1997:168 - DUBLIN: 10–13 Temple Bar, Dublin

Pre-development testing was undertaken in March 1997. The site is part of the Quays Pub, situated on Temple Bar Square.

Two trenches were machine-cut north-south (12m in length) and east-west (2m in length), revealing a stratigraphy which reflects repeated collapse, destruction and deposition of debris.

The top eight layers reflected continuous dumping and attempts at consolidation. These layers overlay a highly saturated organic layer which had inclusions of brick and leather offcuts and which overlay a layer of cobbling. This cobbling was excavated in a small section, revealing underlying natural deposits. Associated artefacts, including a sherd of Bellarmine ware, and fragments of clay pipe suggest that this cobbling is late 16th/early 17th-century in date.

It was recommended that, prior to any further development, the basal cobbled layer should be excavated by hand to determine its significance and extent.