Archaeological dig finds unveiled

Ancient remains were found when work began on new roads

The results of a significant archaeological dig have been unveiled in County Down.

Neolithic and Bronze Age remains were found at Loughbrickland when work began on new roads four years ago.

They included evidence of three Neolithic houses dating back over 6,000 year and a Bronze Age burial site.

Information boards have now been erected at the site. It is not yet known where the artefacts will be stored on a permanent basis.

Speaking about the finds, Education Minister Catriona Ruane, on behalf of Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy, said: "The display of these information boards marks the completion of the archaeological works associated with the A1 Loughbrickland to Beech Hill dual carriageway scheme.

"The Department of Regional Development is committed to fully record and research the archaeological sites that turn up from time to time in our road construction sites.

"The archaeological find near Loughbrickland has been acknowledged as rare and extremely significant, and it is good that the people of this area can access the information now displayed here and learn more about the history of the area."