1993:088 - DUBLIN: No 4 Temple Bar, Dublin

The site is located on the foreshore of the river Liffey in an area which was finally reclaimed in the early 19th century when Wellington Quay was constructed. Prior to this development, there was no access along the waterfront in this part of the river. It was thought that there was potential for archaeological material, associated with earlier development along the riverside on this site, to be found.

The preliminary investigation involved the excavation of one hand-excavated test-pit through basement fill, and one trial boring. The results of these investigations indicated the presence of material dating from the early to mid-17th century.

Based on the preliminary tests, it was proposed that two trenches, one north-south and one east-west, be mechanically excavated, and that any features revealed should be excavated by hand.

The results of the preliminary investigation were simply confirmed by the excavation of these two trenches. The nature of these deposits suggests that deliberate, large-scale dumping was being introduced as part of the ongoing land reclamation along this stretch of the river.

Given the date of the material retrieved, and the lack of structures, it was decided that no further archaeological investigation was required. A piled foundation was used on the site.