2015:233 - Killyfaddy 2, Derry

Killyfaddy 2 was one of 11 sites excavated as part of the advanced works for the A31 Magherafelt Bypass. The excavation followed on from Trial Trenching and initial work for Strip/Map sample excavation undertaken by Fintan Walsh under licence AE/14/232. The site was uncovered during Trial Trenching and Strip/Map at Areas B and C, located close to the Ballymoghan River. A geophysical survey (undertaken by Earthsound Geophysics under licence AE/14/113) highlighted a large circular anomaly in the middle of Area B. Topsoil stripping revealed the anomaly to be a natural gravel deposit although a number of charcoal-rich features were identified. These were subsequently excavated as Cutting 2. In Area C, the geophysical survey highlighted trends which were interpreted as a curvilinear ditch and possible burnt mound. These were first targeted with three trenches followed by an open area strip. No trace of a burnt mound was found and no trace of a curvilinear ditch was found in the trenches. A single cereal-drying kiln was, however, revealed by the trenches. This was subsequently excavated as Killyfaddy 2, Cutting 3 (ITM 689804,888737) in conjunction with archaeological features identified in an extension around Trenches 48 and 49 (Cutting 1; ITM 689478,888836).

Cutting 1

Cutting 1 contained 11 features of varying size, the largest of which was a shallow, irregularly-shaped pit. A hearth was identified to the south of the area.

Cutting 2

Cutting 2 contained one spread and six irregularly-shaped pits.

Cutting 3

With the exception of a possible kiln the features identified in this Cutting were resolved, upon investigation, as non-archaeological.

At the time of writing, post-excavation analysis had yet to begin.

Irish Archaeological Consultancy, 23-31 Waring St, Belfast, BT1 2DX