2005:487 - FLEMINGTON, Dublin

The development site extends over c. 9.34ha, located in the townland of Flemington, to the north-west of Balbriggan. It is currently divided into two fields (Fields 1 and 2). A test excavation was carried out in August 2005; sixteen test-trenches were opened at the site. Four concentrations of archaeological features and deposits were noted: Areas A–C in Field 1 and Area D in Field 2.

Following on from this, a geophysical survey was undertaken across a 2.5ha area in the west of the site where the concentration of features occurred (05R114). It served to clarify the extent of the features identified during the test excavation and also identified a further concentration of features in Field 2 (Area E). Most of the features and deposits identified are situated at the west of the site within the section of the proposed development designated Stage 5. At present the development of Stage 5 is precluded under the terms of the present planning permission.

The results of the test excavation and also of the geophysical survey in Area A indicate that this site is defined by a subcircular to oval enclosure measuring c. 60m by c. 45m. The interior of the enclosure is characterised by shallow features (pits, post-holes, etc.) consistent with occupation activity. The enclosing ditches appear well defined both in the test-trenches and also on the geophysical survey. However, the internal features investigated during the test excavation were quite shallow (less then 0.2m in depth). This suggests that the site is quite eroded, probably as a result of cultivation.

Area B is to the north of Area A and was identified by a small spread of archaeological features in Trench 7. The features correspond to the eastern limit of a series of linear and curvilinear anomalies recorded by the geophysical survey. They may represent a relict field system complex extending from Area C (below) to link with the enclosure at Area A. Evidence for ancillary activities relating to occupation at Area C or Area A could be associated with such a system.

Area C is adjacent to the northern boundary of the development lands. A significant curved anomaly which may be the southern portion of a large circular or subcircular enclosure with field system or annexe ditches extending into the development area was identified in this location. A holy well (SMR 1:4) is located less than 0.5km to the north, adjacent to a curvilinear field boundary. Both of these features, in conjunction with the results of the geophysical survey, could indicate the presence of an enclosure site in the fields directly north of the development site, with only a small section of the enclosure ditch protruding into the development site. The enclosure and main radial ditch extend over an area measuring 70m by 60m within the development site. The main radial ditch was encountered during the test excavation, but Trench 7 terminated before it intersected the location of the probable enclosure ditch.

Area D is located in the north-west quadrant of Field 2, c. 40m south-west of Area A, and is characterised by a subrectangular enclosure with internal pits or occupation activity. The features identified during testing correspond directly to the enclosing ditch anomaly. It extends over an area measuring 40m by 30m.

Area E was identified solely by the geophysical survey. This series of anomalies appears to form a subrectangular enclosure adjacent to the western site boundary between Trenches 3W and 6. It extends over an area measuring 35m by 40m.