2013:468 - KINRUSH: Ardboe Industrial Development, Tyrone

Pre-development test trenching was carried out at the site of proposed industrial development at Ardboe Airfield, Ardboe, Co Tyrone.  Testing uncovered two areas of potential prehistoric activity within Phase 1 works within the northern portion of the site.  Both of these areas were opened up to reveal their full nature and extent and subsequently underwent hand excavation.

Excavation revealed that Area 1 contained the remains of a shallow burnt spread which covered a large cooking pit 1.9m x 1.55m in size and 0.5m deep filled with charcoal-rich soil and burnt stones. Area 2 located 30m to the south-east contained the remains of a prehistoric occupation site consisting to two curving slot trenches and a large central hearth/pit feature.  A small number of struck flint flakes were recovered from Area 2, however no diagnostic finds were recovered which would confirm its date.