The investigation, led by Tony Cummins of ÆGIS Archaeology Limited, focused on two intertidal islands at the western edge of Killybegs town: Smooth Point and Rough Point. Archaeological Development Services had already examined the northern end of Smooth Point, but this new phase of work extended the survey area, with eleven trenches dug from the proposed dredging line down to the low water mark.

The excavations revealed that Smooth Point, rather than being an archaeological site, is actually a natural geological formation composed of layers of cobbles, sands, and gravels. This shingle bar or spit was formed entirely by marine activity over time, with no evidence of human occupation or modification found in any of the trenches. The team also investigated two upright timbers in the intertidal zone south of Rough Point, which had been flagged by Karl Brady from Dúchas as potentially significant. However, these turned out to be tree stumps that had been deposited there by water action rather than human activity; similar stumps and branches were scattered throughout the intertidal zone.

These findings, recorded under excavation licence 01D083, cleared the way for the harbour development to proceed without archaeological concerns. The investigation demonstrates how careful archaeological assessment can distinguish between natural features and genuine archaeological sites, ensuring that development projects don’t inadvertently destroy important heritage while also avoiding unnecessary delays when no significant archaeology is present.