2016:232 - The Black Ridge, Ardee, Louth

Testing was undertaken within a proposed development area located to the south of the Black Ridge road in the townland of Townparks, within the north-east quadrant of Ardee. Two small overgrown dilapidated structures with galvanized roofs are situated within the north-east corner of site, fronting onto the road. The northern perimeter of the site contains mature shrubbery and trees whereas the southern portion of site comprises rough pasture. The site is located within the zone of archaeological potential for the historic town of Ardee (LH017-101). The nearest sub-constraint is the path of the medieval town walls (LH017-101001) 50m to the north of site.

Four trenches were excavated within the area of the proposed development on 13 June 2016. A total of 15 potential archaeological features were recorded within the trenches. The most significant are two pits that were found to contain medieval pottery; a circular pit (C6) located in Trench 1 and pit C20, located in Trench 2. Five other pits, three in Trench 1 (C4, C8 and C10) and two in Trench 2 (C16 and C18), are of unknown date but one (C8) contains charred burnt material and one (C8) contained animal bone. A sub-rectangular feature (C2) in Trench 1 may also have been a pit and was found to contain charcoal and animal bone. It is probable that ground disturbances associated with the constriction of the garage and adjacent soakaway pit will adversely impact on four potential archaeological features (C6, C8, C10 and C12). Ground disturbances associated with the construction of the house will adversely impact on linear features C26 and C28 (probable field drains). The remaining potential archaeological features, including the potential dry stone structure, will be preserved in situ. 

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow