2024:394 - Creevy, Donegal

The test excavation of a site in advance of its development in Creevy townland, 4km north-west of Ballyshannon, County Donegal, was carried out on 15 November 2024. The proposed development consisted of the construction of a new dwelling house, domestic garage, access road, sewerage system and associated works. The project was in the pre-planning phase and the testing was necessary due to the proximity of the proposed development to a recorded monument, a cashel (RMP DG107-003).

The site was located in a large field of pasture enclosed by dry stone walls, partly overgrown with briars, which sloped down to the west north-west. No features of archaeological significance were visible within the proposed development site. The cashel DG107-003 was located approximately 30m away to the north, in the neighbouring townland of Kilbarron.

The testing consisted of the excavation of four trenches, located to best cover the area of the proposed development that was accessible. The trenches measured 34.9m, 30.4m, 45m and 30m long respectively; 1.9-2.1m wide and 0.25-0.75m deep. The spoil from each trench was carefully inspected for artefacts.

The testing revealed natural undisturbed stratigraphy, i.e. topsoil above natural subsoils and bedrock. One modern pottery sherd was found in the spoil. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.