2019:483 - Ballintoy Demense (Harbour Road, Ballintoy), Antrim

Test-trenching works were undertaken on 9 & th August on behalf of Mr. James McShane in response to a request by the Department for Communities: Historic Environment Division (DfC:HED) for additional information associated with a Planning Application for a proposed new farm dwelling & detached garage at lands 40m North of 16 Harbour Road Ballintoy, Co. Antrim (Planning Ref: LA01/2019/0265/F).

The site currently comprises agricultural land. However, the Planning Application Consultation Response from the Department for Communities: Historic Environment Division (DfC:HED), dated 10 April 2019, has confirmed that “The application site is located adjacent to several sites and monuments. These include the site of Ballintoy Castle (ANT004:007) which was demolished apparently in the 18th century, and the area is known as “The Castle” on the Second Edition Ordnance Survey Maps (c. 1860). Ballintoy Castle and Church were attacked by Irish rebels in a battle in Nov. 1641, and were besieged until 1642. This is represented by the battle site ANT004:122. There is therefore some uncertainty with regard to the potential impacts of development on sub-surface archaeological remains at this location. Greater clarity would be provided with the results of an archaeological evaluation. The evaluation should include a methodology appropriate to the archaeological potential of the site”.

Six trenches, totalling approximately 220 linear metres of trenching, were excavated over a period of two days during on-site works. On-site evaluation works revealed glacial subsoil throughout each of the trenches and no archaeological features, remains or deposits were identified during the evaluation works.

Christopher J. Farrimond, FarrimondMacManus Ltd (Derry), 150 Elmvale, Culmore, Derry BT48 8SL.