2024:374 - Drumharriff, Pettigo, Donegal

Archaeological testing was undertaken on behalf of Ryan Hanley Engineering from 6 to 12 August 2024 on lands at Drumhariff, Pettigo, Co. Donegal in respect of proposed development works at the current Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A total of 12 test trenches were excavated across the footprint of the site using a machine with a 1.8m wide grading bucket. The total area of test trenches excavated was 1438.2m². The location of test trenches was selected based on the results of a geophysical survey and overall footprint of proposed works area. Soil excavated during trench excavations was surveyed using a metal detection device to detect the possible presence of metal objects and artifacts (Metal Detection Licence No. 24R0372). No such material was identified.

This program of testing identified the presence of unclassified possible redeposited archaeological burnt spread material in Trench 11 and the presence of more definitive burnt spread or fulacht fiadh material in Trench 12 corresponding to anomalies identified in geophysical survey. Several other anomalies were identified and further investigated for archaeological potential. These features varied in size and form (modern drains, linear, sub-oval, circular, irregular) however all consisted of a similar very shallow fill of grey silty clay with occasional stones. No evidence for any archaeological material was identified in these features. They appeared to be either naturally occurring or as a result of modern farming activity.