2025:433 - Milltown, Donegal

The testing of a site in advance of its development at Milltown townland, Newmills, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, was carried out on 16 May 2025. The proposed development consisted of the provision of a new sub-depot and workshop on a green-field location to the east of the mill complex in Newmills. The site was located 3.5km west south-west of Letterkenny, on the southern bank of the River Swilly and comprised low-lying ground flanking the tail-race of the mill.

The present corn and flax mills, commonly referred to as Newmills, has been in existence since the early 19th century. In 1986, the mills and associated buildings, including a grocery shop and public house, were acquired by the State as a National Monument (No. 639; RMP No. DG060-016—). The complex is now in the ownership of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is managed by the Office of Public Works.

The testing consisted of the excavation of one trench, through the centre of the proposed building. The test trench measured 16.8m long, 1.5-1.6m wide and 0.4-1.05m deep. The stratigraphy encountered consisted of topsoil above loose grey fine gravel, above grey/brown plastic clay.

Given the proximity of the River Swilly, the thin layer of loose fine gravel may well be the result of a flooding event.  No finds were recovered and nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.