2024:674 - Ballymakenny Road, Yellowbatter, Drogheda, Louth

Archaeological excavation was carried out at Ballymakenny Road, Yellowbatter, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The site contains no Protected Structures as listed within the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027; the nearest such structure is Gate Lodge (RPS ID. LHS024-015), which is also an architectural heritage structure (NIAH Reg No 13902432) located c. 1.1km to the north.

A geophysical survey (21R0044) was conducted on the site in 2021 which identified a sub-circular enclosure. This was subsequently confirmed by archaeological test trenching (18E0550). As well as the previously identified sub-circular enclosure, many additional features were also identified during topsoil stripping and site cleaning and were subsequently excavated. These included 23 pits, 14 post-holes (comprising of at least 1 possible structure), two hearths, and a penannular ring barrow with internal cremation burials. Additionally, many modern east-west agricultural linear features and a modern field boundary ditch were found. These linear features truncated several of the archaeological features. Most archaeological features were found in the internal area of the enclosure ditch.
Based on feature type and the artefactual evidence, the features exposed and subsequently excavated represented a Bronze Age settlement with an associated funerary monument, which were later truncating by modern field divisions and agricultural activity.
Archaeological monitoring of the rest of the site, outside of the excavation limit, was to be conducted following
the completion of the excavation. However, since the excavation was completed, no work has been carried
out on site. Subsequently a new planning application has been lodged by the client.