2025:163 - Rathfarnham Castle Stable Yard, Rathfarnham, Dublin

Archaeological monitoring was of site investigation associated with the proposed redevelopment of the Rathfarnham Castle Stable Yard, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. The programme of works was carried out under Ministerial Consent Ref.: C000785, W000771, R000748, E005771.

The area subject to investigation comprises the post-medieval courtyard, car park and compound located to the northeast of Rathfarnham Castle, which were originally established as part of the outbuildings and gardens within the demesne associated with the castle. The area falls within the Zone of Notification for Rathfarnham Castle (DU022-014), which is located c. 19m to the south. The castle is a National Monument in State Care (Nat. Mon. 628) and is subject to a Preservation Order (PO no. 2/1986).

Archaeological monitoring and metal detection were carried out during the course of site investigations, which were conducted over two phases in November 2024 and January 2025. Six test pits were excavated during Phase 1, which were located in the northern part of the development area, within a car park and compound. During Phase 2, a total of five test pits were excavated within the interior of the post-medieval outbuildings within the courtyard, in order to inspect wall foundations. A further pit was excavated in the car park to the north of the outbuildings.

The Phase 1 investigations revealed natural subsoils at the centre of the car park and compound area, but natural subsoils were not exposed around the edge of these areas, with sterile deposits present. In the north-west corner of the car park, evidence for the demolition of structures shown adjacent to this location on the 1910 OS map was noted. Nothing of archaeological significance was identified during the course of Phase 1 works.

Phase 2 of the works, within the interior of the post-medieval outbuildings, aimed to assess the depth of existing wall foundations. In all instances, the foundations were exposed, and in several cases, the red brick walls of the buildings overlay limestone block foundations. Natural subsoil was not exposed during the course of the investigations. One sherd of tin glazed pottery was recorded during the course of the works. The western wall foundation of the car park was also investigated, and the foundation was over 1.28m in depth. The wall foundations of the outbuildings retain an archaeological potential given their proximity to Rathfarnham Castle and Cromwell’s Fort, which occupies the south-eastern corner of the courtyard. It is clear from the results, and an analysis of the historic mapping, that the courtyard area has been subject to ongoing development throughout the post-medieval period.