2012:169 - CLONALLAN GLEBE, Down

Archaeological investigations have been on-going at Clonallan Church of Ireland, near Warrenpoint since 31 October 2012. This is to accommodate the replacement of a vestry room and addition of a disabled toilet to the eastern gable of the church. The present church was built in the latter half of the 17th century and renovated in the 1870s; however documentary sources place its origins in the early medieval period. Archaeological surveillance was carried out by NIEA after the demolition of the former vestry room, during which the remains of 2 articulated burials were uncovered. An excavation was requested over the footprint of the development (an area measuring 4m by 8m). Within this area, excavation has revealed the skeletal remains of a minimum number of 14 individuals. The development area is surrounded by 19th- and 20th-century gravestones to the north, south and east and artefactual evidence found during the excavation suggests a similar date for the skeletal remains found. Work at this site is on-going.