2025:343 - Ballinacor West, Wicklow

Archaeological test trenching was undertaken at Ballinacor West, Barndarrig, Co. Wicklow.

The principal objective of the test trenching was to determine whether any sub-surface archaeological remains survived within the proposed development footprint, particularly in relation to the recorded monument WI031-022 (Ringfort – Rath), which is listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) for County Wicklow.

A total of five test trenches (T1–T5), measuring 1.8m in width and with a combined linear length of 258m, were excavated. The trenches were positioned to maximise coverage across the site, including the area of the suspected ringfort. The stratigraphy was consistent across all trenches, comprising sod/topsoil overlying mid orange-brown silty clay subsoil, which in turn overlay fragmented shale bedrock and large outcrops of bedrock.

No archaeological features, deposits, or artefacts were identified during the course of the investigation. The results indicate that the tested portions of the site are archaeologically sterile, and that either the recorded ringfort has been incorrectly located or any surviving elements lie beyond the investigated area. There was previous ground disturbance at the site, however not at the location of the potential ringfort.