2015:375 - NEWRY: Derryleckagh, Hilltown Road, Down

Although a significant number of test trenches were excavated across the site it is unsurprising that no archaeological material was uncovered. The slopes that formed the sides of the drumlin would not have been suited to either human habitation or burial, especially with better, flatter ground on top of the drumlin or in the neighbouring fields. It was very noticeable during trenching that there was no post-medieval pottery present within the topsoil. Post-medieval pottery is a good indicator that the ground has been worked and ploughed and its absence gives a further indication of the steepness of the drumlin, the inference being that ploughing the slopes was not possible.

The opportunity arose to further inspect the church and graveyard site that is present on top of the drumlin and outside of the development. Although no works were undertaken, a cursory examination indicated that the site may actually be an early medieval rath, possibly raised, on which the later stone church and graveyard (DOW 047:070) have been placed. This may point to the site having been an early church site, though would suggest that there would be no large surrounding enclosure, the rath itself holding the church.