2023:035 - Balheary Shooting Club, Skidoo, Swords, Dublin

Archaeological test trenching was carried out at the site of Balheary Shooting Club, Skidoo townland, Co. Dublin. A single test trench at the location of ring-ditch DU011-104 was excavated to retrospectively assess if the groundwork carried out had impacted the monument. Ring-ditch DU011-104 is located on the edge of the site, partially under a berm constructed by June 2018 but this was not archaeologically monitored at the time. Correspondence with the Planning Authority in March 2017 in relation to the proposed works clarified that no groundworks were required and that only surface works would be carried out. An inspection of the site during the works by the Planning Authority found that an area measuring c. 9m in width showed evidence of ground disturbance and intensive rutting, up to 0.3m in depth, was evident along the eastern side of the site.

Archaeological test trenching was carried out on 8 March 2023 (Trench 1). A total of three fosses or ditches (C10-C13 & C15-C17) and one possible kiln (C14) were exposed. The fosse/ditch C10, C11 & C17 (Fosse A) was identified at the northern and southern extents of the trench. It measured 3.4m in width and had been filled with a mid-brown sandy clay containing occasional gravel and angular stone. The fosse/ditch C12 & C16 (Fosse B) measured 3.3m in width and had been filled with a mid-brown sandy clay containing occasional angular stone and gravel. The fosse/ditch C13 & C15 (Fosse C) measured 2m in width and had been filled with a mid-brown sandy clay containing occasional angular stone and gravel. The kiln (C14) was identified in the centre of the fosse/ditch C12 & C16 (Fosse C). It appeared to represent a figure-of-eight kiln and measured 1.75m in length by 0.85m in width and had been filled with a light brown sandy clay containing plentiful small round stones. Traces of burnt clay and rare inclusions of charcoal were also visible. No finds were recovered.
The archaeological testing succeeded in identifying the presence of the ring ditch DU011-104 within the agricultural field to the east. Though the earthen bund lies above the monument to the west alongside the shooting club grounds, it appears to have been constructed above the existing ground level with no ground excavation or impact. Consequently, it appears that at least 50% of the monument is preserved in situ beneath the earthen bund to the west, with the remaining portion extant within the agricultural field.

No further works are recommended, though any future proposed works in proximity to the site should only be carried out with consultation and agreement from the Planning Authority and the National Monuments Service. It is not recommended that the earthen berm is removed, as this currently protects and preserves a portion of the monument in situ, but any attempt at whole or partial removal may result in possible damage or unwarranted impact.

Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth. A92 DH99.