2022:467 - DUBLIN: Magazine Fort, St James, Phoenix Park, Dublin

Archaeological testing in the Magazine Fort, Phoenix Park, Dublin was conducted between December 2021 and March 2022. The purpose of the testing programme was to establish the foundation structure of the gate abutments and piers of the Duke of Dorset Gate, which was partially demolished in the 20th century. These data were required to aid architectural renovation works carried out under the auspices of the OPW.

The testing established the survival of a bascule pit under the former gate arch as well as a carved pivot stone providing a basis for both gateway and drawbridge reconstruction. The drawbridge at the Magazine Fort was most likely a counterweighted bridge. It may have been connected to a lifting mechanism at the rear of the platform, or the chains attached to the front of the bridge passing under the tympanum. Further monitoring and testing of the area may confirm the nature of the mechanism.