulnahlinch, Areas 39 and 40, Tyrone

Areas 39 and 40 were investigated as part of the proposed corridor improvements of the line of the A4 between Dungannon and Ballygawley where 15km of new road will be constructed. A total of 43 SMR sites lie within 500m of either side of the new road alignments with five industrial heritage sites in the immediate vicinity. Prior to archaeological investigations on the route, prehistoric activity, both settlement and ritual, was poorly represented in the area.
Area 39 was situated between Chainages 9100 and 9300 and was subdivided into two separate sites, 39A, measuring c. 11m by 13m, and 39B, measuring c. 10m by 6m.
Area 39A consisted of four shallow ephemeral features representing natural deposits rather than archaeological features and two modern drains both running from north-east to south-west.
Area 39B contained the remains of a possible fulacht fiadh and an adjacent streambed filled with alluvial sediments. A small circular pit was located below the fulacht fiadh material, close to the former stream. Two modern drains, running roughly south–north, were also detected on Site 39B.
Area 40 was situated between Chainage 9300 and 9400 and was split into two sub-areas, 40A and 40B.
Area 40A measured 10m by 4m and was located at the foot of a slope, in a low-lying bog area, consisting of a large quantity of partly decayed natural wood without any specific man-made alterations.
Area 40B was located north-west of site 40A, measuring c. 4m by 6m. The southern part was covered by a thin peat layer with an underlying gravel base. The northern half of the site comprised four charcoal spreads and three pits. Two of the pits were partially disturbed by monitored removal of topsoil while the third had been preserved by the peat layer.