2024:688 - Ballinlough, Knockbridge, Louth

Test excavations were carried out at Ballinlough, Knockbridge, Co. Louth at a further information request associated with a Planning Ref. by Louth County Council. The site is within the zone of archaeological potential associated with ring ditch LH011-015001-, which is one of five ring ditches (LH011-015003-LH011-015006) recorded in the adjacent area. Furthermore, an enclosure (LH011-15002-) is present to the east of the site. The monuments are visible on the 1966 oblique imagery (CUCAP no.: BDG100). On the plot adjacent to the site, a house was built prior to the 1995 aerial photo. Some of the monuments can be seen on the 2021 Google Earth Pro imagery. The site contains a Protected Structure, listed in the Louth County Development Plan 2021 – 2027. The nearest such structure is St Mary’s RC Church (RPS Id. Lhs011-024; NIAH Reg. No. 13901112), located c. 50m to the northwest of the site.
Cartographic imagery and aerial photography were examined as part of the assessment. The site is located within the north-west corner of an agricultural field, with no monuments depicted. The site has been occupied by a currently standing dwelling since the 1966 aerial photograph, when monuments to the east and south were identified. By the 1995 aerial photograph, a house was built on the plot adjacent to the current development site at the location of a ring-ditch (LH011-015001-). The adjacent field, with the complex of ring ditches and enclosure, has remained unchanged since 1995 and consists of agricultural land.
Test trenching did not identify any archaeological features or deposits. The topsoil was examined for finds, though none were recovered. As a result, the development will have no archaeological impact.
All archaeological investigations are now complete, and no further mitigation is recommended.