2026:249 - Ledwithstown, Doonacurry, Cornacarta, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe and Tirlickeen, Longford

A large programme of test trenching was carried out in June 2026 at the site of a proposed development. 129 test trenches with a combined length of 7,047m were excavated. This included trenches that were targeted to investigate anomalies of archaeological potential that had been identified from a geophysical survey. Ten archaeological features were identified across the site.

Spreads of pyrolithic material, of the type found in association with Fulachtai Fia, were identified in three trenches. Possible kilns were identified in three trenches. Two possible hearths and two possible pits were also identified.

Six of these features were found in trenches that investigated anomalies identified from the geophysical survey. A further four were identified in areas where the geophysical survey was not undertaken. Trenches in unsurveyed areas consisted of the majority of the areas investigated. The areas in which the survey was not carried out were demonstrably more marginal than those where the survey was carried out.

The discovered archaeology was in the townlands of Kilcommock Glebe (spread x 2,  kiln x 2, pit), Doonacurry (kiln, pit, hearth x 2) and Foygh (spread).

A metal detector was used to aid in the identification of artefacts, but no artefacts, metal or otherwise, were identified during the test trenching programme.