2010:059 - Brackagh, Armagh

The archaeological deposits investigated under this licence were uncovered during the construction of a 12.5km gas pipeline by Bord Gáis Éireann (NI), running between Kernan, near Gilford in County Down and the townland of Derryhale in County Armagh. The topsoil-stripping was monitored by ADS Ltd between 29 April and 19 May 2010. The 24m-wide pipeline corridor crossed a total of twelve townlands, eleven of which revealed archaeological deposits; this bulletin summarises the archaeological investigations carried out over approximately 0.5km of the pipeline in the townland of Brackagh. These investigations took place between 9 and 28 June 2010.
Two small groups of features were located on opposing east- and west-facing slopes of a large hilltop which overlooked the surrounding landscape. There were no diagnostic finds from either group to suggest possible dates for the activity.
These pits and posts may have been associated with the main settlement activity which occurred on the summit of the hill. This activity was in the form of a previously unknown rath site at approximately 40m OD at 302394E 349082N. Approximately one-third of the enclosure was revealed during topsoil-stripping. Preliminary results suggested that the full extent would measure 40m in diameter; the ditch measured 2–3m wide and 1–1.5m deep. One terminus was observed to the west suggesting a possible entrance to the enclosure from this direction; two post-holes extended west from this terminus to perhaps channel traffic towards the entrance. The ditch was V-shaped with a thin slot-trench at its base. There was evidence for two recuts of the ditch around the eastern side of the enclosure. Possible souterrain-ware pottery sherds were recovered from basal fills as well as one whetstone. Post-medieval ceramic sherds were recovered from the upper layers of the ditch suggesting that the ditch lay partially open up to this period. Internal features included a curvilinear slot-trench forming a 180° arc along with multiple post- and stake-holes. There was no direct relationship between this slot-trench and the main ditch so it is uncertain whether they are contemporary. It may be that the rath ditch has been sited over an earlier enclosure. An additional internal slot-trench extended beyond the edge of the strip to the north. The continuation of the enclosure can be seen in the form of a curve in the existing boundary to the north. It will be recommended that the remains of this site to the north be conserved and an SMR number allocated for future reference.