Gahan and Long identified the remains of a probable Early Medieval rath site during pre-construction testing of the new Olar Valley residential development on the outskirts of Ballyclare. Raths, also known as forts’, ‘forths’ and ring-forts, are the field monuments most commonly found in the Irish countryside. The area of the potential monument was topsoil stripped to reveal a roughly circular enclosure with an approximate diameter of 30m which was then fully excavated and recorded. Pottery recovered from the excavation confirmed that the site dated to the Early Medival period (500-1100AD)
One pit from the site produced a collection of flint tools. Expert analysis of these identified them to date to the Late Mesolithic period, approximately 8000 years ago!
Located within the historic core of Belfast, Gahan and Long carried out an excavation of an 18th century streetscape prior to the construction of the extension to Belfast’s Merchant Hotel. This excavation identified the remains...
Read MoreGahan and Long have been the archaeological consultant for the restoration of the 19th century Star Fort at Ebrington Barracks. As well as overseeing the restoration of the historic fort wall, excavation works have lead...
Read MoreThe Sirocco Works project saw the excavation of the iconic 18th century Ballymacarrett glass works. This site extended over an area of approximately 3 football pitches and included the glass kilns, ceramic kilns and associated...
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