1989:027 - TOOLE'S MOAT, Old Connaught, Dublin

The proposed construction of the Shankill-Bray By-Pass necessitated excavation at this site. The work took place during a two-week period in September. Prior to excavation the site appeared as an irregular area of raised ground with extensive tree growth. Though referred to as a moat, no traces of such a structure were obvious. Quarrying in the late 19th century uncovered skeletal material at the site (Wakeman, J.R.S.A.I. 1894). The remains of seven skeletons and associated bronze fibulae were recovered. However, large-scale quarrying in the 1950s appears to have almost totally removed what would have been the original structure.

Though only a relatively small area of the present-day structure lay within the land requirement area of the motorway, it was considered prudent to investigate this, and also examine further into the motorway area to confirm that no archaeologically significant material extended into this region. The only feature uncovered was what appeared to be a portion of a ditch. This ran in an east to west direction and measured 1.9m in length and 0.6m in depth. This feature did not extend into the motorway zone. Finds included a fragment of a clay pipe and a piece of corroded iron. It is suggested that to the extensive quarrying much disturbance took place which (1) may have destroyed an already existing ditch, or (2) that the quarrying actually created the ditch. The work was financed by Dublin County Council. A full watching brief will take place during the construction phase.

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