2024:395 - Dromore, Donegal

The test excavation of a site in advance of its development in Dromore townland, Ballintra, Co. Donegal, was carried out on 23 December 2024. The proposed development consisted of the erection of a dwelling house, domestic garage, effluent treatment system and soil polishing filter. The testing was a condition of planning permission and was necessary due to the proximity of the proposed development to a recorded monument, an enclosure (RMP DG103-013).

The proposed development was located in a field of pasture, in a drumlin landscape, along the north side of the main road between Ballintra and Rossnowlagh (R231). No features of archaeological significance were visible within the proposed development site.

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 67m, 31.5m, 44m and 30.4m long respectively; 1.9-2.1m wide and 0.4-1m deep.

Apart from the line of a domestic water service connection, which crossed two of the trenches, the pre-development testing revealed natural undisturbed stratigraphy, i.e. topsoil above natural subsoils. Two blackware sherds were found in the topsoil and a small number of modern pottery sherds were found in the spoil and the topsoil. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.