2016:729 - 134 Dromore Road, Kilfullert, Donaghcloney, Down

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken ahead of the proposed conversion and extension of an existing barn on lands 25m north-west of 134 Dromore Road, Donaghcloney.
The adjacent area of monument DOW 020:010 was fenced off and two test trenches were excavated using a back-acting machine fitted with a toothless bucket. Both trenches had to be reduced in length from their south-western ends due to a live water main which supplies the current farm buildings.
Trench 1 was approximately 32m in length and ran approximately north-east/south-west along the north-west boundary of the site and closest to the area of the rath. Following the removal of sod, a single layer of compacted stone was removed from the trench. This has a maximum depth of 0.3m and directly overlay naturally occurring subsoil which consisted of a compact, orange glacial clay. A modern refuse pit was identified towards the north eastern end of the trench. This extended across the width of the trench and measured approximately 1.2m north-east/south-west. It was cut directly into subsoil to a maximum depth of 0.9m and contained a single fill which consisted of a compact grey/brown gritty clay with frequent inclusions of modern brick, glass and metal. Trench 2 was approximately 27m in length and extended parallel to Trench 1, approximately 7m to its south-east. Following the removal of sod, a single layer of compacted stone was removed from the trench. This has a maximum depth of 0.3m and directly overlay naturally occurring subsoil which here consisted of a compact, orange glacial clay with occasional patched of gravel.
No archaeological deposits were identified during the course of the evaluation.