2012:180 - Inishargy, Down

Two separate investigations were undertaken, under the one licence, at Inishargy during October and November 2012 and January 2013; investigations of a Viking-silver find-spot (J6061 6465) and of the 17th-century Inishargy House (J6047 6468).
In May 2012 a silver bracelet of Viking type - sometimes referred to as ‘ring money’ - was found in a field downslope of Inishargy House, adjacent to a now-drained bog. It was discovered during harrowing and was therefore, probably found, ex situ. The NIEA requested that the CAF investigate the find-spot. Both electrical earth resistance and magnetometry surveys were undertaken over an area of 0.36ha, centred on the find-spot to investigate whether there were any subsurface archaeological remains associated with the artefact. A series of field drains and probable old field boundaries but no features of archaeological interest were identified. A metal detector survey was also conducted over the same area which yielded 27 metal finds, considered overwhelmingly modern in date (P. Macdonald pers. comm.) The assemblage also included a copper button of probable 16th- or 17th- century date and a pistol shot (7.5g). A mechanically excavated trench (7m x 7m) was opened centred on the find-spot. Two field drains were uncovered but no finds or features of archaeological significance.
Inishargy House (DOW018-020) which dates to the 17th century, has been much altered in recent decades. It is currently undergoing another renovation with the owners rebuilding a wing removed in the past and restoring the house to its original H-plan. The excavation of the foundations and clearance of part of the site (modern extensions) where the wing is to be rebuilt was monitored by the CAF. Demolition revealed the elevation of a surviving cross wall of the original wing, with a fireplace and two probable bread ovens. The surviving fabric was too poor to retain; it was recorded and levelled to foundation level. The area on either side of this cross wall was cleared and recorded (photographed and planned) and included a brick floor and walls of cut stone. The house is located beside the ruins of a church (in which an Anglo-Norman coffin-lid was discovered), both of which are situated within a large enclosure, of unknown date, at the summit of a drumlin (DOW018-001).

Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork (CAF), Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN