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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560489 - F.I. Received Doc. - Archaeological Impact Assessment Archaeological Impact Assessment Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. Excavation Licence No. 26E0323 Geophysical Survey Licence No. 26R0105 Client: Ceardean Architects Ltd. Planning Authority: Monaghan County Council. Planning Reference: 25/60489 Issue Date: May 2026 Prepared by: Michael Greiner & Seán Shanahan, Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment i Copies of this report have been presented to: The client; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and the National Museum of Ireland. Please Note: The International and European conventions on the protection of cultural heritage ratified in Ireland have been taken into consideration for the purposes of this report. The National Monuments Acts 1930-2014, the Heritage Act 1995, the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), and relevant guidelines issued by the statutory bodies have been consulted in the assembly of this report. All of the recommendations made within this report are based on drawings and information provided by the client at the time of writing. Should any alterations be made to drawings or development proposals, further assessment may be necessary. Recommendations are subject to approval by the National Monuments Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Ordnance Survey of Ireland Licence Where Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OS) – now Tailte Eireann Surveying - material has been reproduced in this report it has been done so under licence CYAL50527268 © Tailte Eireann - Surveying. Acknowledgements Shanarc Archaeology acknowledges the information supplied by the client, information gathered from the SMR and RMP and from the Topographical files at the National Museum of Ireland and Tailte Eireann - Surveying. Copyright The contents of this report, including any original drawings and photographs, are the property of the author(s) and Shanarc Archaeology. Any reproduction of said report requires the written permission of Shanarc Archaeology. Images and drawings supplied by third parties are acknowledged individually. Report Design and Template Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., 2026. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment ii Contents 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Site Location & Description ................................................................................. 3 1.2. Development Description ..................................................................................... 4 2. Assessment Methodology ............................................................................................... 6 2.1. Legislative Protection for Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage ...... 6 2.2. Assessment Criteria .............................................................................................. 7 2.3. Desktop Study ....................................................................................................... 9 2.4. On-Site Inspection .............................................................................................. 11 3. Receiving environment ................................................................................................. 12 3.1. Archaeological and Historical Background ........................................................ 12 3.2. Toponomy ........................................................................................................... 13 3.3. Cartographic Analysis ........................................................................................ 13 3.4. Aerial Photographs ............................................................................................. 18 3.5. Archaeological Heritage ..................................................................................... 21 3.5.1. National Monuments .......................................................................................... 21 3.5.2. Record of Monuments & Places and Sites & Monuments Record ..................... 21 3.5.3. Previous Archaeological Investigations ............................................................. 22 3.5.4. Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland ................................... 23 3.6. Architectural Heritage ........................................................................................ 23 3.6.1. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 ............................................ 23 3.6.2. National Inventory of Architectural Heritage ..................................................... 24 4. Site Inspection ............................................................................................................... 24 5. Geophysical Survey ...................................................................................................... 28 6. Archaeological Test-excavation .................................................................................... 32 7. Impact Statement .......................................................................................................... 53 8. Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 54 8.1 Archaeological Mitigation Measures .................................................................. 54 9. Bibliography ................................................................................................................. 55 Appendix 1 ............................................................................................................................... 56 Appendix 2 ............................................................................................................................... 61 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment iii Figures Figure 1: Location overview of site (in red) c. 5.5km to the west of Castleblayney town, in Co. Monaghan (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................. 2 Figure 2: Location overview of site (in red) in Doohamlat village, showing townland boundaries (in green) (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). ....................... 2 Figure 3: Location overview of site (in red) in local context (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). ........................................................................................................ 3 Figure 4: Overview of proposed development site (Source: supplied by Client). ..................... 4 Figure 5: Proposed development plan (Source: supplied by Client). ........................................ 5 Figure 6: Preliminary development plan showing proposed development Phase areas (Source: supplied by Client). ...................................................................................................... 5 Figure 7: Extract from the 1656-58 Down Survey map for the County of Monaghan; showing location of Doohamlat/Dohalla townland (in blue) in the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne (Source: www.downsurvey.ie). ............................................. 14 Figure 8: Extract from the 1656-58 Down Survey map (north is to upper right) for the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne; showing Clontibret/Clownetebret Parish with the location of Doohamlet/Doghotlagh townland (in blue) (Source: www.downsurvey.ie). ................................................................................................ 15 Figure 9: Location of site (in blue) on first-edition OS map (OS Sheet: MN019), 1834–1836 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). ........................................................ 17 Figure 10: Subject site (in red) on historic 25-inch OS map, 1908–1909 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................................................................. 17 Figure 11: Subject site (in red) on 6-inch Cassini OS map, 1910 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). ...................................................................................................... 18 Figure 12: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 1995 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). ............................................................................................... 19 Figure 13: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 1996-2000 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................................................................. 19 Figure 14: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 2001–2005 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................................................................. 19 Figure 15: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 2006-2012 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................................................................. 20 Figure 16: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, Digital Globe 2011-2013 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................................................... 20 Figure 17: Location of site (in red) OS aerial photograph, Aerial Premium 2013-2018 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). .................................................................... 20 Figure 18: Overview of site (in red) on Google Earth image dated 21.04.2024 (Source: https://earth.google.com). .......................................................................................... 21 Figure 19: SMR/RMP sites (red dots) their associated Zones of Notification (shaded pink), and NIAH sites (blue dots) located within a c. 1.2km radius of the subject site (in red) (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). ................................................. 22 Figure 20: Grayscale geophysical survey data (Survey Licence No. 26R0105) (Source: Shanarc Archaeology Ltd.). ....................................................................................... 30 Figure 21: Interpretative geophysical survey results (with original site boundaries); Survey Licence No. 26R0105 (Source: Shanarc Archaeology Ltd.). .................................... 31 Figure 22: Test-Trench array; overlaid on Google Earth image dated 21.04.2024 (Source: https://earth.google.com). .......................................................................................... 38 Figure 23: Test-Trench array, relative to geophysical survey data (26R0105) (Source: Shanarc Archaeology Ltd.). ....................................................................................... 39 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment iv Plates Plate 1: Drone overview of site; looking south-southwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). ................................................................................................................. 25 Plate 2: Drone overview of site; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Plate 3: Overgrown patches at interior of site; looking north-northwest from central eastern edge of the site (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). ......................................... 26 Plate 4: Sloping ground at west of site; looking north-northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). ................................................................................................................. 27 Plate 5: Sloping ground at centre of site; looking east-northeast from western edge of the site (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). ................................................................... 27 Plate 6: Sloping ground at east of site; looking north (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). ................................................................................................................. 28 Plate 7: Drone overview of excavated trenches, with trench numbers (in red); looking north– northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ................................................... 40 Plate 8: Test-trench 1; looking west–northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ... 41 Plate 9: Test-trench 2; looking west-northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ... 41 Plate 10: Test-trench 3; looking north (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ................. 42 Plate 11: Test-trench 4; looking east-southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ... 42 Plate 12: Test-trench 5; looking west (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). .................. 43 Plate 13: Test-trench 6; looking west (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). .................. 43 Plate 14: Test-trench 7; looking east-southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ... 44 Plate 15: Test-trench 8; looking east (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026)..................... 44 Plate 16: Test-trench 9; looking northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). .......... 45 Plate 17: Test-trench 10; looking southwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ........ 45 Plate 18: Test-trench 11; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ......... 46 Plate 19: Test-trench 12; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ......... 46 Plate 20: Small pit (Feature 1), c. 4.5m from north-western end of Test-trench 12; looking south-southwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ........................................ 47 Plate 21: Pit or possible kiln (Feature 2), c. 12.75m from north-western end of Test-trench 12; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ...................................... 47 Plate 22: Annotated georeferenced drone overview of Test-trench 12, showing locations of pit (Feature 1) and pit/possible kiln (Feature 2); looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). .................................................................................. 48 Plate 23: Test-trench 13; looking south (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ............... 49 Plate 24: Test-trench 14; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ......... 49 Plate 25: Test-trench 15; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ......... 50 Plate 26: Test-trench 16; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ......... 50 Plate 27: Test-trench 17; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). ......... 51 Plate 28: Test-trench 18; looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). 51 Plate 29: Test-trench 19; looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). 52 Plate 30: Test-trench 20; looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). 52 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment v Tables Table 1: Type of Impact. ............................................................................................................ 7 Table 2: Quality of Impact. ........................................................................................................ 8 Table 3: Significance of Impact. ................................................................................................ 8 Table 4: Recorded Monuments within a c. 1.2km radius of the proposed development site. . 21 Table 5: Previous archaeological excavations in the wider vicinity of Doohamlat village. .... 23 Table 6: List of Protected Structures and NIAH sites within the wider village of Doohamlat. ................................................................................................................................... 24 Table 7: Summary of excavated test-trenches. ........................................................................ 33 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 1 1. Introduction This Archaeological Impact Assessment Report (AIA) has been prepared by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., on behalf of of Ceardean Architects Ltd., in relation to the proposed construction of a residential housing development at Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan (Figures 1–3). The subject site comprises a c. 1.87-hectare greenfield plot, consisting of a single large agricultural field, located in the central western part of Doohamlat village. There are no recorded SMR/RMP sites or other known archaeological monuments within, or in the immediate vicinity of the subject site. The nearest recorded archaeological site comprises a Barrow - mound barrow (MO019-051----) located in Doohamlat townland c. 440m to the southeast of the site. Condition 6 of a further information request from Monaghan County Council in relation to the planning application (Planning Ref: 25/60489), stipulated that the site be subjected to an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA), which is to include a geophysical survey and test - excavation (Appendix 1). A further information request from the Development Applications Unit (DAU) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, outlined the same conditions, i.e. that an AIA including geophysical survey and test-excavation be carried out prior to the grant of planning (Appendix 2). The Archaeological Impact Assessment is based on desk -based research, as well as on the findings of a site inspection, a geophysical survey, and test-excavations. The primary purpose of the geophysical survey was to determine the potential presence of any archaeology within the proposed development area; with the results of the geophysical survey being used to determine the best locations for a series of targeted archaeological test-trenches. In the case of any archaeological features or materials being identified, the Archaeological Impact Assessment was to determine the level of impact the proposed development would have on any such materials, and if necessary, a suitable mitigation strategy for the proposed development was to be provided. The associated geophysical survey under prospection licence no. 26R0105, was carried out by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 5th March 2026 (Greiner & Shanahan, 2026). The geophysical survey identified multiple potential archaeological anomalies , primarily in the form or potential pit and hearth type features. Subsequent test-excavations were conducted by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 11th May 2026 under excavation licence no. 26E0323. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 2 Figure 1: Location overview of site (in red) c. 5.5km to the west of Castleblayney town, in Co. Monaghan (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). Figure 2: Location overview of site (in red) in Doohamlat village, showing townland boundaries (in green) (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 3 Figure 3: Location overview of site (in red) in local context (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). 1.1. Site Location & Description The subject site is located in Doohamlat townland in the central western part of Doohamlat village (sometimes written as Doohamlet), c. 5.5km to the west of Castleblayney town in Co. Monaghan. The west-southwest boundary of the site comprises the townland boundary to Dernaglug townland to the west and south. The site comprises an irregularly shaped c. 1.87-hectare single-field, agricultural greenfield plot, which is located on the northern side of the R183 road. To the south the site fronts onto the road (R183) and onto the rear of the grounds of Connolly’s Public House, and to the southwest it backs onto the grounds of the Doohamlet Community Centre; in all other directions the site is surrounded by existing residential properties, with a large residential development located to the north. The site is approximately centred on ITM coordinates E 676637, N 820660. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 4 1.2. Development Description Planning permission (Planning Ref: 25/60489) is being sought by Connolly Partnership for the construction a housing development on a site of 1.87-hectares, consisting of a total of 45 dwelling houses comprising of 5 No. single storey semi-detached houses; 40 No. two storey detached, semi-detached & terraced houses and, new site entrance onto existing public road R183, with associated amendment to the existing road frontage of the adjoining carparking at Connolly's Public House (Eircode A75CF58), connection to existing public sewer system, The development will provide for a total of 95 No. car parking spaces, bin stores; Landscaping, boundary treatments; public lighting; pedestrian & bicycle path through the site linking adjoining Cois Locha Estate subject to agreement, and all associated site infrastructure and engineering works necessary to facilitate the development at Doohamlat Castleblayney, County Monaghan (Figures 4–6). Figure 4: Overview of proposed development site (Source: supplied by Client). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 5 Figure 5: Proposed development plan (Source: supplied by Client). Figure 6: Preliminary development plan showing proposed development Phase areas (Source: supplied by Client). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 6 2. Assessment Methodology This impact assessment report is based on a desktop study of relevant archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage sources, supported by an on -site inspection of the proposed development site, a geophysical survey, and targeted archaeological test- excavation. The assessment is guided by relevant legislation, standards and guidelines in respect of archaeology, architecture and cultural heritage, as follows. 2.1. Legislative Protection for Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage Ireland has ratified several international and European conventions on the protection of cultural heritage, principally: • UNESCO World Heritage Convention 1972; • Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (Venice) 1964; • European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valetta Convention) 1992; • European Convention on the Protection of the Architectural Heritage (Grenada Convention) 1985; • European Council Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment (85/337/EEC) (as amended). National legislation protecting cultural heritage sites comprises: • National Monuments Acts 1930-2014; • Heritage Act 1995; • Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999; • Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Act 2023 (enacted and partially commenced as of September 2024), and • Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The following standards and guidelines were also consulted as part of this assessment: RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 7 • Frameworks and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1999), Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands; • Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation (1999), Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands; • The Heritage Council, 2000. Archaeology & Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for Developers (2000), The Heritage Council; • Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011), Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, and • Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment of TII National Road and Greenway Projects (2024), Transport Infrastructure Ireland. 2.2. Assessment Criteria The following assessment criteria have been adopted from the European Protection Agency terminology (EPA 2017) and the Transport for Ireland criteria (NRA 2005) and adapted to an Irish archaeological context. Assessment criteria that have been formulated to be relevant to impacts on archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage sites are generally categorised as one of three types, as described in Table 1. Table 1: Type of Impact. Type of Impact Description Direct Occurs where an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure is physically located within the footprint of development, resulting in the partial or total removal of the feature, site or structure. Indirect Occurs where an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure, or its setting, is located in close proximity to the footprint of development, which may be indirectly affected as a result e.g. visual effects. None predicted Occurs where an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure is not adversely or positively affected by development. Impacts on archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage sites are assessed in terms of impact quality, as described in Table 2. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 8 Table 2: Quality of Impact. Quality of Impact Description Negative A change that will detract from or permanently remove an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. Neutral A change that will not affect an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. Positive A change that will improve or enhance the setting of an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. The level or significance of impact on archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage sites is assessed, as described in Table 3. Table 3: Significance of Impact. Significance Description Imperceptible An impact on an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure, which can be measured, but without noticeable consequences. Not significant An impact on an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure, which causes noticeable changes, but without significant consequences. Slight An impact that causes a minor change in the character of the environment, which, although noticeable, does not directly impact or affect the integrity of an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. Such impacts are generally reversible and of relatively short duration. Moderate An impact that results in a change to an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure, which, although noticeable, does not compromises the integrity of the heritage. These effects arise where an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure can be incorporated into a modern -day development without damage and that all procedures used to facilitate this are reversible. Potentially significant An impact to a potential feature/area of archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage that could be significant without mitigation measures being implemented, e.g. potential sub -surface archaeological remains. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 9 Significance Description Significant An impact that, by its magnitude, duration or intensity alters the character and/or setting of an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. These effects arise where an aspect or aspects of the archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage are permanently impacted on, leading to a loss of character, integrity and data about the feature/site/structure. Very significant An impact that, by its magnitude, duration or intensity significantly alters most of the character and/or setting of an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. These effects arise where an aspect or aspects of the archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage are permanently impacted on, leading to a loss of character, integrity and data about the feature/site/structure. Profound An impact that completely and irreversibly destroys an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage feature, site or structure. 2.3. Desktop Study The following were the principal desk-based sources consulted: National Monuments Under the National Monuments Acts 1930–2014, archaeological sites in the ownership or guardianship of the State or a Local Authority and sites under Preservation Orders are designated as National Monuments. Such sites are offered the highest level of protection under Irish legislation, as the preservation of such sites is considered of national importance. Record of Monuments & Places and Sites & Monuments Record The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 of the 1994 National Monuments (Amendment) Act. The statutory RMP is a list of archaeological monuments known to the National Monuments Service (NMS). The RMP is based on the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) files housed at the National Monuments Service, with new sites identified being added to the SMR and then scheduled for inclusion in the statutory RMP. These sites are accorded statutory protection as recorded monuments under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014. The Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) contains details of all monuments and places (sites) where it is believed there is a monument known to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) pre-dating AD 1700, and also includes a selection of monuments from the post-AD 1700 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 10 period. The database is available online (www.archaeology.ie) and is maintained by the National Monuments Service (NMS) as part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DoHLGH). The database holds in excess of 150,800 records and over 138,800 of these relate to archaeological monuments. The remaining 12,000 records are classified as ‘Redundant record’: the majority of these relate to obsolete terms, records or features that are not monuments. The records are subject to revision, and the data is updated daily. Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland The topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) are the national archive of all known antiquities recorded by the NMI. These files relate primarily to artefacts but also include references to monuments and contain a unique archive of records of previous excavations. The find-spots of artefacts can be an important indication of the archaeological potential of an area. Excavations Bulletin and Excavations Database The Excavations Bulletin is both a published annual directory and an on -line database that provides summary accounts of all the excavations carried out in Ireland – north and south – from 1969. The on-line database has been compiled from the published Excavations Bulletins from the years 1970–2010, with additional online-only material from 2011 onwards. The database gives access to summary descriptions of archaeological excavation reports. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 Each City and County Development Plan is compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and contains lists of national monuments, recorded monuments, a Record of Protected Structures (a list of buildings which cannot be materially altered or demolished without grant of permission under the Act) and Architectural Conservation Areas (to protect and enhance the special character of an area). The Heritage, Conservation and Landscape of Co. Monaghan are addressed in Volume 1; Chapter 6 of the current Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031, with Archaeology addressed in section 6.18, Built Heritage in section 6.17, and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) in section 6.17.2, the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) is addressed in Volume 2 Appendix 1 of the Development Plan. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 11 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) is an ongoing survey within the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government. The work of the NIAH involves identifying and recording the architectural heritage of Ireland, from AD 1700 to the present day and includes country houses, churches, mills, bridges and other structures of note. Cartographic Sources Information gathered from cartographic sources is fundamental to the identification of archaeological and architectural heritage sites, including cultural landscapes e.g. demesne landscapes, which, based on the level of landscape change, are now often identified from cartographic records alone. The earliest Ordnance Survey maps date to the late 1830s and early 1840s, but much change has occurred in the use and treatment of the landscape in the intervening years, particularly during the second half of the 20 th century, making these a valuable resource in tracing the development of a study area. Toponomy Sources A townland name may preserve information relating to its archaeology, history, folklore, ownership, topography or land use. Most placenames were anglicised by the Ordnance Survey, and despite some inaccuracies in translation the Gaelic, Viking, Anglo-Norman and English origins of placenames are generally recognisable. The Placenames Database of Ireland website (www.logainm.ie) hosts online bi -lingual placename research and archival records for townlands. Joyce’s The Origin and History of Irish Names of Places is also an invaluable source for townland name meanings. Documentary Sources Documentary sources are a valuable means of completing the written archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage record of an area, and of gaining insight into the history of the receiving environment. A list of consulted documentary sources is provided in the bibliography. 2.4. On-Site Inspection On-site inspection offers the opportunity to examine a study area in light of desk -based research and evidence. Inspection is essential in determining the nature and extent of any surviving above-ground evidence, and in predicting the potential effects of a proposal on RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 12 potential below-ground remains. A site inspection was carried out by Thaddeus Breen of Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on Wednesday 11th February 2026. 3. Receiving environment 3.1. Archaeological and Historical Background The subject site is located in Doohamlat townland, in the Civil Parish of Clontibret, in the Barony of Cremorne, in Co. Monaghan. While there is relatively little recorded archaeology in the immediate vicinity of Doohamlat village, this may be due to the lack of previous archaeological investigation, rather than a genuine lack of archaeology. In the wider vicinity of Doohamlat, there is evidence of human activity dating to at least the Neolithic period (c. 4000–2400 BC). A megalithic court tomb (MO019-037----) is located at Cornamucklagh c. 1.2km to the southwest of the proposed development site, a megalithic wedge tomb (MO019-025----) is located at Rausker c. 1.4km to the northwest, and a megalithic portal tomb (MO019-027----) is located at Corleanamaddy c. 1.5km to the north. A single recorded monument in the form of a mound barrow (MO019-051----) is located within the wider village of Doohamlat, c. 440m to the southeast of the proposed development site. Mound barrows comprise circular or oval earthen or earth and stone mounds with no external features. Mounds found in association with other barrow types are likely to be mound barrows. They are funerary in nature and contain and/or cover burials. Excavated examples have been dated to the Bronze and Iron Ages (c. 2400 BC - AD 400) (NMS Scope Notes). The majority of the archaeology within the general surroundings of Doohamlat appears to be of early medieval date. The early medieval period, AD400 to the mid-12th century, sees the introduction of Christianity. With it we see a change in burial practices and monument types and the introduction of writing and record making. Ringforts/raths are the most numerous and widely distributed monuments in the Irish landscape. These enclosed medieval homesteads are generally dated to between c. AD 500-1200, the bulk being erected during the period from c. AD550-850 (Stout 2017). While Ringforts/raths are not uniform, the commonest form is that of a moderate size with a single bank and ditch enclosing a space of 25m-60m. They are generally considered to be dispersed homesteads, and traces of houses have been excavated within a number of raths. (Mitchell & Ryan 2007, 254 -261). There are nine ringforts within a c. 2km radius of the subject site; the nearest examples being located at RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 13 Toome (MO019-040----) c. 637m to the south of the site and at Tonyscallan c. 670m to the northwest. A crannog (MO019-040----) is located at Toome c. 990m to the south of the site. These partly or wholly artificial islands may date to any time from the 6th to the 17th century AD (NMS Scope Notes). 3.2. Toponomy The subject site is located in the townland of Doohamlat. The townland of Doohamlat also previously spelled as Doghollagh, Dooholaught, Docholaught, Duarlatt, Duanlatt, Doeholaught, Dúthamhlact and Doohamlet among others, is recorded from as early as c. 1655 (logainm.ie). The name Doohamlat derives from the Irish Dúthamhlacht or Dubhthamhlacht, comprising the Irish words dubh (black), támh (plague/death) and leacht (grave/monument). The word taimhleacht typically denotes a plague-monument i.e. a place where people who died of an epidemic were buried (Joyce, 1910). The name Doohamlat has been variously interpreted as either the “black burial place” (logainm.ie) or the “black plague grave” (Joyce, 1910). 3.3. Cartographic Analysis Relevant extracts are presented from the following historic maps: • Down Survey map of County Monaghan, 1656–58 (Figure 7); • Down Survey map of the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne, 1656–58 (Figure 8); • Ordnance Survey first-edition 6-inch map (Sheet MN019), 1834–1836 (Figure 9); • Ordnance Survey 25-inchmap, 1908–1909 (Figure 10); • Ordnance Survey Cassini 6-ich map, 1910 (Figure 11). Down Survey, 1656-58 The Down Survey is a mapped survey, carried out from 1656–1658 under the direction of Sir William Petty, which recorded land confiscated from Catholics after the Cromwellian War in Ireland (1649–1653). The survey recorded townland boundaries and their areas with precision throughout Ireland (downsurvey.tcd.ie). The resultant maps contain other detail, such as roads, rivers, towns, churches, castles, houses and fortifications, as well as topographic and land use detail. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 14 The Down Survey map for County Monaghan (Figure 7), shows the townland of Doohamlat/Dohalla in the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne. The Down Survey map for the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne (Figure 8), shows the townland of Doohamlat/Doghotlagh within the Parish of Clontibret/Clownetebret. The barony map appears to show the townland as arable land containing a small area of bog at is west-northwest corner. There is no surviving Parish map for Clontibret, and there is no surviving descriptive Terrier which could have provided further detailed information for the townland of Doohamlat. Associated Down Survey notes provided in the Historical GIS section of Trinity College Dublin’s Down Survey website (https://www.downsurvey.ie/historical-gis/), give the Down Survey name for Doohamlat as Docholaught, and list the owner in 1641 as Hugh McMahon (Catholic), and in 1670 as James Hamilton 1st Viscount Claneboy (Protestant). The land in Doohamlat is recorded as comprising 47-hectares of profitable land and 3-hectares of unprofitable land (https://www.downsurvey.ie/historical-gis/). Figure 7: Extract from the 1656-58 Down Survey map for the County of Monaghan; showing location of Doohamlat/Dohalla townland (in blue) in the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne (Source: www.downsurvey.ie). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 15 Figure 8: Extract from the 1656-58 Down Survey map (north is to upper right) for the Barony of Cremorne/Cremourne; showing Clontibret/Clownetebret Parish with the location of Doohamlet/Doghotlagh townland (in blue) (Source: www.downsurvey.ie). Ordnance Survey Maps The Ordnance Survey (OS) maps covering the proposed development area were consulted. The first ever large-scale survey of Ireland was undertaken by the Ordnance Survey between 1829 and 1842, producing highly accurate maps at different scales. The first-edition 6-inch OS map (OS Sheet No. MN019) for the subject site was surveyed in 1834 and published in 1836 (Figure 9). It shows the subject site as comprising portions of three adjoining agricultural fields, with a cluster of three houses just outside the sites southeastern corner, in the current location of Connolly’s Public House, to the north of the existing road. The site is indicated as being within Doohamlat townland, with the west-southwest boundary of the site forming the townland boundary to Dernaglug to the west. A trackway is indicated within eastern part of the site running southeast -northwest from the houses fronting the road, and leading to the rear of the site. A circular feature, likely a lime kiln is indicated within the site just north of halfway along its southwestern boundary. With the exception of the three houses and the road to the south of the site, the site is bordered in all directions by large agricultural fields, with an area of rough pasture and/or RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 16 bog indicated to the east. A mill race running from Tonyscallan or Dernaglug Lough to the northwest of the site, skirts past the western corner of the site before turning south, where it runs past two corn mills with kilns, and a flax mill between c. 250m–370m to the south of the site. A Mass garden is indicated c. 70m–90m to the southeast of the site along with a small cluster of structures; the current church is not yet shown, and the village of Doohamlat is not yet labelled. The 25-inch OS survey map of 1908–1909 (Figure 10) shows one some minor changes within the site, with an additional field boundary at the northeast of the site meaning the site now comprises portions of four fields. The trackway shown at the east of the site, and the circular feature at the west-southwest of the site on the first-edition OS map are no longer shown. In the general surrounding of the site, there are slight changes to the footprint of the buildings to the south of the site in the location of Connolly’s Public House, and the Doohamlet Post Office is indicated in this location. A new large structure labelled as Doohamlet Creamery is indicated to the southwest of the site in the location of the current Doohamlet Community Centre. In the general location of the Mass garden indicated on the first -edition map, the current All Saints R.C. Church (NIAH: 41401907) is now indicated. A school and a smithy are also indicated in the village to the east-southeast of the development site. While the townland is still labelled as Doohamlat, the labelling of various structures within the village suggested the village was referred to as Doohamlet at this time. The millrace running past the western corner of the proposed development site is still present on the 25-inch OS map, as are the two previously indicated corn mills and the flax mill ; an additional flax mill is now also indicated beside the easternmost corn mill. The OS Cassini 6-inch map of 1910 (Figure 11) is of relatively poor quality; though from the visible details, it does not appear to show any changes within the site or its immediate surroundings from the slightly earlier 25-inch OS map. With the exception of the circular feature/lime kiln shown within the site on the first -edition OS map, there are no structures or features of potential archaeological interest indicated within the proposed development site on any of the historic OS maps. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 17 Figure 9: Location of site (in blue) on first-edition OS map (OS Sheet: MN019), 1834–1836 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). Figure 10: Subject site (in red) on historic 25-inch OS map, 1908–1909 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 18 Figure 11: Subject site (in red) on 6-inch Cassini OS map, 1910 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). 3.4. Aerial Photographs In addition to the historic OS maps the available aerial photographs were also examined. The following aerial photographs, available on the Tailte Eireann website Geohive (http://map.geohive.ie), were consulted: 1995, 1996–2000, 2001–2005, 2006–2012, Digital Globe 2011–2013, and 2013–2018 (Figures 12–17). The most recent Google Earth image dated 21.04.2024 (https://earth.google.com) was also consulted (Figure 18). The successful detection of archaeological sites through aerial photography varies, and depends on several factors including the position of the sun, the type of crop growing and the amount of rainfall in a growing season. In some years, such as during the drought of 2018, sites were clearly visible, while in others the same site could be undetectable from the air. All the examined aerial images show the subject site as comprising a single large agricultural field, with occasional isolated mature trees at the central west and north of the site (Figures 12–18). The only aerial photograph to show any features of potential interest within the site is the 1995 OS aerial photograph (Figure 12). The 1995 OS aerial photograph appears to show approximately twenty circular features within the site. These circular features which have a diameter of c.10m appear to be generally aligned in east-west orientated rows (Figure 12). While potential archaeological origins of these features can neither be verified nor ruled out on the basis of this single aerial photograph, it is most likely that the features related to some contemporary agricultural or industrial activity on the site; these circular features are not visible on any of the subsequent aerial photographs. . RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 19 Figure 12: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 1995 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). Figure 13: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 1996-2000 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). Figure 14: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 2001–2005 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 20 Figure 15: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, 2006-2012 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). Figure 16: Location of site (in red) on OS aerial photograph, Digital Globe 2011-2013 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). Figure 17: Location of site (in red) OS aerial photograph, Aerial Premium 2013-2018 (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 21 Figure 18: Overview of site (in red) on Google Earth image dated 21.04.2024 (Source: https://earth.google.com). 3.5. Archaeological Heritage 3.5.1. National Monuments No National Monuments are situated within or in the immediate proximity of the proposed development site, or within the wider vicinity of Doohamlat village. 3.5.2. Record of Monuments & Places and Sites & Monuments Record The SMR/RMP records list seven sites within a c. 1.2km radius of the proposed development site; though only one of these falls within a 500m radius of the site. The recorded SMR/RMP sites within a c. 1.2km radius of the proposed development site are listed in Table 4 and their locations are indicated in Figure 19. Table 4: Recorded Monuments within a c. 1.2km radius of the proposed development site. SMR No. Class Townland ITM (E, N) Distance (m) MO019-051---- Barrow - mound barrow Doohamlat 677116, 820421 c. 440m MO019-039---- Ringfort - rath Toome 676742, 819939 c. 637m MO019-040---- Crannog Toome 676690, 819581 c. 990m MO019-038---- Ringfort - rath Cornamucklagh South 675714, 819719 c. 1.2km MO019-037---- Megalithic tomb - court tomb Cornamucklagh South 675503, 820010 c. 1.2km MO019-026---- Ringfort - rath Tonyscallan 675921, 821022 c. 670m MO019-029---- Ringfort - rath Coolmannan 677225, 821268 c. 760m RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 22 Figure 19: SMR/RMP sites (red dots) their associated Zones of Notification (shaded pink), and NIAH sites (blue dots) located within a c. 1.2km radius of the subject site (in red) (Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268). 3.5.3. Previous Archaeological Investigations The excavations bulletin (www.excavations.ie); records no previous archaeological excavations within the proposed development site. Two excavations are recorded in the wider vicinity of Doohamlat village; these previous excavations under Excavation Licence No. 06E1232, related to testing for a proposed housing development in the neighbouring townland of Dernaglug to the south of Doohamlat village; no archaeology was found. The previous excavations within the wider village of Doohamlat are listed below in Table 5. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 23 Table 5: Previous archaeological excavations in the wider vicinity of Doohamlat village. 3.5.4. Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland The National Museum of Ireland database records were consulted by Thaddeuss Breen of Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 11th May 2026. There are no records of any archaeological find spots provenanced to the townland of Doohamlat, or the adjacent townland of Dernaglug. 3.6. Architectural Heritage 3.6.1. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 Heritage, Conservation and Landscape for Co. Monaghan are addressed in Volume 1; Chapter 6 of the current Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031, with Archaeology addressed in section 6.18, Built Heritage in section 6.17, and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) in section 6.17.2, the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) is addressed in Volume 2 Appendix 1 of the Development Plan. Record of Protected Structures The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) contained in Volume 2, Appendix 1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031, lists no Protected Structures within or immediately adjacent to the site. Two Protected Structures are recorded for the village of Doohamlat/Doohamlet, these comprise a post box (RPS Ref No. 41101949) c. 25m to the south of the proposed development site, and All Saints Catholic Church (RPS Ref No. 41401920) c. 80m to the southeast. The Protected Structures within Doohamlat village are summarised below in Table 6 and their locations are indicated in Figure 19. Architectural Conservation Areas The proposed development site is not located within or in proximity to any Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). Licence No. Excavation Bulletin No. Location Site Type Author 06E1232 2006:1671 Doohamlat, Monaghan No archaeology found Eoin Halpin 2007:1423 Dernaglug, Monaghan No archaeology found RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 24 3.6.2. National Inventory of Architectural Heritage The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) lists no structures within or immediately adjacent to the site. Three NIAH sites are recorded for the wider village of Doohamlat; these comprise a post box (NIAH: 41401906), All Saints Catholic Church (NIAH: 41401907), and a water pump (NIAH: 41401908). The NIAH sites within Doohamlat village are summarised in Table 6, and their locations relative to the proposed development site are indicated in Figure 19. Table 6: List of Protected Structures and NIAH sites within the wider village of Doohamlat. RPS No. NIAH No. Name Townland Rating & Significance Date Distance from site (m) 4110 1949 41401906 Post box Doohamlat Regional – Artistic, Historical, Social, Technical 1900– 1910 c. 25m 4140 1920 41401907 All Saints' Catholic Church Doohamlat Regional - Architectural, Artistic, Social 1855– 1885 c. 80m - 41401908 Water pump Doohamlat Regional – Artistic, Social, Technical 1860– 1880 c. 94m 4. Site Inspection A site inspection was carried out by Thaddeus Breen of Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on Wednesday 11th February 2026 (Plates 1–6). At the time of the site inspection weather conditions were overcast with persistent light rain. The field is longer than it is wide, but too irregular to be called sub -rectangular. It is orientated approximately northwest–southeast. The highest point is towards the centre of the field, so the field is in the form of a low hill, sloping most steeply to the southwest, where there is a stream. The slope is most gentle to the northeast. At the highest point, however, the ground drops steeply by 3m–4m. This steep slope is covered in gorse and briers. Over most of the field the vegetation consisted of grass, c. 10cm–20cm high. At the south- eastern end there were some clumps of reeds up to 1m in height, but these did not form dense ground cover. In places around the edges of the site, there were stretches of briers running along the boundary fence and extending a few metres from it. The ground in the north-eastern part of the field was noticeably soggy underfoot, but was not visibly waterlogged. This was not only in the areas with reeds. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 25 Although the topography can be broadly described as a low hill sloping down on all sides, viewed more closely it is quite irregular. This appears to be natural irregularity; there are no traces of any artificial features. No trace was seen of the limekiln shown on the OS first -edition map. A short ditch-like feature near the middle of the field on the later OS maps seem s to represent the overgrown slope on the northeast side of the higher area. Three manholes or covered wells were noted in the north-eastern area, near a tree. No visible surface anomalies or other evidence of potential archaeology were identified during the site inspection. Site Inspection Plates Plate 1: Drone overview of site; looking south-southwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 26 Plate 2: Drone overview of site; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). Plate 3: Overgrown patches at interior of site; looking north-northwest from central eastern edge of the site (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 27 Plate 4: Sloping ground at west of site; looking north-northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). Plate 5: Sloping ground at centre of site; looking east-northeast from western edge of the site (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 28 Plate 6: Sloping ground at east of site; looking north (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.02.2026). 5. Geophysical Survey A geophysical Magnetometry survey of the subject site was conducted by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 5th March 2026, under prospection licence no. 26R0105 (Figures 20 & 21). A detailed Geophysical Survey report (Greiner & Shanahan, 2026) has been submitted to the NMS. The data collected during the geophysical survey revealed a relatively high number of anomalies across the site. The majority of the identified anomalies comprised small ferrous anomalies representing modern agricultural disturbance, as well as a number of areas of underlying geology, and modern magnetic interference. The geophysical survey data also produced evidence two linears, likely representing former field boundaries, as well as a moderate number of potential archaeological anomalies (Greiner & Shanahan, 2026). The anomalies identified as potential archaeology were primarily small to medium sized dipolar anomalies with a strongly positive polarity, and lesser, at times almost imperceptible negative response; such anomalies tend to be indicative of pit type features. A number of the potential archaeological anomalies may also represent small hearth type features. The potential archaeological anomalies were present throughout the site, but were generally RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 29 more concentrated on the higher ground towards the centre of the site. These anomalies generally occurred in isolation or in small clusters, though with no distinct trends or patterns to suggest that any of these anomalies formed part of any larger features. While these anomalies likely represent pits, excavation would be required to confirm whether or not they are archaeological in nature. With the exception of a single potential pit type anomaly and three small ferrous anomalies which fall partially within the relevant area, there were no visible anomalies associated with the recorded location of the lime kiln as indicated on the first-edition OS map. In addition to the numerous potential pit type anomalies, three faint circular anomalies or trends were also identified in Survey Block B. These circular features which are indicated with dashed blue lines in Figure 21, precisely match the locations of three of the circular anomalies visible on the 1995 OS aerial photograph of the site (Figure 12), and clearly relate to these. While the circular features on the 1995 aerial photographs are almost certainly non - archaeological and likely relate to the sites former use as a pitch -and-putt golf course, excavation would be required to definitively rule out archaeological origins, and for this reason these anomalies are treated as potential archaeology within the scope of the geophysical survey. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 30 Figure 20: Grayscale geophysical survey data (Survey Licence No. 26R0105) (Source: Shanarc Archaeology Ltd.). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 31 Figure 21: Interpretative geophysical survey results (with original site boundaries); Survey Licence No. 26R0105 (Source: Shanarc Archaeology Ltd.). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 32 6. Archaeological Test-excavation Following the geophysical survey (26R0105), and in line with the requirements of the further information requests from Monaghan County Council and the DAU (Appendices 1 & 2), the proposed development site was subjected to a programme of archaeological test- excavation under excavation licence no. 26E0323. Test-excavations were carried out on 11th May 2026. Weather conditions at the time of the test-excavations were sunny and dry, and ground conditions were dry and firm; there were no excavation constraints. Testing comprised the excavation of twenty targeted test-trenches (Figures 22–23; Plates 7– 30). The test-trenches were focused primarily on those anomalies identified as potential archaeology in the geophysical survey data, with Trench 10 additionally targeting the recorded location of a lime kiln indicated on the first-edition OS maps (Figure 9). The excavated test-trenches were 2m in width and varied in length from 15m–25m, with depths varying from 0.04m–0.73m. The stratigraphy was relatively consistent throughout all excavated trenches, and comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. There was frequent evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil , with occasional outcrops extending into the topsoil layer. Two archaeological features, comprising a small sub-circular pit, possibly a hearth (Feature 1) (Plates 20 & 22), and a larger elongated pit, possibly a kiln (Feature 2) (Plates 21 & 22) were identified in Trench 12. No archaeological finds, features, or deposits were identified in any of the other excavated test-trenches. With the exception of a single geophysical anomaly in Trench 12, which corresponded to the location of the smaller pit (Feature 1), all of the other geophysical anomalies targeted by the test-trenches were found to be either natural features or modern agricultural disturbance. The individual test-trenches are summarised below in Table 7. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 33 Table 7: Summary of excavated test-trenches. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 1 (Plate 8) 25m 2m 0.27m–0.5m WNW–ESE Description: Trench 1 was situated on an undulating surface. Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 2 (Plate 9) 25m 2m 0.28m–0.4m WNW–ESE Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 3 (Plate 10) 25m 2m 0.3m–0.4m N–S Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 4 (Plate 11) 25m 2m 0.34m–0.42m WNW–ESE Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 5 (Plate 12) 25m 2m 0.22m–0.4m E–W Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 34 orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. A number of linear stone filled drains were noted towards the eastern end of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 6 (Plate 13) 25m 2m 0.3m–0.52m E–W Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Towards the eastern end of the test trench the ground fell into a modest dip where more organic peat material was noted. A plastic drainage pipe was also noted at the eastern end of the trench. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 7 (Plate 14) 25m 2m 0.22m–0.4m WNW–ESE Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Section of bedrock close to the surface near the centre of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 8 (Plate 15) 25m 2m 0.24m–0.4m E–W Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 9 (Plate 16) 25m 2m 0.28m–0.4m WNW–ESE Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 35 Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 10 (Plate 17) 15m 2m 0.18m–0.44m NE–SW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Sharp decline towards the SW end of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 11 (Plate 18) 25m 2m 0.23m–0.73m NW–SE Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Significant decline towards the NW end of the cutting, bedrock close to the surface from the centre to the E end of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 12 (Plates 19–22) 25m 2m 0.33m–0.37m NWW–ESE Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. A small pit feature (Feature 1) was partially exposed approximately 4.5m from the NW end of the trench. A black charcoal rich fill was found within the cut with evidence of in -situ burning underneath the fill. The fill measures 0.10m deep. Approximately 6.75m to the SE of Feature 1, another larger, elongated pit (Feature 2), oriented NW by SE was exposed under the topsoil layer. The pit, possible kiln, measured 0.60m (exposed width) by 2.04m in length. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 13 (Plate 23) 25m 2m 0.22m–0.42m N–S Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Modest slope towards the S end of the cutting. No RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 36 archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 14 (Plate 24) 25m 2m 0.13m–0.44m NNE–SSW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Cutting was fairly level, small outcrop of bedrock towards the E end of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 15 (Plate 25) 25m 2m 0.33m–0.37m NNE–SSW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. A number of drainage features were exposed along the length of the cutting. Most were narrow and filled with small angular stones. One contained an orange plastic drainage pipe. This area of the site is quite low and there are field rushes growing in the vicinity. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 16 (Plate 26) 25m 2m 0.06m–0.52m NNE–SSW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. An outcrop of bedrock was exposed towards the N end of the test trench. The base of the trench was reasonably level. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 17 (Plate 27) 25m 2m 0.33m–0.37m NE–SW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. An orange plastic drainage pipe was exposed at the SW end of the cutting. The topsoil was somewhat peaty in consistency throughout RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 37 most of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 18 (Plate 28) 25m 2m 0.06m–0.46m NNE–SSW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Two outcrops of bedrock were exposed in the centre of the test trench. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 19 (Plate 29) 25m 2m 0.04m–0.43m NNE-SSW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Two bedrock outcrops were noted, one at either end of the cutting. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. Trench Number Length Width Depth Orientation Trench 20 (Plate 30) 25m 2m 0.06m–0.36m NNE–SSW Description: Excavated material comprised 0.1m of sod overlying 0.18m (max) of topsoil. The topsoil comprised a mid brown, moderately compact sandy silt with occasional small sized angular stones. The topsoil overlay natural subsoil, comprising a mixture of yellow and orange sandy silt with a moderate amount of small and medium sized angular stones. Evidence of stone outcrops close to the surface of the subsoil. Section of iron fencing found in the topsoil layer. No archaeological finds, features or deposits. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 38 Figure 22: Test-Trench array; overlaid on Google Earth image dated 21.04.2024 (Source: https://earth.google.com). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 39 Figure 23: Test-Trench array, relative to geophysical survey data (26R0105) (Source: Shanarc Archaeology Ltd.). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 40 Test Excavation Plates Plate 7: Drone overview of excavated trenches, with trench numbers (in red); looking north–northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 41 Plate 8: Test-trench 1; looking west–northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 9: Test-trench 2; looking west-northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 42 Plate 10: Test-trench 3; looking north (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 11: Test-trench 4; looking east-southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 43 Plate 12: Test-trench 5; looking west (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 13: Test-trench 6; looking west (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 44 Plate 14: Test-trench 7; looking east-southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 15: Test-trench 8; looking east (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 45 Plate 16: Test-trench 9; looking northwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 17: Test-trench 10; looking southwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 46 Plate 18: Test-trench 11; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 19: Test-trench 12; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 47 Plate 20: Small pit (Feature 1), c. 4.5m from north-western end of Test-trench 12; looking south-southwest (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 21: Pit or possible kiln (Feature 2), c. 12.75m from north-western end of Test-trench 12; looking southeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026).RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 48 Plate 22: Annotated georeferenced drone overview of Test-trench 12, showing locations of pit (Feature 1) and pit/possible kiln (Feature 2); looking north- northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 49 Plate 23: Test-trench 13; looking south (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 24: Test-trench 14; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 50 Plate 25: Test-trench 15; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 26: Test-trench 16; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 51 Plate 27: Test-trench 17; looking northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 28: Test-trench 18; looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 52 Plate 29: Test-trench 19; looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). Plate 30: Test-trench 20; looking north-northeast (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. - 11.05.2026). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 53 7. Impact Statement The subject site comprises a c. 1.87-hectare greenfield plot, consisting of a single large agricultural field, located in the central western part of Doohamlat village. There are no recorded SMR/RMP sites or other known archaeological monuments within, or in the immediate vicinity of the subject site. The nearest recorded archaeological site comprises a Barrow - mound barrow (MO019-051----) located in Doohamlat townland c. 440m to the southeast of the site. Condition 6 of a further information request from Monaghan County Council in relation to the planning application (Planning Ref: 25/60489), stipulated that the site be subjected to an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA), which is to include a geophysical survey and test - excavation (Appendix 1). A further information request from the Development Applications Unit (DAU) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, outlined the same conditions, i.e. that an AIA including geophysical survey and test-excavation be carried out prior to the grant of planning (Appendix 2). The associated geophysical survey under prospection licence no. 26R0105, was carried out by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 5th March 2026 (Greiner & Shanahan, 2026). The geophysical survey identified multiple potential archaeological anomalies , primarily in the form or potential pit and hearth type features. Test-excavations were conducted by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. on 11th May 2026 under excavation licence no. 26E0323. Testing comprised the excavation of twenty targeted test- trenches, which primarily focused on those anomalies identified as potential archaeology in the geophysical survey data. Two archaeological features were identified in Trench 12, these comprised a small pit with evidence of in-situ burning (Feature 1), and a larger pit or possible kiln (Feature 2); Feature 1 corresponded to the location of one of the anomalies identified during the geophysical survey. No archaeological finds, features, or deposits were identified in any of the other test-trenches, and aside from the anomaly associated with Feature 1, all other targeted geophysical anomalies were found to be either natural or related to modern agricultural disturbance. The presence of the pit and the possible kiln in Trench 12, indicates that there was definite archaeological activity within the proposed development site. While the number of identified features is very limited, there is the possibility that additional archaeological features may be present in untested areas of the site. Given the nature of the proposed development there is a moderate to high risk that the identified archaeological features, as well as any additional RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 54 unidentified archaeological may be directly impacted during the proposed development works; for this reason additional archaeological mitigation is recommended. 8. Recommendations 8.1 Archaeological Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures are necessary in order to comply with national policy guidelines and statutory provisions for the protection of archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage, including the National Monuments Acts 1930–2014, the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999 and the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Based on the findings of this Archaeological Impact Assessment, in particular the results of the geophysical survey (Prospection Licence No. 26R0105) and the results of the archaeological test-excavations (Excavation Licence No. 2 6E0323), it is the opinion of Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., that development related groundworks, principally topsoil stripping across the site, should be subjected to licenced archaeological monitoring. Where archaeological features or deposits are identified, these should be either preserved in-situ or archaeologically resolved and preserved by record, with the most suitable strategy to be determined by the monitoring archaeologist in consultation with the client, and the NMS. PLEASE NOTE: Recommendations are subject to review and approval by the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and by the National Museum of Ireland. RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 55 9. Bibliography Greiner, M. & Shanahan, S., 2026. Geophysical Survey Report - Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. Geophysical Survey Licence No. 26R0105. Unpublished Report. Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Joyce, P. W., 1910. The origin and history of Irish names of places. Volume 1. Dublin: M.H. Gill Mitchell, F. & Ryan, M., 2007. Reading the Irish Landscape. Town House, Dublin. Stout, M. 2017. Early Medieval Ireland 431-1169. Wordwell, Dublin. Cartographic Sources Petty, W., Down Survey of Ireland, 1656–58. Ordnance Survey first-edition 6-inch map, 1834–1836. Ordnance Survey 25-inch map, 1908–1909. Ordnance Survey Cassini 6-inch map, 1910. Electronic Sources: Tailte Eireann, formerly Ordnance Survey of Ireland; maps and aerial photographs, sourced at www.geohive.ie and www.archaeology.ie (accessed February 2026), and used in accordance with Tailte Eireann Licence No. CYAL50527268. www.excavations.ie Summary accounts of archaeological investigations www.archaeology.ie Department website listing SMR/RMP sites and NIAH sites www.logainm.ie Placenames database www.heritagemaps.ie Heritage dataset https://www.downsurvey.ie Down Survey Maps https://monaghan.ie County Development Plan RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 56 Appendix 1 Further Information Request from Monaghan County Council in relation to planning application (Planning Ref 25/60489). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 57 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 58 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 59 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 60 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 61 Appendix 2 Further Information Request from the Development Applications Unit (DAU) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in relation to planning application (Planning Ref 25/60489). RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 62 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026 Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. Doohamlat, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 26E0323 & 26R0105 - Archaeological Impact Assessment 63 RECEIVED: 20/07/2026