1994:122 - DINGLE, Kerry

This project involved the monitoring of the installation of a secondary sewerage treatment facility in Dingle town, during the period December 7, 1993–May 3, 1994. A watching brief was kept on all excavations within a specified zone which was based on Bradley's medieval town limits, i.e. an area covering that enclosed by the medieval town wall and a safe distance outside it, where the town later developed.

Fourteen trenches were excavated during the five months of archaeological monitoring by the Archaeological Services Unit, U.C.G., at Holy Ground, John St., Grey's Lane, Dyke Gate St., Quay St., Avondale, Green St., Goat St., Main St. and Spa Rd.

In all, very few features or deposits of archaeological importance came to light. The main reason for this was that every street had been trenched previously for the installation of existing services, i.e. sewerage and storm water pipes, Telecom and E.S.B. cables. Added to this were the individual house connections for sewerage pipes and water mains. As a result very little ground was left undisturbed and the vast majority of contexts consisted of fill, located above and below the services already mentioned.

Only two undisturbed contexts were in evidence. The first, in Holy Ground, consisted of an organic layer with charcoal inclusions. Also contained within it was a large quantity of oyster and periwinkle shells, and a small number of animal bone fragments. Ten sherds of pottery found within this context were dated to the 17th century. The second undisturbed context was located in Main St. It was sandy in composition and contained a large quantity of stones, as well as some shell and animal bone fragments. Three sherds of post-medieval pottery were found within this context.

No evidence was found of the medieval wall, which supposedly enclosed the medieval town, or of its gates. However, two shell middens (both found within the undisturbed context in Main St., and a culvert of post-medieval date (located in Green St.) were uncovered.