Ulster J Archaeol 63

During its survey of the north coast of Northern Ireland, the Centre for Maritime Archaeology identified five areas of archaeological remains at Grangemore Dunes, Co Derry, that were in the process of being eroded. The discovery prompted small-scale investigations, focused mainly on two of the sites, to examine the surviving archaeological features. In situ remains were examined at one site only, an Early Bronze Age stone setting, but macrobotanical analyses from buried soil horizons reveal two further episodes of human activity on the dunes in the medieval and late medieval periods. Pottery analysis of stray finds also indicates medieval and post-medieval activity at Grangemore. The results of the archaeological and palaeoenvironmental investigations demonstrate recurring activity on the dunes that spans three millennia. Includes

Three Early Bronze Age cists were uncovered within a gravel quarry at Tonyglaskan, Co Fermanagh, during topsoil removal in 2000. Two were found each to contain the remains of an adult male and a decorated Food Vessel. The third contained the remains of a young child clutching a flint flake. In the same year a small single cist containing a cremation burial at Lislaird, Co Tyrone, was disturbed during farm lane improvements. It was recorded, reconstructed and reburied. Includes

An excavation carried out in 2002 at the Dorsey, Co Armagh, a substantial Iron Age earthwork, uncovered two palisade trenches approximately 30m west of, and running approximately parallel to, Bonds Road where it runs through the Dorsey. Between, and later than, the two palisade trenches was a roasting pit and the possible remains of a flimsy shelter. Running beside and parallel to the west side of the road were the remains of a shallow ditch with a further palisade trench cut into its west edge, as well as a shallow linear gully and a pit. Radiocarbon dating suggests that these features date to the Early Iron Age. Includes

St Jarlath's Church in Clonfeacle, Co Tyrone, is located on the site of a pre-Norman monastic centre. Magnetometry survey and an evaluative excavation were undertaken during 2003 in advance of the extension of the graveyard at St Jarlath's. A small number of features, including a probable smithing hearth and a possible palisade trench, were recorded.

Rescue excavations were undertaken in 2000 at Portmuck, Islandmagee, Co Antrim, of a suite of features which have been dated on the basis of the artefactual evidence to between 1150 and 1500 AD. These included the remains of part of a sub-rectangular building with semicircular gables, irregular internal paving and an internal width of c 4.8m; two metalled surfaces; the collapse remnants of a possible boundary wall slumped into a ditch; a well/sump feature; a series of gullies/palisade trenches and a series of shallow, stone-filled ditches. It is suggested that the excavated remains at Portmuck are a small part of a larger rural settlement possibly associated with the ecclesiastical site 150m to the north. The lack of imported wares and presence of predominantly local pottery and domestic objects may indicate the low status of the inhabitants. Includes

A catalogue of the Archaeological Museum at Queen's University, Belfast, was compiled by K T Frost in 1910 and is published for the first time, together with an introduction and notes. Includes

Account of the methodology used to consolidate a scheduled earthwork monument at risk from erosion, at Derryneill, near Katesbridge, Co Down.