2009:043 - CRAIGS QUARRY, GLENWHERRY, Antrim

Monitoring of Phase 2 of topsoil-stripping at the site of a proposed quarry development at Craigs Quarry, Glenwherry, Co. Antrim, was carried out over a period of sixteen days between 2 April and 12 June 2009. Two areas of archaeological activity were uncovered within the northern and southern portion of the Phase 2 site works. Area 1, located within the southern portion of the site, contained nine large subsoil-cut pits containing charcoal-rich material and burnt stone over an area 40m by 30m. Area 2, located within the northern portion of the site, extended over an area c. 60m by 60m. This second larger area of archaeological activity has so far been identified as possible occupation structures containing partially surviving bedding trenches along with associated peripheral structural (post-and stake-hole) activity and outlying pits and occupation spread. Several sherds of Western Neolithic pottery, some of which show cord impressions, were recovered from a section which was hand-excavated across an occupation spread/layer to the east of the structures.